This year (2024–2025), two Association of Finnish Children’s Cultural Centers member organisations—Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth and Concert Center—will participate in the nationwide Art Testers program. Along with 84 other arts organizations, they will offer unforgettable artistic experiences and related audience engagement activities to eighth-grade art critics across Finland.
Art Testers is a cultural education program coordinated by the Association of Finnish Children’s Cultural Centers, which brings all eighth-graders in Finland to experience and critique high-quality art twice during the school year. The program is funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation (Suomen Kulttuurirahasto) and the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland (Svenska kulturfonden).
This school year, 100% of Finnish middle schools—more than 70,000 students in total—have signed up to participate in this national cultural journey. The participating arts organizations offering the experiences were selected through an open call, with the final choice being made based on artistic quality, innovative audience engagement, and the “appeal ratings” given by panels of students and teachers.
Both Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth and Concert Center have participated in Art Testers in previous school years. Hurjaruuth also serves as a national-level destination, meaning students from all over Finland, even from as far north as Lapland, will travel to Helsinki to see the renowned Winter Circus performances.
“The Winter Circus is a unique fusion of contemporary circus and dance, and over the years, about 27,000 art testers have attended Hurjaruuth’s performances. Thanks to Art Testers, we reach thousands of young people annually from all over Finland—many of whom might not otherwise have access to circus and dance art. We are looking forward to the Art Testers performances, and of course, to the follow-up interactions between the performers and the students after the show,” says Jyrki Karttunen, Director General at Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth.
Feedback from eighth-graders who attended Hurjaruuth’s previous Winter Circus Super performance:
“I thought the whole performance was well-executed and visually stunning. However, I would have liked more of a storyline, as the plot felt a bit disjointed.” – Art tester from Kauniainen, January 26, 2024
“It was great and helped improve our class spirit. It was also nice to have some free time. I think this should continue in ninth grade too!” – Art tester from Kolari, January 26, 2024
“I thought the Art Testers experience was amazing. I loved the impressive tricks, and it was fascinating to watch. I’d go again if I had the chance.” – Art tester from Imatra, January 26, 2024
Concert Center, on the other hand, offers two unique musical experiences for young art critics in different regions of Finland. One of the experiences, “Inspiration Sources: Koli & Jean Sibelius,” is set in the majestic scenery of Koli National Park, while the other is “SIBELIUS <3 AINOLA – Can You Hear How Nature Smells?” held at the home museum of Aino and Jean Sibelius “Ainola” in Järvenpää.
“Both experiences combine live music with storytelling and environmental exploration, as we move through the cultural landscape with the artists. When world-class musicians switch from concert attire to outdoor gear, students get to see a different side of them. Collaboration with local organizations like Nature Centre Ukko and the Ainola Foundation is crucial to the success of these events. We are especially excited that Ainola will be participating for the first time in the upcoming school year,” says Noora Herranen, Executive Director of Concert Center.
Feedback from students who attended Concert Center’s previous Koli experiences:
“The music was beautiful, and the musicians were very talented. The view from Koli’s cliffs was breathtaking, even though it was foggy and rainy. The bus ride home was fun too.” – Art tester from Joensuu, September 20, 2022
“I’m not really into history, so the talk was a bit boring. But the music was incredible!! <3 And the hiking was fun :)” – Art tester from Ylämylly, September 22, 2023
“The experience was unique. A thorough outdoor tour with lovely views. The concert was skillful and engaging. The museum was small but charming.” – Art tester from Liperi, September 22, 2023
For more insights into the program, check out the video designed for art professionals, where Liisa Korpiniitty, the former Artistic Director of Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth, and costume designer Pauliina Sutinen, share their thoughts on their experiences with Art Testers (in Finnish – automatic subtitles available).
Written by: Heidi Rantanen, (former) Communications Planner for the Art Testers Cultural Education Program
Header image: Valtti Koivunen
