This regional umbrella organisation for visual arts professionals in South Karelia and Kymenlaakso brings together over 300 members in photography, painting, jewellery, media art and craft. It is the first network in Finland to unite visual artists across two regions. It began operating in spring 2013 and became an association in January 2015.
It runs the Kaakon taidelainaamo art rental service, with outlets at Galleria Uusikuva and Taidekeskus Itä. Members include artists' societies and associations such as KOUTA, Etelä-Karjalan Taiteilijaseura, Korutaideyhdistys and TÄKY, and some member associations run Kouta-Galleria and TÄKY-Galleria. The organisation promotes art visibility and artists' livelihoods. It also ran the Taidetta jakokaappeihin project with students.
Have you taken part in the organisation's activities or rented art? Share your experience in the comments.
