University of the Arts Helsinki
The University of the Arts Helsinki (Finnish: Taideyliopisto, Swedish: Konstuniversitetet), also known as Uniarts Helsinki, is a Finnish arts university that was launched in the beginning of 2013. Apart from a few exceptions, it is the only university in Finland that provides education in the fields it represents.
The University of the Arts Helsinki is located mainly in Helsinki, but it also has operations in Kuopio (department of church music) and Seinäjoki at the University Consortium of Seinäjoki (department of popular and folk music).
The university comprises three academies that were formerly independent universities: The Academy of Fine Arts of the University of the Arts Helsinki (until 2013 Finnish Academy of Fine Arts), the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki (until 2013 Sibelius Academy) and the Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki (until 2013 Helsinki Theatre Academy). The total number of students is 1946 (as of 2019).
According to the university, the goal of the merger is to strengthen the education, research and artistic activity within the field of arts in the university sector on a national and international scale. Another objective is to provide more opportunities to influence society through art.
The rector of the University of the Arts Helsinki is Kaarlo Hildén. Lauri Väkevä and Jaana Erkkilä-Hill are the vice-rectors and Heikki Lehtonen is the chair of the university board.
Admissions[edit]
The University of the Arts Helsinki offers over 30 degree programmes in the fields of music, fine arts, theatre and dance. The programmes lead to a Bachelor's, Master's or doctoral degree.
Student Union[edit]
The University of the Arts Student Union is a student organisation that provides services and promotes the interest of its members. All Bachelor's and Master's students studying at any of the three academies of the University of the Arts Helsinki are members of the University of the Arts Student Union. The Student Union was established on 1 January 2013 as a result of the merger between the student unions of the Academy of Fine Arts, Sibelius Academy and Theatre Academy. The University of the Arts Student Union is the only Finnish student union whose members exclusively consist of students studying in the field of arts.
In addition to promoting the interest of its members, the University of the Arts Student Union is in charge of Vapaan taiteen tila, a space for the university's students to organise their own exhibitions, performances and events. The venue is in an emergency shelter under the Katri Vala Park in Helsinki.