Today I had a full day of work which is a real treat for me since having a baby in January. I met with Anne the residency co-ordinator at the Maltinranta Art Center to settle the rent and collect the projector for my artist talk. The art center is run by Tampere Artist’ Association and is located in the Finlayson area. It is a beautiful red brick building that was once a water refinery and houses two galleries with a graphic workshop. The building was renovated by the City of Tampere and has been rented to the Association since 1983. Tampere Artists’ Association supports artists in the Pirkanmaa area to promote and exhibit work. Members can apply twice a year to exhibit. The gallery offers art lending services, art courses and maintains the upkeep of the building. International activity between artists and the Association has become an important aspect in developing artistic networks. Currently showing is Sampsa Indren and Anu Halmesmaa who is currently the artist in resident. Anu will be engaging with the public asking them about there emotions which will be released in a made ‘shout’ badge at the The Great Nocturnal Happening.
I really wanted to find out more about the non official art scene in Tampere and Anne recommended Hirvikatu and Gallery Rajatila. Rajatila was very close to Maltinranta and is a contemporary art space with two floors and a shop window front onto the park. The location is very close to residential flats which is refreshing to see instead of hidden away or within enclosed artist studios. In the basement is a blacked out space suitable for installation and video work. Exhibitions change every three weeks although occasionally the space can be rented. Upstairs is showing a sculpture show by Ville Kirjanen and downstairs drawings by Markus Luiro. I particularly liked the drawings and how they were presented as an installation in a blacked out space. The organisation which runs Rajatila is another Association which has an age limit of 36 to keep its views fresh for the future. I hope to speak to the Vice President during my stay.
