The GAP Peer-to-Peer Program (P2P) is a learning and networking initiative that provides practical guidance and emotional support for creative professionals in Finland. Since 2023, we have focused on fostering integration and collaboration between international and Finnish-Swedish cultural workers based in Helsinki. The Program typically runs for 6 to 8 months, consisting of bi-weekly sessions that range from informative lectures, panel discussions, hands-on workshops to field trips, led by subject experts or the program facilitators and enriched by the sharing of participants.
Topic Highlights
Anti-racist Practices in Intercultural Communication
Art and Mental Wellbeing
How To Run A Small Art Organisation
Resources and Opportunities: Grant Applications in Finland
Social Media, Personal Branding & Visibility
Taxation and Law For Cultural Workers
Turning Your Art Practice Into a Sustainable Business
Visit Destinations
Duv Teatern, Helsinki
Elverket, Ekenäs (Organization: Pro Artibus)
The Sausage Factory, Lovisa (Artists: Mirella Pendolin and Pia Sirén)
Sauna Obscura, Lovisa (Artist: Heidi Lunabba)
Sinne Gallery, Helsinki (Organization: Pro Artibus)
Svenska Kulturfonden, Helsinki
List of Participants
| 2024-2025 Maria Bayat, Emilia Kannosto, Stanislava Ovchinnikova, Marisa Parra, Ellen Paulig, Nathalie Sallegren, Tatiana Solovieva | 2023-2024 Matilda Anttila, Erica Askolin, Iryna Gorkun, Rachel Hamilton, Axel Hjertman, Carolin Koss, Mathilde Palenius, Hongji QiPan, Tome-Valencia, Vincent Weckström, Outi Paasivirta (2023), Linnea Sundblom (2023) | 2022-2023 Jacqueline Aylward, Daria Bortsova, Katariina (Kata/Katja) Fortuna, Agnese Gemetto, Ariane Jouhaud, Ondiso Madete, Chen Nadler, Eoin O’Dowd, Lydia Touliatou, Evgeniia Utochkina |
About the Facilitators
Wena Ho
Wena aspires to be an empathetic curator of education. Her interests revolve around participation and human connection among the versatile contemporary art practices. Having worked as a researcher and educator, she has collaborated with creatives in Hong Kong, Japan, the US, the UK and Finland to develop learning materials, design and lead educational programs in both formal and informal educational settings, including kindergartens, universities, art museums and community initiatives. She finds joy in connecting with open-minded, like-hearted people and indulging in conversation that inspires. She is the founding facilitator of the P2P Program since 2022.
Anna-Sofia Nylund
Anna-Sofia Nylund is a Finnish-Swedish visual artist, filmmaker and director. Anna-Sofia Nylund has a background in documentary and media art (Arcada 2011) and finished her Masters of Fine Arts at University of Fine Arts, Helsinki in 2023. Nylund’s main focus is on Video- and Performance art, but she has also worked with documentaries and theatre, both as a director and a performer. Within the P2P Program Nylund’s strengths are her experience and knowledge about the Finnish-Swedish culture-field. She is also interested in inspiring people and connecting with them.
TESTIMONIALS
From participants
“GAP’s Peer-to-Peer program was a great supportive program that brought together artists of many different walks of life into a collective. We shared our experiences, feelings, and knowledge, and learned together how to grow and develop as independent artists and as a community. The program opened many doors for my professional journey, to find new contacts and opportunities to share and grow my art and skills. I recommend the program for anyone who wishes to develop, learn, and to find new paths and opportunities to grow as an artist.” – Vincent Weckström, alumnus (2023-2024)
“Learning directly from and about different cultures and personalities always opens up doors also inside of oneself, that’s why I loved Globe Art Point’s P2P group and the workshops – I got a chance to learn from so many! I felt safe but also challenged with tasks that made me think out of my own box. I would recommend the program with my whole heart!” – Erica Askolin, alumnus (2023-2024)
From organizations/speakers
“It has been very inspiring to visit The Peer-to-peer program, it has been well curated and well organized. It’s rare to meet such a diverse and interesting group of artists in one place. We have been there twice and hope to get invited again!” – Blaue Frau, 2025