- We wanted to grow our networks outside of the Finnish borders, as in Finland we do not have many other art schools like us to benchmark with. This goes both for pedagogical choices and study content as well as very practical things regarding our premises, funding, etc. - We wanted to improve our alumni's, students' and teachers' chances of international activities, which will help them to succeed on their careers. - We wanted to create a practical model of international co-operation to ensure the internationalization activities do not rely on the same personnel or connections of individuals, but are rather a part of the school's curriculum. - Furthermore, we want to do our part in ensuring the knowledge of the practice of painting stays alive and well in Europe, where a decreasing number of schools teach traditional painting methods ansd techniques in a practical, achievable manner.
We wanted to create a model for bilateral international co-operations with fine art schools in Europe and use the created model as a beginning point of creating a European network of art schools. We are an independent, private art school with a unique curriculum and no public funding. The network of other European art schools for us is a valuable asset in both content and practice of producing fine art education. Furthermore, we want to help our alumni as well as our teachers (who are artists) in seeking international careers and connections, as the market area of Finland is rather small; and on the other hand, painting as a visual art form has the capability to reach audiences across borders. Also, we are taking part in maintaining the knowledge of the tradition and practice of painting in Europe, by networking and sharing the teaching practices. By taking on this project we have made a concrete step towards internationalization for our schools: their students, teachers / artists and admnistrative staff. All this will increase the schools' appeal for applicants, staff, and even financers. The Free Art School has very international roots, to whivh we have returned by taking this step in Erasmus+ operations.