MP30 – Visual arts Old Rauma

Old Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2021. Old Rauma was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1991 as a unique example of a living and well-preserved old Nordic tree city.

In the seventh part of the 30th anniversary of Old Rauma as a World Heritage Site series, the importance of visual arts in Old Rauma is discussed.

Visual arts in Old Rauma

Rauma is a city of art and artists. By summer at the latest, numerous studios and galleries in Rauma will open their doors to Rauma residents and summer tourists visiting Rauma. Old Rauma is an idyllic setting for the visual arts and the artists who work there. Old Rauma itself is a picturesque and inspiring environment for visual art, as is strongly evidenced by the 20 or so artists’ studios in the area. More than half of the studios in Old Rauma also have a gallery open almost all year round. Walk down almost any street in Old Rauma and you will find a studio of a Rauma artist somewhere. Visual arts are an art form that we all have the opportunity to enjoy in Rauma. It is particularly easy to get to know it in the alleys of Old Rauma.

Getting to know visual art and visual artists has many positive effects. Visual arts provide aesthetic experiences and a livelihood for many artists. It also gives artists a means of making themselves visible. So what is the importance and benefit of visual arts for Old Rauma? In these times, when economic times are forcing us to pinch one euro here and there, it is good to remember the words of the ancient philosopher Aristotle when making and producing art:

“It is not appropriate for a generous and free person to constantly ask what is good for what”. Making or consuming art are skills that endure, grow and increase intellectual capital throughout life.

A good work of art is like a good story for the viewer who approaches art with an open mind. It stands the test of time and always leaves room for new and interesting interpretations. You never get tired of looking at a good and interesting work of art. Visual art is not only of great importance for aesthetics, but also for the economy. Have you noticed that for the money you can easily spend on short-lived decorative posters, you can buy a genuine and long-lasting piece of art from Rauma? Genuine art is always a sign of appreciation for our shared culture.

Since 2015, Rauma has organised a special programme for the National Visual Arts Day on 10 July. This year again, several studios will be open, including some that are not normally accessible. Museums, artists’ studios and galleries will be open to the public.

The Rauma Museum of Fine Arts is also the jewel in the crown of visual arts in Old Rauma. The 50th anniversary of the museum had to be cancelled last autumn due to circumstances, so the 51st anniversary of the museum will take place this summer in conjunction with the Lace Festival. As part of the celebrations, Old Rauma’s public art will receive its latest work, when Emil Cedercreuz’s miniature sculpture “Mother’s Love” will be unveiled in Savilanpuisto on 17 July 2021 at 14.00 in an open public event. The work is a gift from the Emil Cedercreuz Foundation to the celebrating Old Rauma and our 51-year-old art museum.