Infrastructure as a Success Factor in the Visual Arts

Project’s background and objectives

The visual arts are a popular cultural sector, but their structural foundations are weaker compared to many other art fields, which affects artists’ income and professional well-being. The Infrastructure as a Success Factor in the Visual Arts development project seeks to address these challenges and strengthen the long-term vitality of the visual arts sector.

The project is carried out by the Center for Cultural Policy Research (Cupore) in collaboration with the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of the Arts Helsinki, the Finnish Artists’ Association, Frame Contemporary Art Finland, and Kuvasto. The project is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The key objectives of the project are:

• To identify and analyze structures that support or hinder the success of professional artists – defined as financial sustainability and professional development.
• To develop infrastructures in collaboration with key stakeholders based on the project’s findings.

Read more about the project from Cupore’s webpage.

Data collection and use of results

The data is primarily collected from alumni who graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts between 2013 and 2023. The results will be compiled into an information package, a seminar series, and a final report with concrete development proposals.