The ObÂserÂvaÂtory for Arts and CulÂtural EdÂuÂcaÂtion, FinÂland
News
From the beginning of 2026, the management and coordination of the Observatory for Arts and Cultural Education in Finland has moved ºÚÁÏÍø University’s Department of Art and Media.
Contact
Email: observatorio@aalto.fi
Facebook:
In matters related to the management and coordination of the Observatory, please contact Anniina Toiviainen (anniina.toiviainen@aalto.fi) and Tomi Slotte Dufva (tomi.slottedufva@aalto.fi).
General
Founded in 2017, the Observatory for Arts and Cultural Education, Finland seeks to reinforce the equal accessibility and effectiveness of arts and cultural education and to improve the social status and appreciation of the field. Its top priority is children’s and young people’s arts and cultural education. Another objective is to promote lifelong learning and arts and cultural education intended for various age and target groups.
The Observatory collects, analyses, interprets and disseminates information on the practices and policies in the field of arts and cultural education in Finland. It reinforces the knowledge base, connections between research and practical work, and the European cooperation in the field. The Finnish Observatory is a member of the . The Observatory’s membership in the ENO enables comparison of Finnish practices and research findings in the field of arts education with their counterparts in other countries while simultaneously enhancing the international visibility of the field.
The Observatory for Arts and Cultural Education, Finland was formed in 2017 by CERADA Center for Educational Research and Academic Development in the Arts (part of the University of the Arts Helsinki) and the Association of Children’s Culture in Finland. Aalto University, Department of Art and Media, coordinates the The Observatory for Arts and Cultural Education, Finland, and cooperation partners include, in addition to the founders, University of Lapland's Faculty of Art and Design, The University of Jyväskylä, Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies, The Haukkala Foundation, Finnish association for basic education in arts, The Finnish Association of Adult Education Centres, and Finnish National Agency for Education. The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture supports the Observatory’s actions. The work programme of the The Observatory for Arts and Cultural Education, Finland is in agreement with the and with the Articles of Association of the ENO network.
National working programme 2023–2027
The Observatory for Arts and Cultural Education, Finland National Working Programme 2023–2027 is based on the significance of arts and culture both for the individual and for society identified and recognised in Finnish society. Several previous governments have placed emphasis on the accessibility and availability of culture in their government programmes. The objective of providing every child and young person with an opportunity to engage in arts and culture has been emphasised in the Finnish arts and culture policy. Arts and cultural education aims at strengthening the individual’s creative skills, cultural competence and wellbeing.
The Observatory for Arts and Cultural Education, Finland is a member of the European Network of Observatories in the Field of Arts and Cultural Education (ENO). The ENO network requires its members to draw up a national working programme. The national working programme defines the purpose of the activities, key objectives and measures of the Finnish Observatory for the period 2023–2027.