Call for MFA alumni: International mentoring programme 2026–2027
The year-long mentoring programme is designed for recent graduates of the MFA programme at the Academy of Fine Arts who have completed their degree no more than two years prior to applying. Open call runs from 9 February – 1 March 2026.
About the programme
The international mentoring programme is delivered by Uniarts Helsinki’s Academy of Fine Arts and supported by the Saastamoinen Foundation. It is a one-year mentoring programme for recent graduates of the MFA Programme at the Academy of Fine Arts who have completed their degree no more than two years prior to applying.
The programme aims to establish a supportive peer group for intensive learning, exchange, and professional development during the early post-graduation period. Facilitated and led by international mentors, the programme combines group-based mentoring, individual guidance, and excursions to key art scenes in Europe.
The programme includes personal mentoring sessions with the international mentors, as well as contributions from additional guest mentors throughout the programme period.
Programme period
16 March 2026 – 15 March 2027
Programme leader
Prof. Michael Birchall, curator and writer, Uniarts Helsinki – Academy of Fine Arts.
International mentors
Raoul Klooker, curator and writer
Tarek Lakhrissi, artist
Programme structure and content
The programme includes two group excursions to relevant international art scenes in Europe, with visits to events, museums, private collections, galleries, artist-run spaces, bookshops, and artists’ studios. Travel costs are covered by the programme.
Programme sessions focus on feedback on participants’ artistic practices, as well as on professional topics such as working methods, career development, networking, time management, and writing. The goals of the mentoring are defined dialogically, based on the professional needs and interests of the alumni.
Sessions may take different forms and will adapt to the needs of the group. Advising, sharing experiences, collaborative problem-solving, and co-producing may all form part of the programme. The programme leader and mentors will plan activities and content they consider relevant and beneficial for the group.
Through sharing their expertise and professional experience, the mentors aim to support alumni in developing critical thinking, confidence, and professional sustainability beyond formal education. Participants are expected to commit to active and engaged participation for the full duration of the programme and to contribute to a supportive peer network within the group.
Online meetings and email communication will initiate the programme. Following this, the aim is to organise at least one set of in-person meeting days per half-year during the programme period.
Eligibility and selection
The programme accepts a maximum of 10 participants. Alumni of the MFA programme who have graduated within the last two years are eligible to apply.
How to apply
Open call: 9 February – 1 March 2026.
Application deadline: 1 March 2026.
Applicants are invited to submit a short, written application outlining their artistic practice and motivation for participating in the programme. Following a review of applications, shortlisted candidates will be selected to join the cohort.
Please submit one PDF file containing the following:
- Your name, phone number, and email address
- MFA degree certificate
- Letter of motivation, outlining:
- What draws you to the mentoring programme
- What you hope to gain from the experience
- Your expectations and anticipated learning outcomes
- Introduction to your artistic practice, including:
- A short description of your practice to date
- Documentation or examples of your work
- For large files (e.g. video), please include links to external platforms.
Please send the application as a single PDF file to: kuva.kirjaamo@uniarts.fi. Email subject line: Surname, First name – International Mentoring Programme 2026–2028. Please also ensure all links remain accessible for at least one month after the application deadline.
To note
As the mentoring programme involves traveling, the selected participants are expected to obtain adequate travel insurance for the duration of the programme. The university will reimburse travel and accommodation expenses against receipts. However, the university is obligated to report the reimbursements to the tax administration and mentees should be aware that they may be taxable benefits. The mentees are responsible for reporting the reimbursements appropriately in their personal tax returns.
In addition, the mentees commit to adhering to Uniarts Helsinki’s ethical principles during the programme.
Announcement of results
Applicants will be informed of the selection results by 16 March 2026.
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The mentorship programme is part of the International networks in fine arts, a partnership programme by Uniarts Helsinki’s Academy of Fine Arts and Saastamoinen Foundation.