Aalto ARTS’s Eloseminaari event started the new academic year

The annual Eloseminaari event of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, held to mark the start of the academic year, brought together nearly 150 faculty and staff members at Tokoinranta in Helsinki on August 20. The day offered an opportunity to celebrate the school’s achievements, welcome new colleagues and discuss current issues. 

The programme featured an overview of the school’s recent developments and its renewed curriculum and a keynote on AI’s role in the society.

“One thing I value in our community is our culture and spirit. I truly believe that openness and trust make a community thrive. Let’s continue on that path,” said Dean Tuomas Auvinen in his opening remarks.

Auvinen also expressed his confidence that the role of creativity, art and culture will increase in the society.

“We’re seeing a lot of signals that our fields are being recognised and appreciated. Our university welcomes the work we have done in these fields and warmly welcomes artistic and creative people to work on our campus.”

Celebrating the achievements and looking to the future

The School of Arts, Design and Architecture has undergone major changes in recent years as part of its portfolio renewal. Vice Dean Rasmus Vuori provided an overview of the reform and its various stages.

“This has really been a team effort. We made a deep shift, and it meant a lot of work, time and compromises. Our indicators look much better now, and we’re looking forward to a brighter future.”

In his keynote, Professor of Practice Miklu Silvanto explored what artificial intelligence has to offer us – and, in particular, how it challenges us. He encouraged us to wisely make use of artificial intelligence and, with its help, to discover even more humanity within ourselves, because that is our superpower.

Finally, the Dean declared the end of the renewal project and encouraged the community to take a moment to recognise what has been achieved.

“On the school level, we’re doing relatively well. I hope we can now celebrate and enjoy the work we’ve done to get here. Thank you all for your hard and excellent work!”, he said. “Let’s keep an open mind and influence and shape the world together.”