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The three Uniarts Helsinki academies have roots deep in Finnish art education and the history of art. Read our story.

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Merger of the arts universities

Uniarts Helsinki was founded when the Academy of Fine Arts, the Sibelius Academy and the Theatre Academy merged in 2013. Prior to the merger, the need for an arts university had been under discussion for a long time. As early as the 1980s, the Pasila Project included a plan to build a new complex in the Pasila district of Helsinki for the Sibelius Academy, University of Art and Design and Theatre Academy. The merger of the arts universities was topical throughout the 2000s.

In 2010, the Ministry of Education and Culture published a report on how to enhance the role of the arts universities in strengthening the quality, impact, and international competitiveness of the Finnish arts and culture sector. In November 2011, the boards of the Academy of Fine Arts, Sibelius Academy and Theatre Academy approved the merger. The actual merger took place in early 2013.

Long-running traditions

The three academies of Uniarts Helsinki have roots deep within the Finnish art education and history of art.

The earliest predecessor of the Academy of Fine Arts (former name Finnish Academy of Fine Arts) was the drawing school of the Art Society of Finland, which opened in 1848. Many of Finland’s most noted artists of both national and international fame studied at this school, including Albert Edelfelt, Axel Gallén, Helene Schjerfbeck and Ellen Thesleff.

From 1939 onwards, the academy operated under the Finnish Art Academy Foundation as the Finnish Art Academy School. In 1985, it became state-owned and was renamed the Academy of Fine Arts. The Academy of Fine Arts became an institution of higher education in 1993, and in 1998, it became a university.

The Sibelius Academy was established as the Helsinki Music Institute in 1882 through a private initiative. One of the students was Jean Sibelius, who later became a world-famous composer and the institute’s figurehead.

In 1924, the institute’s name was changed to the Helsinki Conservatory of Music. In 1939, the name Sibelius Academy was introduced. The Sibelius Academy became state-owned in 1980 and a university in 1998.

The roots of the Theatre Academy (former name Theatre Academy Helsinki) date back to Finland’s first theatre school, which operated in connection with the Swedish Nya Teatern from 1866 to 1868. The Swedish-speaking theatre school, Svenska Teaterskolan, was established in 1908 in connection with Svenska Teatern. From 1904 to 1940, Finnish-speaking actors were trained at the Student School of the Finnish National Theatre and at the private Finnish Stage School. In 1943, the Finnish Theatre School began training students.

The Theatre Academy was established in 1979, when the Finnish and Swedish theatre academies were merged into a single national, bilingual institution.

History of Theatre Academy

The birth of the Theatre Academy coincided with major reforms and revolutions within the worlds of academia and the arts in the 1960s and 1970s. Dr Timo Kallinen’s book Teatterikorkeakoulun synty (“The Birth of the Theatre Academy”) describes how the Theatre Academy evolved from a vocational school to a polytechnic and a higher education academy.

Key years of the Theatre Academy

  • 1866–68: Finland’s first theatre school operates at the Nya Teatern.
  • 1904–40: Finnish-language actors are trained at the Student School of the Finnish National Theatre and at the private Finnish Stage School.
  • 1908: The Swedish theatre school, Svenska Teaterskolan, is established at the Svenska Teatern.
  • 1943: The Finnish Theatre School opens. The first rector of the school is the distinguished theatre leader Vilho Ilmari, who stays at the helm until 1963.
  • 1956: The Central Library of Theatre opens.
  • 1962: The higher education department of the Finnish Theatre School begins to train directors and dramaturges.
  • 1971: The acting department and the higher education department are merged into one. The merger establishes the joint education of actors, directors, and dramaturges.
  • 1973: The first continuing professional education programmes start.
  • 1979: The Finnish and Swedish-language schools are merged into a single national and bilingual theatre academy. The Central Library becomes part of the academy, and a training centre opens at the library.
  • 1983: The dance programme opens to its first students.
  • 1986: The sound and lighting design programme opens to its first students.
  • 1988: The doctoral programme is established. The Department of Lighting and Sound Design moves to Tampere.
  • 1991: The first Licentiate of Arts/Theatre and Drama degree is completed at the academy.
  • 1992: The academy moves from its facilities in Eira and Töölö to the Helsinki Hall of Culture and the nearby industrial facility Paahtimo. Only the Dance Department and the Department of Lighting and Sound Design stay at the old premises.
  • 1993: The new facilities of the Department of Lighting and Sound Design are completed in Tampere.
  • 1994: The Departments of Directing and of Dramaturgy are merged into one.
  • 1995: The academy adopts a two-cycle degree structure leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The Central Library of Theatre and Dance moves to Paahtimo. The Helsinki Act festival is launched.
  • 1996: The Department of Art Pedagogy opens. The Degree Programme in Musical Theatre opens as part of the Department of Acting.
  • 1997: The teacher training master’s programme is launched at the Department of Art Pedagogy.
  • 1998/99: The Nordic master’s programme in theatre starts.
  • 1999: The Theatre Academy celebrates its 20th anniversary. The first Doctor of Arts/Theatre and Drama degree is completed at the academy.
  • 2000: On 1 June, the Theatre Academy moves to new facilities on Haapaniemenkatu. The official opening ceremony is held on 18 January 2001.
  • 2001: The Degree Programme in Performing Arts and Theory is launched.
  • 2003: The Department of Dance celebrates its 20th anniversary.
  • 2004: The Theatre Academy celebrates its 25th anniversary.
  • 2006: The Department of Lighting and Sound Design celebrates its 20th anniversary.
  • 2007: The Department of Lighting and Sound Design moves back to Helsinki from Tampere. The Department of Dance and Theatre Pedagogy celebrates its 10th anniversary.
  • 2009: The Theatre Academy turns 30 and celebrates its first doctoral conferment ceremony.
  • 2010: With the new Universities Act, the Theatre Academy’s legal status changes from a government accounting office to a public corporation.
  • 2013: The Theatre Academy Helsinki, the Academy of Fine Arts, and Sibelius Academy merge to become the University of the Arts Helsinki.

