HIAA SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
HIAA is committed to consistent
development towards more sustainable and ecologically ethical operations. Acknowledging the importance of responsible practices in the arts, we aim to contribute positive actions in our environment and community, through the implementation of our sustainable strategy 2024-2027 goals.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS 2024 - 2025
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Beginning the journey in 2024, we have been creating achievable steps for the association's operations. Throughout 2025 we have been increasing our movement towards a more sustainable model.
To date we have:
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Begun hosting workshops and classes focused on sustainable art practices
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Developed a sustainable art supply library
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Connected and partnered with sustainable organizations and businesses (e.g. in 2024: Kierrätyskeskus and SWAMP swap, becoming a member of Vihreätaide in 2024. In 2025 we became a member of FINGO)
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Begun implementing a 50% vegan, 50% vegetarian catering policy (2024), moving into 100% vegan policy from mid-2025
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Updated our sustainable creatives’ efforts on the website i.e. publishing a self-evaluation environmentally-friendly creativity checklist for artists
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Developed educational resources and tutorials on sustainable art techniques
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Continued hosting materials exchanges. Skills-sharing workshops (2024-)
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Implemented a digital-first policy (2024-)
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Created separate ethical and sustainable guidelines for our events participants and board members
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Sharing resources and information on sustainable creative practices across our channels
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Continued promoting artist residency programs focused on environmental stewardship and nature-based inspiration
GOALS FOR 2025 - 2026​
​Our 2025-2026 plans are taking shape and are already in the process of being implemented. These strategies and goals bring us further along our path towards more ethical operations.
We are:
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Utilising our 2025 Taike grant for supporting cultural diversity and combating racism
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Implementing our 100% vegan catering policy for all events
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Applying our zero-waste, compostable and recyclable policy across HIAA activities
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Designing our small number of printed marketing materials to have a multi-purpose
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Curating exhibitions that highlight sustainable working practices both socially and environmentally
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Offering activities and opportunities that encourage more sustainable approaches
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Creating stronger Safer Spaces Guidelines for more socially responsible interactions
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Developing plans to host an annual "green art" award to encourage sustainable artistic expression (2026)
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Implementing a sustainable travel policy for staff and visiting artists, prioritizing low impact travel options through a set of guidelines
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Coordinating exhibitions focused on ecological and sustainable themes to build awareness and visibility
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Creating connections with other art organizations to learn from their experience of implementing their own environmentally-friendly and sustainable policies. Levelling-up together with them
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Measuring HIAA environmental impact through Vihreätaide online calculator
GOALS FOR 2026 - 2027
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Beyond 2026 our future goals are as ambitious as they are achievable.
We are actively expanding our scope to:
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Continue to develop an annual Sustainability Award which includes an event with open dialogue, workshops and exhibitions
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Create exhibitions specifically designed to address social and ecological thematics
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Connect with organisations that share our ambitions for a more ethical practice: within board member activities, encouraging members to practice with consideration and in our collaborations