How we work
Arts Management Helsinki operates as a shared production platform and working life structure for independent artists. We build practical frameworks that enable artistic work to be realised professionally, ethically, and with long-term sustainability.
Independent artists often work on a project basis, without a permanent employer or consistent administrative support. This can make working life uncertain and demanding. Arts Management Helsinki provides a structure in which artists do not have to navigate these conditions alone: we manage production processes, employment relationships, and employer obligations, while also supporting strategic planning and funding development. We enable employment relationships when appropriate and offer a working community that fosters peer support and professional growth.
Our work is grounded in the belief that independent art requires strong and sustainable structures. We do not operate as an agency or merely as an administrative service provider; rather, we work as long-term partners alongside artists. We combine artistic freedom with responsible employer practices.
Arts Management Helsinki is a not-for-profit social enterprise.
We operate transparently and reinvest our results into the development of our activities and the strengthening of structures within the independent field. Social, economic, and environmental responsibility guide our decision-making. We aim to be part of the solution in a context where the operating conditions for the arts are in constant change.
Our promise is simple: we stand on the side of the artist.
Comments from artists:
“Arts Management Helsinki means a working partner and structural support for me.”
“Navigating the independent field is often unclear and uncertain. Through its work, AMH makes things more transparent and secure.”
“AMH is an agile organisation that responds quickly to artists’ needs and requests for support.”
“Arts Management provides essential support for working between institutions – enabling collaboration for large working groups, including situations that bring together partners from international institutions.”
“Openness and mutual solidarity become more possible when there is a body that actively maintains transparency and builds networks in concrete ways.”
History
2012
Company Founded
Arts Management Helsinki was founded by performing arts producers Isabel González and Outi Järvinen.
2013
Artist Incubator and First Office
AMH implemented, among other initiatives, an artist incubator project. In autumn 2013, the company moved into its first independent office space on Urheilukatu in Töölö, Helsinki.
2014
Administrative Residency
AMH launched an administrative residency programme for seven freelance performing artists.
2015
New Office in Kruununhaka
AMH moved into a larger office space and introduced a co-working environment for artists.
2016
Think Tank and Co-working Community
AMH implemented an artist think tank project. The co-working community included 39 members during the year.
2017
Iso Roobertinkatu and Membership Services
AMH relocated to a new space in Punavuori. The co-working model evolved into a structured membership service for artists.
2020
Operational Grant
In 2020, AMH became eligible for a discretionary state operational grant when the funding scheme was expanded to include production platform activities.
2022
Expansion of Activities
AMH further developed its operations with structural support from the Ministry of Education and Culture. The production platform included 50 artist members.
2023
City of Helsinki Funding
From 2023 onwards, AMH has also received a small annual grant from the City of Helsinki.
2024
Relocation to Alppiharju
AMH moved to a new shared office space on Itäinen Brahenkatu, together with the Moving in November Festival.
2025
Cuts to Arts Funding
Government policies in Finland led to significant cuts in public arts funding. AMH’s funding was also reduced. Despite this, the production platform continued to include over 40 artist members.
2026
The Story Continues…
In 2026, AMH launched a renewed website. Thank you for visiting.
Awards
2021
Honorary Mention – Akava Entrepreneurship Award
In August 2021, Outi Järvinen, CEO of Arts Management Helsinki, received an honorary mention in the Akava Entrepreneurship Award in recognition of her work in the field of arts and culture.
2025
TAKU Äänitorvi award
Trade Union for Professionals in Arts and Culture (TAKU) awarded Outi Järvinen the TAKU “Voice of the Field” distinction in recognition of her work advancing the position of arts and culture professionals. In the award citation, Arts Management Helsinki’s significant work and role within the arts and cultural sector were specifically highlighted.