Our operating model is based on the framework of recovery orientation and applied art methods, in which each participant is an active member and a meaningful part of the process. The operation aims to promote inclusion, cultural equality and mental well-being through art.

The diverse activities of Taiteen Sulattamo have reached a wide range of target groups in 2025.  The total number of encounters reached 9,583.

Weekly open art activities, including six different art forms, were organised a total of 245 times and expert by experience, peer support training, and other group models displayed a high increase in wellbeing of the participants. Group activity participants reported that 56% were able to continue to work, studies or services supporting them (e.g. vocational rehabilitation, work experience, volunteer work), 73% engaged in third sector activities after the group, and 72% responded that they completely agreed with the statement that participating in the activity has increased well-being.

Taiteen Sulattamo carried out the quality assurance tools and educational materials to strengthen the role of Experts by Experience in Finnish mental health services and help other organisations and municipality areas to develop their systems more transparently.

Taiteen Sulattamo Youth Programme

Sulattamo’s youth activities aim to improve the well-being, functional capacity, and sense of inclusion of young people aged 13–23 through individual support, art, and group activities. The program is especially designed for those experiencing loneliness, mental health challenges, social anxiety, or a need for safe and structured daily support. In 2025, the program reached 1,584 young people.

The results were positive: about 50% of participants reported improvements in participation, mood, and skills. In addition, anxiety levels decreased in 61.3% of those involved in group activities (GAD-7), indicating better psychological well-being and everyday coping.

Equality through ART

On November 26, 2025, Taiteen Sulattamo organised a local performance event, “Closed Doors”, that took place in the windows of Taiteen Sulattamo. The event featured 13 performances and art installations, created by participants during the autumn. As part of Sulattamo’s long-term community art practice, the event emphasised inclusion, equality, and togetherness, creating spaces where people and art forms meet and where individuals can open up to themselves and others. Organised in collaboration with local partners, visitors, and volunteers, the event strengthened community connections. The art was created around the theme “closed doors”, exploring themes such as identity, parallel realities behind closed doors, the impact of social media on private space, and experiences of a closed ward.

European Cooperation and Shared Vision

Taiteen Sulattamo participated in an Erasmus+ visit to Slovakia, which enabled new partnerships and joint project planning. As a result, Taiteen Sulattamo was invited to present an artist’s work at an exhibition, despite having no separate budget, highlighting how meaningful collaboration can emerge organically. This led to a partnership as a participant in the ART BRUT Bratislava 2025 festival, where the exhibition “The Image is a Window” was presented. The festival, held from October 14 to November 2, 2025, included a wide program of events, and the “Kaleidoscope of the Inner World” exhibition at Gallery Umelka alone attracted around 900 visitors, showing growing international interest in inclusive and therapeutic art.

Read more about their activities and updates here.

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