{"id":1294,"date":"2025-06-04T12:16:06","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T09:16:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/turunlinna.fi\/wamold\/?page_id=1294"},"modified":"2025-06-04T12:16:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T09:16:08","slug":"public-art","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/turunlinna.fi\/wamold\/en\/public-art\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Art"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Home<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div> \n \n

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Public Art<\/h1>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n \n\n\n

Public art in Turku has a long and diverse tradition.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The City of Turku\u2019s art collection includes a substantial number of public artworks. Nearly one hundred outdoor sculptures from the collection can be found in the city\u2019s public spaces\u2014along the riverside, in parks, and on squares. In semi-public locations such as libraries, daycare centres, and schools, almost eighty public artworks are on display. Additionally, around one thousand works are on long-term loan to municipal offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WAM, the City of Turku\u2019s art museum, acts as an expert advisor in the city\u2019s and its subsidiaries\u2019 new construction and infrastructure projects where art is commissioned according to the so-called \u201cpercent-for-art\u201d principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The priorities and acquisition guidelines for public art are outlined in the Public Art in Turku programme<\/strong> (2022).<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n \n \n Public Art in Turku programme (PDF, in Finnish)\n \n\n\n<\/svg> <\/a> \n \n \n Ecological Guide for Public Art in Turku (PDF)\n \n\n\n<\/svg> <\/a> \n \n \n Policy for Public Art in Southwest Finland (in Finnish)\n \n\n\n<\/svg> <\/a> \n \n \n Contact\n \n\n\n<\/svg> <\/a> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n
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Why Is Public Art Commissioned?<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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Public art offers sensory experiences, sparks thought and invites conversation in everyday environments. It reflects diverse perspectives on the city\u2019s history and is accessible to all in shared public spaces. Art also encourages cultural exploration\u2014for example, through themed walking tours. In schools, daycare centres, and other institutions, artworks serve as part of art education.
\r\nPublic art enriches the built environment, enhancing its appeal, safety, and atmosphere. It also strengthens the identity and attractiveness of the city and its neighbourhoods. Public art is a key part of Turku\u2019s image as a city of culture and visual arts.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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How Is Public Art Acquired?<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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Most of Turku\u2019s public art is funded according to the \u201cpercent-for-art\u201d principle. This means that a set percentage of a construction project\u2019s budget is allocated for the purchase or commissioning of art.
\r\nWhile Turku does not have a formal binding policy on this principle, it is embedded in the city\u2019s planning guidelines for building projects. WAM, the City of Turku\u2019s art museum, serves as the expert body for public art in these initiatives.
\r\nTemporary and permanent public artworks may also be funded through the City of Turku\u2019s Beautification Fund. Each year, the fund\u2019s coordination group proposes how its income will be used, with decisions made by the City Council by the end of April.
\r\nThe City of Turku\u2019s art collection may also accept donations of artworks suitable for public display. Donations of public art are assessed according to the same criteria as other acquisitions.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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How Are Artists Selected?<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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The method of selecting artists for Turku\u2019s public art projects depends on the nature and scale of each project. Selections are based on the specific location and context of the intended artwork.
\r\nEach project\u2019s artist selection process is coordinated by a dedicated working group, which typically includes project managers, designers, user representatives, and WAM\u2019s art experts.
\r\nArtists may be selected in various ways, including:
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\r\nopen art competitions
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\r\ninvited competitions
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\r\nparallel sketch commissions
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\r\nportfolio calls
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\r\ndirect commissions to individual artists or collectives
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\r\nA hybrid approach may also be used\u2014for example, combining a portfolio call with sketch commissions. The goal is to ensure broad opportunities for professional artists to participate.
\r\nOpen calls and portfolio submissions are announced separately on the City of Turku\u2019s website.
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Maintenance of Public Art<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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WAM is responsible for maintaining the public artworks in the City of Turku\u2019s art collections. Maintenance includes routine care as well as conservation when necessary.
\r\nBeyond physical upkeep, maintenance also involves preserving documentation and contextual materials related to the artworks. Active communication about ongoing projects and collection work is an essential part of WAM\u2019s role in managing public art.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Public art in Turku has a long and diverse tradition. The City of Turku\u2019s art collection includes a substantial number of public artworks. Nearly one hundred outdoor sculptures from the collection can be found in the city\u2019s public spaces\u2014along the riverside, in parks, and on squares. 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