A proposition to consolidate many of Finland's most prominent art institutes is put forward by the Minister of Education.
Education Minister Sari Sarkomaa's recent proposal outlining a merging of the Academy of Fine Arts, the Theatre Academy and the Department of Acting at Tampere University, has left many at the institutes in question less than enthused by the notion. The proposal was submitted to a ministerial working group on socio-political issues.
The Academy of Fine Arts says the proposal for collaboration is ridiculous. Maria Hirvi-Ijäs, the Academy's rector, suspects the country's art institutes have become pawns in a political game.
"According to the policy outlined by the board of the Fine Arts Academy, we are not in the process of building an arts university in Finland," says Hirvi-Ijäs.
"The highest form of art education should moreover not be made to lean in the direction of the Theatre Academy, but rather in the direction of the visual arts," adds Hirvi-Ijäs.
Meanwhile, Sarkomaa's pitch has awoken interest within the Theatre Academy.
"I believe it's in the interest of the different art fields to work together and drive for common goals that benefit the arts," says Theatre Academy rector Paula Tuovinen.
The Sibelius Academy could also be fused within a prospective fine arts university.