Every other week, Kalasatama hosts art walks where participants explore the area’s galleries and their art exhibitions with a guide.
You can explore the art exhibitions in Kalasatama every other Sunday during the Art Walk Kalasatama tours, which were launched in the area in the summer of 2023. Six local galleries are participating in the collaboration.
“We wanted to foster collaboration among non-commercial art organizations in the area while also introducing the galleries to new visitors,” says Viivi Koljonen, Executive Director of Galleria Huudo .
Several galleries in the Kalasatama area
The first tour was held in June 2023, and they have been held regularly since August. Depending on the situation, the art walk covers six galleries: Galleria Huudo, Kohta Taidehalli, Paja Gallery, Galleria Longan & Fönari, Maa-Tila as well as the Bioart Society.
Koljonen explains that the concept was modeled after Helsinki Art Walk. Through these walks, people can not only explore the galleries but also delve deeply into each exhibition. Artists are often present at the galleries on Sundays, so people can also ask them questions about the works.
“With a guide, you can experience the exhibitions in a whole new way,” Koljonen says. The guides share their expertise on the exhibitions, and the schedule is designed so that after the guided tours, visitors can also explore the exhibitions on their own.
“With guides, you get to hear about and see the exhibitions in a whole new way.”
— Viivi Koljonen, Executive Director of Galleria Huudo
A communal gathering around the visual arts
Every other tour is conducted in Finnish, and every other in English. The Finnish-language tours are generally led by visual artist Enni Vekkeli, while the English-language tours are led by artist Robin Ellis.
“So far, for the vast majority of visitors, the Kalasatama area and its galleries have felt new and unfamiliar,” says tour guide Enni Vekkeli. The tours also offer a great opportunity to get together.
“Participating in the Art Walk can also be a socially significant event—a chance to meet friends and listen and look together at exciting and beautiful things,” she says.
The next Art Walk Kalasatama will be held on Sunday, October 29, at 2:00 p.m. in English. Information about upcoming events can be found here. The walks are free of charge.