Artist Info

Thank you for your interest in exhibiting at KOOLA Art Space! You can find all detailed information regarding the space and your exhibition on this page.

Our gallery, located in Kallio, Helsinki, is operated by Taidetila Koola ry, a non-profit, artist-run association. Exhibition fees cover the cost of the venue and supervision. Promotion, cleaning, and all other work are carried out on a voluntary basis. KOOLA staff are responsible for managing the gallery’s finances.

To keep operations fair, secure, and sustainable, all artists are required to agree to the following guidelines:

KOOLA Essentials

Access & Supervision

  • KOOLA is not a private rental space — for security reasons, artists are not given keys.

  • Access is always supervised and follows agreed schedules.

  • Artists cannot supervise their own exhibitions.

Space & Storage

  • The gallery has no backroom, kitchen, or storage space for packaging, personal items, or sponsor deliveries.

  • Please respect areas marked “staff only.” These areas are strictly off-limits.

Openings

  • Opening events may last a maximum of 2 hours. Artists may arrive up to 1 hour before the event to prepare.

  • Due to building regulations, loud music is not permitted, and events must finish by 19.00 and the space must be empty by 19:30.

  • All events must comply with fire safety rules and building regulations.

Responsibility

  • Artists insure their own works.

  • Artists are liable for any damage to gallery property.

  • Electronic devices cannot be left on while the gallery is closed. All electronic equipment (screens, etc.) must be turned off when the gallery is closed.

Venue Information

  • Address: Pengerkatu 9, Kallio, Helsinki

  • Size: approx. 24 m² exhibition space

  • Hanging area: total 30 m² (two walls 4.6 m × 3 m each, plus one hanging panel 1.5 m × 2.5 m for lighter works attachable with tape)

  • Floor plan: available here

  • Important: No backroom, kirchen or storage space for packaging or personal belongings

Supervision

  • Supervision is provided by Taidetila Koola ry staff/volunteers.

  • The exhibition fee includes supervision 4–5 days per week, depending on the schedule. We provide a mix of daytime and evening opening hours to ensure accessibility to a wide audience.

  • Artists decide the opening event time; other opening hours follow KOOLA’s schedule, which may vary by season.

  • Extra supervision (when available): €50 / 3h.

  • Artists cannot supervise exhibitions themselves.

Setup & Dismantling

  • Setup and dismantling must take place within your rental period.

  • Hung your works preferably with nails or installation tape. Drilling must be requested in advance. Display panels cannot be drilled or nailed.

  • Basic tools provided: hammer, tape measure, spirit level. Artists must provide their own mounting supplies.

  • If drilling is necessary, artists may bring their own drill or request one from KOOLA (at least 2 weeks in advance). Artists are responsible for filling drill holes and providing filler material.

  • Final deadline: works must be removed and repairs completed by 20:00 on the last day.

  • Unremoved works or unrepaired damage will incur a €150 cleaning/storage fee.

  • Electronic devices cannot be left on while the gallery is closed. All electronic equipment (screens, etc.) must be turned off when the gallery is closed.

Openings (Detailed)

  • Opening times are arranged individually.

  • Maximum duration: 2 hours; must end by 19 and space must be empty by 19:30. You may arrive 1 hour before to prepare.

  • Must comply with fire safety and building regulations (no loud music).

Available furnishings:

  • Small round table for serving, six stools

  • Compact stand for A4 brochures

  • Space on the door for an A4 poster

  • Outdoor A3 poster stand (visible area 25 × 37 cm)

  • Small coat rack (larger rack available on request)

  • Windowsill can also be used for brochures or serving

Note: No kitchen, backroom, or storage. Artists must plan accordingly.

Publicity & Materials

  • KOOLA promotes exhibitions on social media and event listings.

  • Artists must provide all materials (text and images) well in advance — preferably at least 1 month before the exhibition, and no later than 2 weeks prior.

  • Printing of labels, brochures, posters, or catalogues is the artist’s responsibility.

  • The gallery provides: Street-facing A3 poster stand indoor A4 brochure stand

Exhibition Agreement

  • Signed electronically between artist and Taidetila Koola ry.

  • Becomes valid upon signature and payment of the exhibition fee.

  • Covers installation, exhibition period, and dismantling.

  • KOOLA does not take commission — artists handle their own sales.

Cancellation Policy

  • If the artist cancels: no refund.

  • If KOOLA cancels: full refund.

Insurance & Responsibilities

  • Artists insure their own works.

  • KOOLA does not provide insurance and is not liable for external damage or theft.

  • Artists are liable for any damage to gallery property during setup, exhibition, or dismantling.