Focus was set on the future in the opening of the academic year: “COVID-19 has crystallised the intrinsic value of art and culture as well as their financial significance for the whole Finland”
Uniarts Helsinki celebrated the opening of the 2021–2022 academic year remotely on Thursday, 2 September 2021. The speeches highlighted the effects of COVID on the cultural and arts sectors and the hope of returning to normal life after the pandemic.
The event to celebrate a new academic year started with a jazz music performance by students and a speech by Rector Kaarlo Hildén. In his speech, Hildén pointed out the impact that COVID has had on studies and the community spirit, but he also emphasised that emergency conditions no longer applied within the university.
“We have decided to make the tonal shift from limitations to possibilities. We are not letting the virus prevent us from organising the Feel Helsinki festival on Saturday, and we have updated the programme so that young artists get a chance to showcase their art and fulfil their mission.”
Minister of Science and Culture Antti Kurvinen noted that COVID-19 has crystallised the intrinsic value of art and culture as well as their financial significance for the whole Finland. In his speech, Kurvinen promised to do everything he could to give the arts and cultural sectors the chance to open up and bounce back.
“The project for rebuilding the cultural sector was launched in June, and the goal is to find concrete, hands-on solutions for challenges that the field is facing in cooperation with the state and the professionals in the field.
Chair of the Student Union Board Sini Kaartinen said that the concerns that students have had about their studies and wellbeing during the pandemic have been evident.
“I would like to thank everyone who has asked their fellow students how they have been doing, stayed in touch with their course mates and contacted the Student Union if they have noticed problems.”
Kaartinen encouraged her fellow students to believe in themselves and in the future of the arts.
“We are the future and we can make a change.”
Uniarts Helsinki’s Alumni of the Year were also announced in the opening of the academic year, and the selected alumni are Eija Ahvo, Markku Kaikkonen and Outi Pieski. The programme for the event also included music, video art and stand-up by students.
Students Johannes Pessi, Sara-Maria Pirhonen and Viivi Tigerstedt were the presenters of the opening ceremony.