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Press release: Free Art School student body raises donations for victims of war

Press release, 4 April 2022. For immediate release.

The Free Art School’s traditional and highly anticipated annual sales exhibition was held this year from 12–20 March in Gallery Vaaga, located on the school premises.

In the exhibition, students from different year levels present their works for sale. All proceeds go directly to the students themselves. This year, one wall of the gallery was dedicated to the victims of the war in Ukraine, and the sales from that section were donated.

Kristo Saarikoski from the Free Art School student body explains:
"The idea for a charity wall in the exhibition came from the student body’s desire to respond to the situation in Ukraine. The war, along with the grief and shock it brought, had been a frequent topic of discussion among students. That’s why the idea quickly gained strong support."

"We began exploring various emergency relief funds. We chose to donate to the emergency appeal coordinated by the Finnish Refugee Council, through which funds are directed to the UNHCR. In selecting the organization, the student body emphasized the importance of local presence, the provision of psychosocial and legal support, and ensuring aid also reaches minority groups, such as BIPOC individuals. The Ukraine wall in the Free Art School’s sales exhibition was a great success: we raised a total of €2,176 for the Finnish Refugee Council’s emergency appeal."

Gallery Vaaga’s exhibition was curated with great dedication. A portion of the gallery was devoted to helping victims of the war in Ukraine.
 

 

The Free Art School, founded in 1935, is a renowned Helsinki-based institution for aspiring painters, located in the Cable Factory cultural complex.

More information, interview and image requests:
Administrative Director Meri Karppanen
tel. +358 40 922 3171
meri.karppanen(at)vapaataidekoulu.fi
Website: vapaataidekoulu.fi
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