Communities of Creativity: Kettuki ry 🇫🇮

Kettuki ry Executive Director Sirpa Taulu (far left), artist Harri Blomberg and his mother Marita Blomberg inspecting the hanging of the Kettuki ry summer exhibition in an empty shopping center in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

In Finland, the organization Kettuki ry stands as a powerful testament to what’s possible when advocacy and artistic practice come together. Founded in 2002 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Kettuki began with a clear mission: to ensure that artists who require special support are not only seen but celebrated within the national arts landscape.

Today, Kettuki operates as a nationwide umbrella organization, supporting a vibrant network of artists, facilitators, educators, and community advocates. Their reach is broad, but their focus remains clear—championing the rights, visibility, and artistic growth of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Finland.

🎨 A National Platform Rooted in Advocacy and Inclusion. What sets Kettuki apart is its dual role: it supports both individual artists and the broader field of inclusive arts practice. Through its work as a trustee in the field of special arts, Kettuki ensures that:

• Artists requiring special support are given space and validation in professional arts contexts.

• Ethical, person-centered approaches are prioritized in all forms of facilitation.

• Diversity in Finland’s cultural output includes neurodivergent and disabled voices.

  
  

🤝 Collaborative, Nordic, and International in Scope. As founder and coordinator of the NOA Nordic Outsider Art network, Kettuki connects Finnish artists with international peers, opening doors for cross-border residencies, exhibitions, and learning opportunities. These collaborations not only broaden access but also underscore the value of diverse creative perspectives across Europe and beyond.

💡 Ongoing Support and Future Vision. Since 2017, Kettuki’s work has been significantly supported by Finland’s Arts Promotion Center, allowing them to expand programming, resource-sharing, and community engagement efforts. Their model illustrates how national-level coordination can empower Supported Studios, independent artists, and arts educators to align in purpose—building both visibility and viable pathways to professional development.

At the heart of Kettuki’s efforts is a belief that art is not just a form of expression—it is a right. And when that right is fully supported, entire communities benefit.

🔗 Learn more about Kettuki’s programs and projects at: www.kettuki.fi