Art, creativity and community for young people in Meri-Rastila
GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS is a Globe Art Point (GAP) initiative bringing free, accessible art and culture activities to children and young people in Helsinki’s suburban regeneration areas.
The programme is currently based in Meri-Rastila, where GAP works together with local partners to create a welcoming space for young people to explore creativity, express themselves and connect with others through art.
The programme offers two bilingual courses in Finnish and English for different age groups:
- Visual Arts & Comics for children aged 7–12
- Urban Arts & Culture for young people aged 13–16
The courses are open to participants with different levels of experience. No previous art experience is required.
Why GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS?
Access to hobbies and cultural activities is not equal for all children and young people. In areas facing socio-economic challenges, cost, availability and other barriers can make it difficult for young people to take part.
GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS responds to this by bringing free, low-threshold creative activities directly into the local community.
Through the programme, GAP aims to:
- Increase young people’s access to art and culture
- Encourage self-expression, creativity and confidence
- Create opportunities for social connection and participation
- Introduce young people to different forms of art and creative work
- Help participants see the arts as a possible future field of study or work
- Strengthen connections between young people, local communities and cultural organisations
Our Courses
Visual Arts & Comics | Ages 7–12
The Visual Arts & Comics Lab gives children a space to experiment, imagine and tell stories through different forms of visual art.
Participants explore activities such as drawing, comics, collage, clay, photography and short films, while developing their own ideas and learning to work together.
The course combines hands-on creative activities with storytelling and discussion. Children are encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, try new things and develop their own ways of expressing themselves.
The course is taught in Finnish and English and is suitable for different experience levels.
Urban Arts & Culture | Ages 13–16
Urban Arts & Culture introduces young people to visual art and the wider world of urban culture.
Through painting, drawing, collage and other creative activities, participants explore ideas connected to art history, philosophy, fashion, music, popular culture and the world around them.
The course is a space to experiment, discuss ideas and develop an individual artistic voice. Participants can work from their own interests while discovering new perspectives and creative possibilities.
The course is taught in Finnish and English, and all skill levels are welcome.
A Space to Create and Connect
GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS is not only about learning artistic skills. It is also about creating a safe and supportive environment where young people can meet others, share ideas and feel that they belong.
Participants have the opportunity to:
- Try different creative techniques
- Develop confidence in expressing their ideas
- Meet other young people in the neighbourhood
- Learn from professional artists and creative practitioners
- Discover different areas of the arts and culture
- Work together and build new connections
Working with the Local Community
The programme is based at Kulttuuritila Merirasti, a local cultural venue in Meri-Rastila.
GAP works with local schools, educators, families, cultural organisations and other community partners to reach young people and make the activities accessible to those who may benefit from them.
The programme also creates opportunities for participants to share their work with the wider community through exhibitions, events and other activities.
The Programme Continues
GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS began in Meri-Rastila in 2025 and continues as an ongoing programme through 2027, with activities taking place during the school year and breaks during the summer period.
As the programme develops, GAP continues to explore new ways of connecting art, education and community participation.
Registration
Participation in GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS courses is free.
Families can register young participants through the registration form below:
Places may be limited.
Partners
GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS is coordinated by Globe Art Point (GAP) and produced in close cooperation with Kulttuuritila Merirasti, a temporary cultural venue in Meri-Rastila.
The programme is supported by the City of Helsinki.
Contact
Globe Art Point
Malminkatu 5, 00100 Helsinki
[email protected]