Vallisaari, Helsinki, Photo © HAM/Helsinki Biennial/Kirsi Halkola
3rd Helsinki Biennial
“Shelter: Below and beyond, becoming and belonging”
June 8, 2025 – September 21, 2025
Helsinki Biennial
The Helsinki Biennial has announced the title and a preview of its artists for its highly anticipated third edition, set to take place from 8 June to 21 September 2025. Curated by Blanca de la Torre and Kati Kivinen, the biennial is themed “Shelter: Below and beyond, becoming and belonging”, offering a platform to explore the concept of shelter through ecological, social, and psychological lenses.
The 2025 Biennial will feature around 35 Finnish and international artists and collectives across three diverse venues: the iconic Vallisaari Island in the Helsinki archipelago, HAM Helsinki Art Museum, and, for the first time, the centrally located Esplanade Park. This expansion aims to engage broader audiences while showcasing a dynamic mix of artistic expressions.
A Celebration of Sustainability and Art
Inspired by the rich biodiversity of Vallisaari Island, which has remained largely untouched by human activity (due to it being previous part of a military exclusion zone), the curatorial concept of “Shelter” challenges traditional human-centric views. The biennial aims to reframe humanity’s relationship with nature, spotlighting non-human actors—plants, animals, fungi, and minerals—as key protagonists in artistic narratives. This vision aligns with the global climate crisis, urging audiences to consider how art can foster interspecies understanding and inspire environmental stewardship.
The 2025 Biennial features approximately 50% new commissions and site-specific works, encouraging artists to interpret their surroundings while imagining alternative futures. According to the curators, “The third edition envisions art as a source of shelter and compassion. Animals, plants, insects, and minerals are at the forefront, their stories and roles vital to the health of our shared planet.”
A Glimpse at the First Artists Announced
The first artists revealed for the upcoming Helsinki Biennial 2025 include:
- Olafur Eliasson (Denmark/Iceland)
- Otobong Nkanga (Nigeria/Belgium)
- Ernesto Neto (Brazil)
- Ana Teresa Barboza (Peru)
- Geraldine Javier (Philippines)
- Tania Candiani (Mexico)
- Hans Rosenström (Finland)
These artists, along with collectives like Band of Weeds (Finland) and LOCUS (Norway), set a very interesting tone for the exhibition and its programming. Their works will explore themes of protection, coexistence, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
Bridging Art and Sustainability
Sustainability lies at the heart of the Helsinki Biennial. Guided by a comprehensive systemic sustainability plan, the event strives to reduce its ecological footprint while fostering inclusive practices. This initiative aligns with Helsinki’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030, ensuring a lasting cultural and environmental legacy.
To enhance accessibility, the biennial will present more artworks in central Helsinki, including public art commissions that extend the impact of the event beyond its duration. Arja Miller, director of the Helsinki Biennial, emphasizes, “We aim to create a thought-provoking celebration of contemporary art, welcoming broad audiences and leaving a lasting cultural imprint on the city.”
About the Helsinki Biennial
Launched in 2021, the Helsinki Biennial has quickly gained recognition as an innovative contemporary art event. By weaving art into the city’s fabric, the biennial celebrates Finland’s commitment to creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity. Previous editions have included permanent public artworks that enrich Helsinki’s cultural landscape, further solidifying its status as a global arts hub.
The complete list of artists and new commissions will be unveiled in Spring 2025.
