Live art and performance student: If you’re a self-driven artist, this programme is for you!

Read master’s student Fjolla Hoxha’s interview.

Fjolla Hoxha looking at the camera.

Can you introduce yourself and describe how you ended up studying at Uniarts Helsinki?

I’m Fjolla Hoxha and I’m from Kosovo, from a small city called Prizren. I’m a master’s student at the Live Art and Performance Studies programme. My background is in dramaturgy, and theatre and drama criticism, which I studied in Prishtina, Kosova and Istanbul, Turkey. I had previously worked in various projects that aim for youth integration through theatre. At some point, my batteries had gotten a bit low and I felt that the work I was then doing wasn’t being fulfilling enough, artistically or professionally. I then started doing some research about different study options. I initially got accepted to Gothenburg University in Sweden, but found the tuition fees to be too expensive. I later heard from a friend from Helsinki about the LAPS programme and that it was looking for new students. I decided to apply just for the fun of it, without much preconceptions about the programme. Once I got the news of being accepted, I decided to take the opportunity. I hadn’t known about the high reputation of the Theatre Academy beforehand. For me, the programme looked good and the classes looked good, and generally, I was familiar with the high reputation of the Finnish education system. Luckily, I was able to go through the admissions process with a playful attitude.

What was the admissions process like?

The first phase, the application and the written pre-assignment, were very easy. Applying didn’t require a fee, which lowers the threshold to apply. The application was very simple, straightforward, clear, and nicely described. I come from a writing background, so it wasn’t so difficult. The second phase included two theoretical texts. We also received a video and pictures. The task was to mix and match and combine these elements to create a narrative.

The third phase included an online interview and an online performance. All in all, I had fun going through the application process, it was somehow all-encompassing, and it had a structure that allowed me to present my strengths.

How would you describe your studies?

My studies have covered a lot of what being an artist is. The LAPS programme’s description really matches its content. It offers students to develop themselves in three ways. Firstly, students can do a lot of applied artistic practice. I didn’t expect that we would have so much practice, but I’m glad that we did. I’ve done more than a dozen demos. The other aspect is theory: the programme gives a lot of room to do artistic research. The third aspect is networking. Unfortunately, Covid has partly disrupted this, but otherwise students get exposed to artistic and performing arts networks, and get the opportunity to meet people in person, to visit organisations, and in this way, to form a basis for future collaborations.

Our department professor and other professors have offered facilitation instead of telling what we are supposed to do. I have learned equally from my fellow students as I have from our teachers. Because no two people in our class are similar in our approach to art, this diversity has been enriching. We’ve managed to create a strong circle of friendship and support mechanism for each other. It has also been very invigorating to be given so much freedom to come up with whatever one wants to do. This is a place where you can test out anything. The facilities are amazing. When we were introduced to them in the beginning, I was blown away.

Which courses or projects have you found the most memorable?

Because I come from a writing background, i.e. the backstage, being given the opportunity to perform and be physically present onstage has been the most groundbreaking. I enjoyed courses that were related to body practice, and classes that opened up the possibilities to interact with non-humans. For example, we had a class at the botanical garden where we studied plants. Classes that focused on philosophy and critical theory, and classes that exposed me to contemporary and conceptual art and art history, have also been very eye-opening. Overall, I have enjoyed the interactivity of the courses and how debate and active discussion are encouraged. The pedagogy has been brilliant.

What is the best aspect of your studies?

The programme, for me, has been about clarifying to myself what my current interests in art are and what direction I should take to achieve what I want. I don’t feel lost. There is a saying that once you’re finished with studies, you ask what’s next, but this programme produces artists who know what they want to do.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your studies?

The biggest challenges relate to lifestyle and cost of living. I’m not an EU student, therefore I have had to pay for the programme. I have also had to think about ways to make a living in order to study here. Balancing has been a bit of a juggle since I have had to work along with my studies and the programme requires full-time commitment. Covid has also been a challenge, adapting to online courses, and dealing with the isolation and insecurity about the future. On the other hand, I’ve had a lot of support from other students and my professors. I also wish I had more opportunities to share courses with e.g. lighting and sound design students or acting students.

What kind of advice do you have for future applicants?

If you’re a self-driven artist who is looking for a challenge but also opportunities to test new ways of conveying your art, the LAPS programme is right for you. Here the approach to performance is very wide-ranging. I would also encourage students to be vocal e.g. about their worries and concerns. Some students come from societies where speaking up isn’t encouraged, this school is a safe space to have yourself be heard.