Organizer Information

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art is Finland’s largest contemporary art museum, located at the WeeGee Exhibition Centre in Espoo, near Helsinki. It presents major exhibitions, collections, and public art initiatives, engaging diverse audiences with modern and contemporary art. EMMA also acts as a public art expert for the City of Espoo, facilitating projects that enrich urban culture through artistic engagement and community-oriented experiences.

Title & Description

Open Call for Artist Portfolios for Public Art Projects EMMA has launched a new open portfolio call seeking professional artists and artist groups working in Finland to participate in two major public art projects in Espoo in 2026. Rather than requesting finished proposals, this call invites artists to submit an overview of their artistic work and practice. The selected artists will be considered for two separate public art commissions: a mural at the Kannusali event venue and a permanent participatory artwork in the Suvela residential area. The aim is to enrich public spaces with meaningful, accessible, and inclusive artistic expressions, fostering community engagement and diverse cultural encounters. Prior public art experience is not required, making this call accessible to artists at different stages of their careers.

Categories

  • Visual Art
  • Public Art
  • Mural & Site-Specific Projects
  • Participatory / Community Art

Eligibility

Open to professional artists and artist groups working in Finland, from diverse backgrounds and at various career stages. There is no requirement to have previously created public art. Both individual artists and collaborative groups are eligible to apply.

Program Benefits & Awards

Selected artists will have the opportunity to create site-specific public works in Espoo:
  • Kannusali mural commission – with an artist’s fee of €10,000, including the sketch fee.
  • Suvela residential artwork – a permanent outdoor public art project developed in collaboration with the artist, including participatory methods and a negotiated budget and schedule. Projects offer exposure in public urban settings, opportunities for experimentation, and inclusion in Espoo’s cultural programming.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials: • Portfolio (PDF, max 25 MB) – include up to 5 examples of previous artistic work (links to media files must be functional). • Motivation Letter (PDF, max 1 A4 page) – describe why you are interested in public art and explain your artistic practice. Specify which project (Kannusali or Suvela) you are applying for. • CV (PDF, max 2 A4 pages) – an updated professional résumé. Applications can be in English or Finnish.

How to Apply

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 12 February 2026
  • Interviews (Kannusali project): February 2026
  • Suvela Project Selection & Contact: Spring 2026

Location

Espoo, Finland

Additional Details

  • Applications may be submitted in either English or Finnish.
  • No individual feedback on applications will be provided.
  • Artists must ensure any multimedia links in portfolios are functional and accessible.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews or follow-ups depending on project choice.

Website Link: https://emmamuseum.fi/en/open-call-for-artist-portfolios-for-public-art-projects/