Rectors 1979–2012

In accordance with section 20a of the decree on the Theatre Academy (813/91), the rector and vice rector were elected from among the full-time teachers as of 1 August 1991. Prior to 1 August 1991, the academy had rector’s and assistant rector’s posts.

  • Eero Melasniemi, 1 August 1979 – 31 December 1982
  • Jouko Turkka, 1 January 1983 – 31 July 1985
  • Outi Nyytäjä, 1 August 1985 – 31 March 1987 (on leave of absence from 1 January to 31 March 1987)
  • Marianne Möller, 1 January 1987 – 31 July 1988 (as a substitute until 31 March 1987; acting until 31 July 1988)
  • Marja-Liisa Martón, 1 August 1988 – 31 July 1990
  • Raila Leppäkoski, 1 August 1990 – 31 July 1991
  • Kari Rentola, 1 August 1991 – 31 July 1997
  • Lauri Sipari, 1 August 1997 – 31 July 2005
  • Paula Tuovinen, 1 August 2005 – 31 December 2012

Assistant rectors and vice rectors 1979–2012

  • Marianne Möller, 1 August 1979 – 31 December 1982
  • Johan Simberg, 1 January 1987 – 31 July 1988
  • Marianne Möller, 1 August 1988 – 31 May 1989 (on leave of absence from 1 June 1989 to 31 May 1991)
  • Johan Simberg, 1 September 1989 – 31 July 1990 (as a substitute)
  • Martin Kurtén, 1 August 1990 – 31 May 1991
  • Johanna Enckell, 1 August 1991 – 31 December 1992
  • Lauri Sipari, 1 January 1993 – 31 December 1996
  • Marja-Liisa Kuuranne-Autelo, 1 January 1997 – 31 July 1997
  • Marjo Kuusela, 1 August 1997 – 31 July 2000
  • Juha-Pekka Hotinen, 1 August 2000 – 31 July 2005
  • Erik Söderblom, 1 August 2005 – 31 October 2009
  • Maarit Ruikka, 1 January 2010 – 31 December 2012
  • Esa Kirkkopelto, 1 January 2010 – 31 December 2012

The Theatre Academy main building – a piece of industrial history

On 1 June 2000, the Theatre Academy moved to the Sörnäinen district of Helsinki from five different addresses. Standing on the corner of Sörnäisten rantatie and Haapaniemenkatu, the low-rise building was built in 1912 as the factory of coconut butter manufacturer Kokos Oy, after which the building was later named Kookos (“Coconut”).

The building was designed by architect Albert Nyberg. In 1926, the building and plot were purchased by Kone Oy, and a second storey was added to the building. The company, a manufacturer of elevators, built its factory and headquarters on the site. Kone Oy operated in the building until 1967. After that, the premises accommodated small industries, repair workshops, storage facilities, factory shops, offices, and a gym, for example.

The building had been empty since the start of the 1990s. The Helsinki Society (Helsinki-seura) and Architectural Society (Rakennustaiteellinen seura) campaigned to save the building instead of demolishing it. In 1990, Oranssi association occupied the building, which was significant for its preservation. After the Haka Corporation went bankrupt, the property was purchased by Merita Kiinteistöt Oy in spring 1996. The Theatre Academy initiative was launched in 1997. In January 1999, the property was sold to the Local Governments Pension Institution. The renovation and design of the Theatre Academy’s facilities were entrusted to the architecture firm Stefan Ahlman Oy.

