Academy of Fine Arts (Finland)

The Academy of Fine Arts provides the highest university-level theoretical and practical training in Finland in fine arts and is based in Helsinki. The Academy was founded in 1848 by a private foundation called The Art Society of Finland (fi: Suomen Taideyhdistys). Back then the academy was called a drawing school. In 1939 it became The Finnish Art Academy School (fi: Suomen Taideakatemian koulu), and in 1985 it became The Academy of Fine Arts (fi: Kuvataideakatemia). From the beginning of 1993 the status of the Academy has been raised to university level. 3,5 years of complete studies lead to the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Master’s degree takes two years longer to complete.

During the academic year 2003-2004 the number of students was about 250. There are 13 full-time teachers, all practising artists of repute, and about 50 teachers and lecturers working on hourly basis. In addition the Academy invites tens of visiting lecturers and welcomes annually several foreign artists from all over the world to meet students.

The Academy of Fine Arts can be found on Kaikukatu 4 in the city part of Kallio, northeast of Helsinki center.