The Helsinki Biennial is returning to the historical natural areas of Vallisaari with contemporary art in 2023.
Metsähallitus’ Parks & Wildlife Finland unit is responsible for developing Vallisaari into a responsible, diverse and accessible natural area. The aim is to highlight the island’s diverse nature and history in a modern, inclusive manner. Metsähallitus’ collaboration with the HAM Helsinki Art Museum Foundation and this year’s Helsinki Biennial theme, New Directions May Emerge, afford opportunities to raise visitors’ awareness of nature. At the same time, Metsähallitus can reach out to new target groups interested in responsible, active citizenship for the benefit of nature.
Metsähallitus’ Parks and Wildlife Finland unit has as its objective to protect biodiversity. Art can support this objective by highlighting the causal links in the everyday lives of Finns. Studies show that both nature and art also contribute to well-being.
An event requires long-term collaboration
When assessing how contemporary art fits into a valuable cultural and historical natural environment, the effects must be considered from several perspectives. Metsähallitus has involved an archaeologist, a building heritage expert, a conservation biologist, an area management and customer experience expert and a buildings expert in the collaboration. The Antiquities Act, the Nature Conservation Act and other statutes, and the requirements of building preservation and the Finnish Heritage Agency have been taken into account in the planning, and due consideration has been given to species, business partners and visitors. The planning has been based on a positive visitor experience and good customer safety.
- See how Metsähallitus promotes biodiversity through nature conservation work (metsa.fi)
- Read how nature promotes well-being
- Read more about our climate programme (metsa.fi)
- Vallisaari services (vallisaari.fi)
- Helsinki Biennial (helsinkibiennaali.fi)
