We are thrilled to share that the City of Helsinki has announced that it will fully manage the renovation of the historic buildings at the former Lapinlahti psychiatric hospital. A significant cultural hub, Lapinlahti has been an important location for Artists at Risk (AR), hosting many of our events, exhibitions, and artist collaborations. Our office and studio is also located there. The Lapinlahti area serves as a sanctuary for creativity, mental well-being, and interdisciplinary exchanges, fostering an open and inclusive space for artistic expression.
Currently, the art exhibition “Woman in times of war” by Ukrainalaisten yhdistys Suomessa Ry featuring Ukrainian artists such as AR-resident Maya Kolesnik is on display at the Venetsia building in Lapinlahti. The exhibition will run until 30 November. More here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1588084482141771?ref=newsfeed.
The restoration work is set to begin in autumn 2026 and the Lapinlahti community will be actively involved in the planning process. Most importantly, there are no plans to privatize Lapinlahti.
The Lapinlahti community, which Artists at risk (AR) is a part of, welcomes these plans, emphasizing the need for phased renovations that will not disrupt the diverse cultural and mental health initiatives already thriving on-site. Lapinlahti will be preserved as an inclusive hub for mental well-being, culture, arts, and small businesses.
Read the official statement here: https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/uutiset/tiedote-27-9-2024-helsingin-kaupunki-ottaa-omistamiensa-lapinlahden-arvorakennusten-kunnostukset-taysin-omalle-vastuulleen-lapinlahti-yhteiso-tukee-hanketta/
