Päivi Takala appointed Professor of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts

18.6.2026 News

Päivi Takala will begin her permanent position on 1 August 2026.

Päivi Takala, Master of Arts (Art and Design), has been appointed professor of painting at Uniarts Helsinki’s Academy of Fine Arts.

Takala has extensive experience in teaching painting at the Academy of Fine Arts, where she has worked as a lecturer in the subject area since 2014. She also has a long and distinguished career as a visual artist. Her works have been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including Galerie Anhava in Helsinki, EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Cecilia Hillström Gallery in Stockholm, and Ulterior Gallery in New York. Her works are included in several significant public collections in the Nordics, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Sara Hildén Art Museum, and Malmö Art Museum. Alongside her teaching, Takala has continued her active artistic practice and regularly exhibits her work both in Finland and internationally.

The recruitment committee describes Päivi Takala as an experienced and competent artist and lecturer with strong pedagogical expertise, a well-structured educational vision, and the ability to integrate artistic practice with theory.

“The teaching of painting, as well as the broader mission of the Academy of Fine Arts, is to create a learning environment that is safe, inspiring, exploratory, and fosters critical thinking for the student’s development. I see myself as part of a community that engages with the extensive tradition of painting; discussing it, expanding it, transforming it, and shaping it through the lens of present day”, shares Päivi Takala.

The decision to appoint the professor was made by the rector of Uniarts Helsinki on the proposal of the dean of the Academy of Fine Arts. The recruitment followed Uniarts Helsinki’s shared academic staff recruitment process. The position is full-time and permanent.

A total of 14 applicants applied for the professorship of painting by the deadline. Of these, five were invited to give a lecture and teaching demonstration and to attend an interview.