HAM introduces Space for New Art with new exhibition concepts and more artist collaboration

Three artists will be annually selected for Space for New Art through an open call. The open call highlights annually changing themes, unique exhibition content, and the connection created between the exhibitions and HAM’s audiences. The first call focuses on proposals that enliven installation with performative approaches. HAM wants to explore and support performative elements in the exhibition context and art’s influence on the viewer’s body and mind.

With the introduction of the Space for New Art, HAM aims to enable multidisciplinary, versatile art-making and innovative exhibition concepts. Additionally, HAM wants to provide its audiences with meaningful and surprising encounters with art and artists. HAM will deepen its relationship with artists and collaborate in the exhibitions' curation and production process.

Gallery operations have been part of the Helsinki Art Museum since 1968 when the Kluuvi Gallery was established on Unioninkatu. From the start, the gallery focused on enabling open calls and uncommercial exhibition opportunities for young artists. As its concept evolved, the gallery also played an important role in expanding the art museum’s collection.

“We will continue the open call principle in the Space for New Art, alongside fostering multidisciplinary content that seeks new directions. As an art museum, we want to support the artist’s creative work and process as comprehensively as possible through curation, production, audience engagement, and marketing communications. We also want to provide art and artists even better opportunities for building bridges between people and phenomena,” says HAM's director, Arja Miller.

“We will collect data on the impact of the Space for New Art from all parties involved. With the feedback, we can develop our exhibition operations flexibly by adapting open calls to meet the wishes and needs of the artist community, for example. We will forward the data for artists and art museums for further use and development,” says HAM’s head of exhibitions, Kati Kivinen.

Space for New Art undergoes physical transformation

The exhibition spaces on HAM's ticket sales floor will undergo renovations starting in early 2026, with the redesign aimed at enhancing and diversifying their installing capabilities. With these changes, the Space for New Art will allow a more process-driven approach to working before and during exhibitions. HAM finds supporting event-based and performative elements in contemporary art essential and directs event producer resources to the projects in the Space for New Art.

The application period has started on March 13, 2025

The artists for Space for New Art will be chosen by a selection panel consisting of HAM’s curators and an external member. The entire selection criteria and schedule can be explored at HAM's website.

The first exhibition at the Space for New Art will open at the beginning of June 2026.

Additional information  

• Museum Director Arja Miller, arja.miller@hamhelsinki.fi  
• Head of Exhibitions Kati Kivinen, tel. +358 40 184 9547, kati.kivinen@hamhelsinki.fi