The Art of Small rethinks Art Collecting in 2026

Helsinki, Finland —After their 2024 pilot in Tampere, The Art of Small returns for its
2026 edition with an exhibition at Myymälä2 from 13–29 August 2026, and joins
Helsinki Design Week event program. Produced under the KUVI-supported
programme of Catalysti – Association of Transcultural Artists with
communications support from Kulttuuriosuuskunta TIcAS, the project brings
together a curated selection of affordable contemporary artworks, creating a
welcoming space where contemporary art feels approachable, collectible, and
connected to everyday life.

The 2026 exhibition follows a collaborative curatorial model, bringing together
invited artists alongside works selected through an open call. This year’s
curatorial process has been developed in collaboration with curator Ada
Pääskysaari, supported by an advisory curatorial board including Karoliina
Korpilahti and Ksenia Kaverina, ensuring a balanced representation of early
career, mid-career and established artists actively contributing to Finnish
contemporary art ecosystem.

The Art of Small transforms Myymälä2 into an environment that encourages
visitors to slow down, spend time with the artworks, and have an intimate
experience of contemporary art as an alternative to the white cube format. By
presenting affordable small-scale works, the project seeks to lower the social,
cultural, and economic barriers that often exist between artists, collectors, and
wider audiences.

Alongside the exhibition, The Art of Small launches Learn Small, a digital
audience engagement initiative that extends the project beyond the gallery
walls. Through collector interviews, educational material in short-form videos,
and social media campaigns, Learn Small points out to different pathways into
contemporary art collecting and encourages broader public participation in
supporting Finland-based artists. With an opening event on the 13th of August,
the exhibition will run until August 29th, taking part in the Helsinki Design Week
satellite event program. The opening event is supported by (insert brand names
here.)

Further information about the project and exhibition catalog can be found on
The Art of Small landing page. To stay up to date with the project, community
campaigns, educational materials subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on
Instagram at @tampereinterculturalart and @catalysti
finland.