Collaboration with AV-arkki and Finnish Light Art Society FLASH

The Finnish Arts and Culture Agency awarded €70,000 in funding to the Finnish Media Art Networks collaboration project. The project will be carried out by AV-arkki, M-Cult, and the Finnish Light Art Society FLASH in cooperation during 2026–2027.

In recent years, funding cuts have weakened the operating conditions of the visual arts sector in particular, and media art has in many ways remained overlooked in funding. This support strengthens the international connections  of the media art field at a time when its structures are under pressure and at risk.

Stronger structures through collaboration

In the project, three key media art organizations combine their expertise to develop international networks, distribution, and residency activities.

“The aim of the project is to create concrete and sustainable operating models that strengthen the working conditions of art professionals and promote the international visibility of Finnish media art,” says Hanna Maria Anttila, Managing Director of AV-arkki.

Key measures and development areas of the project include:

• joint development of international networks

• strengthening the distribution of media art and light art

• launching new residency programs in Finland and abroad

• international exchanges of artists, curators, and producers

“The project increases critical expertise, employment opportunities, and international collaboration in the fields of art and media art and culture art, experimental audiovisual art, and light art,” says Jussi Koitela, Director of M-Cult.

Strengthening the entire media art field

The project more broadly supports the structures and cooperation of Finnish media art. Joint development work enhances resource sharing, strengthens collaboration between actors in the field, and creates new opportunities also for smaller organisations.

“Working together, synchronising activities, and co-developing bring stability to the Finnish media art field. The operating models and networks created through the project will be integrated into the permanent activities of the organizations, strengthening international connections in the long term,” summarizes Virve Leikola, Managing Director of the Finnish Light Art Society FLASH.

Additional information:

Hanna Maria Anttila, Managing Director of AV-arkki
https://www.av-arkki.fi/
director@av-arkki.fi

Jussi Koitela, Director of M-Cult
https://m-cult.org/
jussi.koitela@m-cult.org

Virve Leikola, Managing Director of the Finnish Light Art Society FLASH
https://valotaiteenseura.fi/
virve.leikola@valotaiteenseura.fi