European Network of Independent Fine Art Schools – Pilot Project between Finland and Iceland

<< Background >>We wanted to create a model for bilateral international co-operations with fine art schools in Europe and use the created model as a beginning point of creating a European network of art schools. We are an independent, private art school with a unique curriculum and no public funding. The network of other European art schools for us is a valuable asset in both content and practice of producing fine art education. Furthermore, we want to help our alumni as well as our teachers (who are artists) in seeking international careers and connections, as the market area of Finland is rather small; and on the other hand, painting as a visual art form has the capability to reach audiences across borders. Also, we are taking part in maintaining the knowledge of the tradition and practice of painting in Europe, by networking and sharing the teaching practices.By taking on this project we have made a concrete step towards internationalization for our schools: their students, teachers / artists and admnistrative staff. All this will increase the schools' appeal for applicants, staff, and even financers. The Free Art School has very international roots, to whivh we have returned by taking this step in Erasmus+ operations. << Objectives >>- We wanted to grow our networks outside of the Finnish borders, as in Finland we do not have many other art schools like us to benchmark with. This goes both for pedagogical choices and study content as well as very practical things regarding our premises, funding, etc. - We wanted to improve our alumni's, students' and teachers' chances of international activities, which will help them to succeed on their careers. - We wanted to create a practical model of international co-operation to ensure the internationalization activities do not rely on the same personnel or connections of individuals, but are rather a part of the school's curriculum.- Furthermore, we want to do our part in ensuring the knowledge of the practice of painting stays alive and well in Europe, where a decreasing number of schools teach traditional painting methods ansd techniques in a practical, achievable manner.<< Implementation >>We implemented all the planned activities (with some minor changes): - Teacher exchange from Finland to Iceland: Artists Aura Hakuri and Aki Turunen taught each a week's course at partner school in February-March 2024.- Teacher exchange from Iceland to Finland: Artists Bjarni Sigurbjörnsson and Kristin Gunnlaugsdottir taught each a week's course at partner school in February-March 2024.- Study trip to Iceland: 13 students travelled to Iceland to do artistic work, to get to know the Icelandic fine arts field and for networking in April 2024.- Dissemination of Reykjavik study trip learnings in Helsinki: Exhibition and seminar in Suomenlinna- Study trip to Finland: 10 RSVA students travelled to Helsinki to do artistic work, to get to know the Icelandic fine arts field and for networking in Oct 2024.- Dissemination of Helsinki study trip learnings in Reykjavik: Exhibition at Gróska- Two workshops between partners to first plan the activities and secondly to conclude the project learnings. The first workshop changed along the way from a physical workshp to a series of remote meetings together with Free Art School Producer's trip to Iceland to achieve goals of the first workshop.<< Results >>OUTPUTS- Memorandum of Understanding: cooperation to build and maintain a network of art schools- Two art exhibitions- A model for our curriculum of systematic international co-operations between schoolsOUTCOMES- Exchange of ideas and good practices- Experience gained by individuals- Establishment of networks and partnerships- Knowledge sharing- New and better skills