HELSINKI.- One of the main challenges for the future of art museums is sustainable development and climate change, says Kiira Miesmaa, the new director of Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. Another challenge is the freedom of expression for artists and art museums. Miesmaa took up her post as director in early June.

“I believe in seeing and experiencing art physically, which means it’s vital to do so with as small a carbon footprint as possible,” Miesmaa says.

This applies as much to exhibitions as to collections and outreach work. Despite the challenges, Miesmaa sees opportunities to produce and implement things in a new way.

Regarding the freedom of expression for artists and museums, Miesmaa notes that the situation is still relatively calm in the Nordic countries.

“I’m doing my part to help keep it that way. I see Kiasma as a place where different voices can safely be heard.”

The financial situation of art museums is currently a significant concern. In Finland, the state plays a central role in funding, and the sector is facing pressures to reduce costs.

“Museums will have to assess what they can do in the future and where to cut back so that the statutory responsibilities for museums are still met. There is a need for more private funding and self-financing.”

Finland is experiencing a museum boom

A seasoned professional in the field of art, Miesmaa has a wide network of international contacts. She has extensive experience in collaboration between the commercial sector and museum institutions, and of funding and exhibition curation.

Finland has been experiencing a museum boom in recent years, with more people visiting art museums than ever before. According to Miesmaa, Kiasma has a strong profile, which provides a solid foundation for future activities.

“Kiasma is a pioneer among Finnish art museums and is watched keenly.”

Being part of the Finnish National Gallery, Kiasma also has a responsibility to make contemporary art widely known, says Miesmaa. Although the museum’s exhibition programme has already been devised quite extensively, her influence will eventually begin to show.

“I think art should be impactful, topical, historically significant and something that simply brings joy to our lives and helps viewers to better understand society, themselves and the meaning of art in general. I want to see Kiasma mount a varied programme that is sensitive to current trends but one that also turns the spotlight to contemporary art classics that may never have been seen in Finland before.”

The Finnish National Gallery is the national museum of fine arts. It operates three of Finland’s best-known museums: the Ateneum Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum. It also manages the national art collection and its archives, develops Finnish cultural heritage and promotes art to the wider public.