Public Art
Public art in Turku has a long and diverse tradition.
The City of Turku’s art collection includes a substantial number of public artworks. Nearly one hundred outdoor sculptures from the collection can be found in the city’s public spaces—along the riverside, in parks, and on squares. In semi-public locations such as libraries, daycare centres, and schools, almost eighty public artworks are on display. Additionally, around one thousand works are on long-term loan to municipal offices.
WAM, the City of Turku’s art museum, acts as an expert advisor in the city’s and its subsidiaries’ new construction and infrastructure projects where art is commissioned according to the so-called “percent-for-art” principle.
The priorities and acquisition guidelines for public art are outlined in the Public Art in Turku programme (2022).
Why Is Public Art Commissioned?
Public art offers sensory experiences, sparks thought and invites conversation in everyday environments. It reflects diverse perspectives on the city’s history and is accessible to all in shared public spaces. Art also encourages cultural exploration—for example, through themed walking tours. In schools, daycare centres, and other institutions, artworks serve as part of art education.
Public art enriches the built environment, enhancing its appeal, safety, and atmosphere. It also strengthens the identity and attractiveness of the city and its neighbourhoods. Public art is a key part of Turku’s image as a city of culture and visual arts.
How Is Public Art Acquired?
Most of Turku’s public art is funded according to the “percent-for-art” principle. This means that a set percentage of a construction project’s budget is allocated for the purchase or commissioning of art.
While Turku does not have a formal binding policy on this principle, it is embedded in the city’s planning guidelines for building projects. WAM, the City of Turku’s art museum, serves as the expert body for public art in these initiatives.
Temporary and permanent public artworks may also be funded through the City of Turku’s Beautification Fund. Each year, the fund’s coordination group proposes how its income will be used, with decisions made by the City Council by the end of April.
The City of Turku’s art collection may also accept donations of artworks suitable for public display. Donations of public art are assessed according to the same criteria as other acquisitions.
How Are Artists Selected?
The method of selecting artists for Turku’s public art projects depends on the nature and scale of each project. Selections are based on the specific location and context of the intended artwork.
Each project’s artist selection process is coordinated by a dedicated working group, which typically includes project managers, designers, user representatives, and WAM’s art experts.
Artists may be selected in various ways, including:
open art competitions
invited competitions
parallel sketch commissions
portfolio calls
direct commissions to individual artists or collectives
A hybrid approach may also be used—for example, combining a portfolio call with sketch commissions. The goal is to ensure broad opportunities for professional artists to participate.
Open calls and portfolio submissions are announced separately on the City of Turku’s website.
Maintenance of Public Art
WAM is responsible for maintaining the public artworks in the City of Turku’s art collections. Maintenance includes routine care as well as conservation when necessary.
Beyond physical upkeep, maintenance also involves preserving documentation and contextual materials related to the artworks. Active communication about ongoing projects and collection work is an essential part of WAM’s role in managing public art.