Check library availability of Kallinen’s book on the Theatre Academy’s history

History of Sibelius Academy

HELSINKI MUSIC INSTITUTE 1882-1924

  • 1882 Helsinki Music Association is established on 11 March 1882 at the Student House  (Ylioppilastalo). The purpose of the association is to maintain, among others, the Music Institute, whose director is Martin Wegelius.
  • 1884 The Music Institute primary school and secondary school  open along with the Institute.
  • 1885 – 1889 Jean Sibelius studies composition and violin at the Helsinki Music Institute.
  • 1903 The sixth concert of the 1903-1904 academic year is also the 300th concert of the Institute.
  • 1906 The number of students increases, but the Association’s already poor financial situation continues to deteriorate. State aid and tuition fees cover most of the activities, and membership fees lose their significance by 1911.
  • 1914 Robert Kajanus Orchestra School merges with the music school.
  • 1914 The first performance of the opera class  at the Music Institute.

HELSINKI CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC 1924-1939

  • 1924 The Music Institute name is changed to the Helsinki Conservatory of Music. The owner of the conservatory Helsinki Music College Ltd receives support from both the central and local government.
  • 1927 The first student concert is held on 29 March 1927.
  • 1931 The main building of the Conservatory is completed behind Parliament House at the address Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9. With its completion, Helsinki gained a large, world-class concert hall.

SIBELIUS ACADEMY 1939-1966 (private higher education institution)

  • 1939 The Winter War interrupts Sibelius Academy activities for the entire academic year. Due to the war, the state aid policy for using betting and lottery proceeds to promote the arts hinders the school’s activities. During the Winter War, Sibelius Academy receives the first concert organs in Finland.
  • 1944 Warfare makes it difficult to carry on with activities at Sibelius Academy, but it still manages to continue despite the bombing.
  • 1951 Sibelius Academy assumes responsibility for all church music education in the country when the Helsinki Church Music Institute is merged with the Academy as a special faculty.
  • 1960 The new church music faculty and school music faculty are established alongside the old youth music faculty, military music faculty, Conservatory and higher education institution. The activities of the church music faculty expand to Kuopio as cooperation with the Kuopio Conservatory is intensified.

SIBELIUS ACADEMY 1966-1980 (private higher education institution receiving statutory state aid)

  • 1966 Sibelius Academy is included in the scope of regular statutory state aid under a new act.
  • 1970 Student residence hall Clavis opens at the beginning of January.
  • 1977 The military music faculty is closed.

SIBELIUS ACADEMY 1980-2012 (state higher education institution)

  • 1980 Sibelius Academy is established as a state higher education institution, eliminating the former faculty structure and transferring their tasks to departments.
  • 1983 Sibelius Academy gains access to the former adult education institute building (T-building) at Töölönkatu 28. The degree programmes in folk music and jazz are established.
  • 1985 The first Sibelius Academy conferment ceremony is held in May.
  • 1987 The Kallio-Kuninkala buildings are inaugurated by Sibelius Academy in August, with the opening of Sibelius Academy Musical Centre.
  • 1990 Cellist Raimo Sariola and violinist Lajos Garam are the first to earn a Doctor of Music degree at Sibelius Academy.
  • 1992 The degree programme in opera is established in 1992.
  • 1997 The Arts Management programme is established.
  • 1998 The degree programme in music technology is established.
  • 1999 The DocMus Doctoral Programme in Classical Music, with a focus on music performance and composition, is established. The degree programme in opera and vocal arts programme are combined.
  • 2006 Construction of the Helsinki Music Centre begins. Sibelius Academy’s SibaFest held for the first time.
  • 2011 The Helsinki Music Centre is handed over to its owners on 30 April 2011. The first piece to be performed in the inaugural concert is Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia.
  • 2012 Sibelius Academy’s sojourn as an independent university ends, becoming one of the academies of Uniarts Helsinki at the beginning of 2013, along with the Academy of Fine Arts and the Theatre Academy.

Directors and rectors

  • Martin Wegelius, 1882–1906
  • Armas Järnefelt, 1906–1907
  • Karl Ekman, 1907–1911
  • Erkki Melartin, 1911–1936
  • Ernst Linko, 1936–1959
  • Taneli Kuusisto, 1959–1971
  • Veikko Helasvuo, 1971–1981
  • Ellen Helevuo-Urho, 1981–1987
  • Tuomas Haapanen, 1987–1990
  • Erkki Rautio, 1990–1993
  • Lassi Rajamaa, 1993–1999
  • Pekka Vapaavuori, 1999–2004
  • Gustav Djupsjöbacka, 2004–2012
  • Tuomas Auvinen, 2012–2016
  • Kaarlo Hildén, 2017–2020
  • Emilie Gardberg 2021–

History of Academy of Fine Arts

The Academy was founded in 1848 by a private foundation called The Art Society of Finland (or Finnish Art Society, or Finnish Art Association) (fi: Suomen Taideyhdistys). At that time the academy was called a Drawing School.

In 1939 it became The Finnish Art Academy School (fi: Suomen Taideakatemian koulu).

In 1985 it became The Academy of Fine Arts. In the beginning of 1993 the status of the Academy was raised to university level. 3,5 years of full-time study leads to the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts, and completing the Master’s degree takes two further years.

In the academic year 2012-2013 the number of students was about 280.

The Academy of Fine Arts is located at Sörnäisten rantatie 19 in the neighbourhood of Sörnäinen.