Basic education in the arts

Basic education in the arts

Basic education in the arts is extracurricular art education primarily aimed at children and young people. However, adult groups have become more common. Within the framework of basic studies, one can study visual arts, music, dance, theatre, circus, crafts, architecture, literary arts and media arts. Basic education in the arts is part of Finland’s education system. The instruction is goal-oriented and based on the national core curricula provided by the Finnish National Agency for Education, which aim to ensure the quality and consistency of teaching.

Local authorities can organise basic education in the arts at their discretion or procure services from other providers. Other entities require authorisation from the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Ministry of Education and Culture stipulates that the education must be necessary, and that the applicant has the professional and financial prerequisites to organise the education appropriately. The state participates in funding by providing local authorities with state subsidies for basic education in the arts. In addition, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish National Agency for Education distribute grants for operating costs and the development of activities.

Local art schools and educational institutions provide basic education in the arts. Some adult education centres also offer basic education in the arts. Instruction is available in approximately 86% of Finnish municipalities. 

Basic studies in the arts are divided into general and extended syllabi. Completing the extended syllabus can take up to ten years. Goal-oriented engagement in the studies hones skills to a high level. The aim of the studies is to provide students with the ability to express themselves through art and to lay the foundation for applying to vocational and higher education in the arts. The education also develops skills required in other professions.  Furthermore, through art education, participants gain positive experiences such as a sense of community and meaningfulness. You can read more about the researched positive effects of art here.

Institutions providing basic education in the arts also serve as significant employers in the arts sector. Teaching is provided by trained professionals in the field, whose competence is laid down in the Decree on Qualification Requirements for Teaching Staff. A person is qualified to provide instruction according to the general syllabus if they have the teacher qualification in the respective art field, other suitable education or sufficient competence acquired through work experience. Instruction according to the extended syllabus can be provided by a person who has a relevant master’s degree, a suitable higher education degree or at least a college-level teacher qualification. Especially universities of applied sciences prepare teachers for basic education in the arts.

Sources and more information:

Finnish National Agency for Education. Taiteen perusopetus. https://www.oph.fi/fi/koulutus-ja-tutkinnot/taiteen-perusopetus (accessed 25 February 2025). 

Ministry of Education and Culture. Basic education in the arts. https://okm.fi/en/basic-education-in-arts (accessed 25 February 2025).

Ministry of Education and Culture. Uudistuva taiteen perusopetus. https://okm.fi/uudistuva-taiteen-perusopetus (accessed 25 February 2025).

Ministry of Education and Culture (2023). Laadukas taiteen perusopetus: Taiteen perusopetuksen strategiset tavoitteet sekä laadun strategiset indikaattorit (High-quality basic education in the arts: Strategic objectives and strategic quality indicators in basic education in the arts; English summary available). https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/165243/OKM_2023_43.pdf (accessed 25 February 2025).

University of the Arts Helsinki. Qualification requirements for educational institutions. https://student.uniarts.fi/general-info/qualification-requirements-for-educational-institutions/ (accessed 26 February 2025). 

Taiteen perusopetusliitto TPO. Basic education in the arts. https://artsedu.fi/etusivu/en/ (accessed 25 February 2025).