Inclusive Public Art: How Helsinki’s Biennales are making art accessible in the city and its islands
Project: Showcasing Helsinki’s unique cultural offering and natural spaces
Since 2021, Helsinki Biennial, a bi-annual international contemporary art event, has been held all around the city and on its 300 islands. Produced by HAM Helsinki Art Museum, this major initiative by the City of Helsinki embodies the city’s ambitious cultural vision to develop Helsinki’s art scene at both grassroots and institutional levels; put inclusive public art at the heart of cultural programming; and combine art with the beauty of Helsinki’s natural spaces, such as Vallisaari Island.
Each Biennial edition is carefully curated to ensure a diverse and engaging experience for visitors, with a mix of established and emerging artists contributing to the vibrant art scene. The first Helsinki Biennial showcased 41 international artists from Finland and around the world. Each edition features major site-specific commissions by leading international artists, creating a lasting legacy for the city with permanent artworks by artists such as Alicja Kwade, Laura Könönen, and Keiken.
Embedding sustainability into cultural expression
The Helsinki Biennial showcases contemporary art while also promoting sustainable practices and responsible values, aligning with Helsinki’s broader goals of environmental stewardship and cultural enrichment. The Helsinki Biennial environmental programme included a total of eight objectives and 42 measures to measure the environmental impact of the first Biennial in 2021. After the successful event audit, Helsinki Biennial was awarded the EcoCompass certificate, a system developed and managed by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation’s Kinos Ltd, which is based on international environmental management standards.
The second edition of the Biennial occurred in summer 2023, with events on Vallisaari Island, Helsinki Art Museum (HAM), and other venues and public spaces in the city. Vallisaari is a former military island that blends wild nature with urban heritage and serves as the inspiration for the Biennial’s core values of sustainability and responsibility.
In the 2021 Helsinki Biennial impact study, visitors particularly praised the use of Vallisaari Island as a venue, allowing visitors to experience both art and nature, offering a fresh perspective on the Finnish capital. Most survey respondents rated the event as good or excellent and reported memorable art experiences during their visit. Over 50 % of respondents felt that the visit to Vallisaari Island increased their interest in Helsinki’s archipelago which includes 300 islands.
Expanding cultural tourism and artist collaboration
The Biennial’s success also contributed to Helsinki’s cultural tourism, attracting visitors from around the world and boosting the local economy. Helsinki’s reputation as an attractive and high-quality art and cultural city grew, the event reached new audiences, was sustainably organised, and sparked global media interest.
The Biennial also fostered collaboration between local and international artists, creating a dynamic and inclusive public art community in Helsinki. The 2025 edition will feature 37 artists and collectives on Vallisaari Island, in Esplanade Park, and at HAM Helsinki Art Museum. More than just an art event, the Helsinki Biennial is a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and community.
By bringing together artists, residents, and visitors, the Biennial fosters a sense of shared ownership and pride in Helsinki’s cultural heritage. As the Biennial continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping Helsinki’s identity as a global art capital.
