Accessibility as Art
Exploring disability from multiple perspectives, suggesting that viewing disability as a "glamorous" thing can lead to more sustainable living.
Introduction
The Rauma Triennale is one of Finland's oldest continuously running international contemporary art exhibitions, originally established in 1977 as the Gulf of Bothnia Biennial. The exhibition was later renamed the Rauma Biennale Balticum in 1985 when it expanded its focus to include the entire Baltic Sea region. In 2019, the event was transformed into a triennial format, becoming the Rauma Triennale.
This prestigious exhibition takes place in the picturesque setting of Rauma, a historic seaside town on Finland's west coast that is home to Old Rauma, the largest intact wooden town in the Nordic countries and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The unique combination of contemporary art and historic wooden architecture creates a compelling dialogue between tradition and innovation.
Curatorial Focus & Themes
Throughout its history, the Rauma Triennale has addressed a wide range of themes, particularly emphasizing ecological and environmental concerns, as well as issues of human life at both individual and community levels. The event has become known for its thoughtful engagement with the cultural, political, and environmental dynamics of the Baltic Sea region.
The exhibition employs a guest curator model, inviting Finnish and international curators to develop conceptual frameworks that respond to contemporary issues. This approach has allowed the Triennale to remain fresh and relevant while maintaining its strong connection to the Baltic context. Each edition offers a distinct curatorial perspective, resulting in a diverse range of artistic expressions and thematic explorations.
The upcoming 2025 edition, titled "Lumoava vaiva / Enchanting Effort," explores the concept of effort as a fundamental aspect of the human body and society, examining how our environments acknowledge and value different forms of effort. Under the curation of Sanna Karimäki-Nuutinen, the exhibition will highlight themes of disability, accessibility, and sustainability, positioning effort as both a practical necessity and a force that enriches life's diversity.
History & Evolution
The evolution of the Rauma Triennale reflects the changing cultural and political landscapes of the Baltic region. Beginning as a modest exhibition focusing on artists from coastal towns in Finland and Sweden, it gradually expanded its scope to encompass the entire Baltic Sea area following the political transformations in the region during the 1980s and 1990s.
The transition from a biennial to a triennial format in 2019 marked a significant milestone in the exhibition's history, allowing for deeper curatorial development and greater artistic ambition. Throughout these changes, the exhibition has maintained its home in the distinctive pink museum building and the surrounding pastel-colored town of Rauma.
1977
First Gulf of Bothnia Biennial established, focusing on artists from coastal towns in Finland and Sweden
1985
Exhibition expanded to include the entire Baltic Sea region and renamed Rauma Biennale Balticum
1990s
Introduction of guest curators and thematic exhibitions addressing regional concerns
2016
Final edition as Rauma Biennale Balticum
2019
Transformation into Rauma Triennale with the theme "In Praise of Boredom"
2022
Second edition "Imagine! What if!" curated by Heta Kaisto and artist Teemu Mäki
2025
Third edition "Lumoava vaiva / Enchanting Effort" curated by Sanna Karimäki-Nuutinen
Participating Artists (2025)
The Rauma Triennale 2025 features a diverse group of artists from Finland and around the world, working across various mediums and approaches to explore the theme of "Enchanting Effort." The selected artists represent a range of perspectives on effort, labor, disability, and accessibility.
Minna Bengs (FI)
Finnish artist exploring the intersection of effort and environmental sustainability through multimedia installations.
Alan Bulfin (IR)
Irish performance artist whose work examines physical labor and its cultural significance in contemporary society.
Matthew Cowan (NZ)
New Zealand artist known for exploring folk traditions and ritualistic efforts through photography and performance.
Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen (FI)
Finnish artist whose work focuses on disability culture and accessibility through textile art and installations.
2025 Theme: "Enchanting Effort"
The 2025 Rauma Triennale explores the struggle and effort at the heart of society as a natural feature of the human body. The exhibition presents artistic work around the themes of effort and toil, questioning whether our environment and social life are organized in ways that recognize and value effort.
Curatorial Statement
Rural Art Initiatives
Highlighting both the challenges and unique opportunities of creating art in rural environments like the village of Reila.
Effort as Enrichment
Positioning effort not merely as a burden but as a force that enriches the diversity of life and creates meaningful experiences.
Exhibition Gallery
Video Introduction
Experience the atmosphere of the Rauma Triennale through this video overview of the exhibition and historic Old Rauma.
Instagram Feed
Follow the latest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Rauma Triennale on Instagram.
Venue Location
The Rauma Triennale is primarily held at the Rauma Art Museum, located in the historic Pinnala House in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Rauma. The museum buildings and idyllic yard form one of Old Rauma's best-preserved building complexes. For the 2025 edition, part of the exhibition will also be held at Art Space Muijala in the village of Reila.