Kaarlo Hildén to continue as the rector of Uniarts Helsinki
The Uniarts Helsinki Board selected Master of Music Kaarlo Hildén as the rector of Uniarts Helsinki for a second five-year term from 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2029. Hildén began as the rector of Uniarts Helsinki on 1 December 2020.
Kaarlo Hildén has extensive management experience. His previous positions prior to his current rector position at Uniarts Helsinki include, among others, dean of Uniarts Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy, faculty dean of the Sibelius Academy’s Faculty of Classical Music, programme director of Hanasaari Swedish–Finnish Cultural Centre and head of a degree programme at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
During his career, Hildén has held numerous positions of trust, and he has served as a board member for various different international organisations and as a member of audit and review teams. Currently, he is the chair of the board of the Finnish Association for Basic Education in the Arts and a board member for the boards of Finnish Education Employers (FEE) and the University of the Arts Helsinki Foundation. Hildén has extensive networks both in the Finnish and international arts sector, and he is known for being an active contributor to discussions going on in society.
“Kaarlo Hildén’s profound understanding of education in the arts makes him an excellent rector. During the past four years, he has successfully steered Uniarts Helsinki through various changes. His broad networks in the Finnish cultural life and well-functioning relations with the stakeholders are important to the university,” said Chair of the Uniarts Helsinki Board Eero Holstila.
“I’m thankful for getting to continue my work for Uniarts Helsinki and for the entire Finnish arts and cultural sector. In a time when the whole society is searching for a new direction, Uniarts Helsinki has an even more important role in strengthening the significance of art and acting as a forerunner in education and research in the arts,” Rector Kaarlo Hildén commented.
A total of 4 applicants applied for the post of Uniarts Helsinki’s rector. Executive search was also used as a method of reaching out to potential candidates. The top two candidates in the recruitment introduced themselves to the university community in a public interview that took place in November.