Image design: Veera Vartiainen
What started as a mission to make art more accessible has grown into a vibrant and impactful community project. GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS, an initiative by Globe Art Point, which brings free, inclusive art and culture opportunities to children and young people in Helsinki’s suburban regeneration areas, beginning with Meri-Rastila.
The project was created in response to a clear need: many families in the area face socio-economic challenges, and access to extracurricular activities is lower than the city average. GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS addresses this by offering a welcoming, low-threshold environment where young people aged 7–16 can explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through art.
Through weekly sessions at Kulttuuritila Merirasti, participants take part in two core programs: Visual Arts & Comics (ages 7–12) and Urban Arts & Culture (ages 13–16). The courses are bilingual (Finnish and English) and led by professional artists and educators: Alex Markwith and Rosamaria Bolom for the Urban Arts & Culture course, and Luiza Preda and Veera Vartiainen for the Visual Arts & Comics course. Together, they guide participants through creative processes that include drawing, painting, collage, storytelling, and experimental techniques, encouraging self-expression, collaboration, and personal growth. These professional artists were employed by Globe Art Point from a pool of applicants from the GAP’s Creatives Database. A database, exclusive to international professional artists residing in Finland.
Over the past months, the results have been inspiring. Kids gather at the cultural space in Merirasti, and have created inspiring, colourful works of art in a semi supervised relaxed atmosphere where light refreshments are also available.
This creative journey culminated in the Art Lab (Create & Belong) Exhibition, held at Kulttuuritila Merirasti. The exhibition came to life as a result of hundreds of brilliant artworks that emerged from these creative classes. The exhibition runs from 23 April to 17 May, with an opening event on Thursday, 23 April at 17:00, and welcomes visitors every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00.
The opening event was a great success, bringing together over 40 attendees, including families, children, and community members. On display are more than 100 artworks, showcasing a wide range of creative expressions, from detailed drawings and vibrant paintings to mixed media and collaborative pieces. Each artwork tells a story, reflecting the imagination, identity, and experiences of the young artists behind it.
The atmosphere during the opening was filled with pride, joy, and a strong sense of community. Parents saw their children’s work presented in a gallery setting, young participants shared their creations with confidence, and visitors engaged with the stories behind each piece. It was a powerful example of how art can foster belonging and connection across cultures and generations. One of the teachers mentioned how grateful he was to be part of this journey and expressed how the courses availed the possibility for kids to participate in their desired hobbies and crafts as a result of materials provided which are not necessarily affordable to these kids in their everyday life.
This milestone would not have been possible without the commitment and passion of the teaching artists, whose guidance helped cultivate a safe, inspiring, and inclusive learning environment. Their work reflects GAP’s broader mission: not only supporting international creatives in Finland professionally but also enabling them to actively shape and contribute to local communities through meaningful artistic work.
Like any community‑based project, GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS has encountered minor challenges along the way. One of the teachers noted practical issues such as cleaning up after sessions and limited access to resources from the venue due to inadequate personnel. These challenges, however, have not slowed the project’s momentum. On the contrary, they have provided valuable learning opportunities, and the program continues to move forward with optimism. Interest remains high, and the project is expected to attract an even greater number of participants in the coming seasons.
While the exhibition marks an important milestone, the journey continues. GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS is a three-year initiative running until 2028, with seasonal breaks during the summer months of June and July. This year, courses will go on break after 27 May 2026 and will resume in the autumn. Exact dates will be announced so prospective participants and existing participants are encouraged to keep an eye open for smooth enrollment and course continuation.
The program will continue to provide ongoing opportunities for young people to engage with art, develop new skills, and build lasting connections.
There are still opportunities to join, particularly for youth aged 13–16, where spaces remain available in the Urban Arts & Culture course.
More than an art program, GAP LAB NEIGHBOURHOODS is a platform for expression, growth, and inclusion, demonstrating what becomes possible when young people are given the space, encouragement, and freedom to create.
