ABOUT RONGA AvaraTaide ry
AvaraTaide ry is a visual artists’ association founded in 2008 that operates Galleria Ronga in Tampere. The purpose of its activities is to promote and develop art and cultural activities.
Galleria Ronga presents approximately 40 exhibitions annually in three spaces: IsoGalleria, PikkuGalleria, and Mediakulma. The exhibitions change every three weeks, forming a continuously evolving ensemble of different forms of contemporary art expression.
AvaraTaide ry organizes non-profit exhibition activities for its members and, through an open call, for other artists as well, and also implements training courses and art projects.
History
2008-2009
AvaraTaide ry was founded on the initiative of visual artists in December 2008. In 2009, the association launched Galleria Ronga’s operations in central Tampere and established the foundation for artist-driven exhibition activities.
Exhibitions in 2009
2010–2013
A regular exhibition rhythm was established. The gallery began to profile itself as a venue that presents a diverse range of techniques and artists, and the open exhibition call became an integral part of its activities.
2014–2018
The gallery became more strongly integrated into Tampere’s cultural scene and events. Collaborations, group exhibitions, and practitioners from different art forms strengthened the diversity of the program.
2019–2022
Activities continued actively even in changing circumstances. Exhibition activities remained regular, and the gallery served as a stable platform for artists at different career stages.
2023–
Galleria Ronga has become established as part of Tampere’s contemporary art scene. Approximately 40 exhibitions are organized annually in three spaces, and the activities are built on openness, continuity, and the artist community.
AVARATAIDE RY Members
AvaraTaide ry is an active visual artist community whose membership forms a diverse cross-section of the contemporary art field. The association brings together artists working at different career stages and creates space for collaboration, exhibition activities, and new initiatives.
Board 2025
Marjo Lampila, Chair
Karri Harju, Vice Chair
Ämer Bilaletdin, Secretary
Mikko Vuorinen, Treasurer
Ida Rusava, Member
Saara Forsell, Deputy Member
Petri Seppä, Deputy Member
Member Artists
The member artists of AvaraTaide ry form a diverse
and active contemporary art community.
Eve Auerluoto
Ämer Bilaletdin
Minna Eloranta
Saara Forsell
Helena Hakala
Inka Hannula
Karri Harju
Viljami Heinonen
Päivi Hellman
Helinä Huotari
Anja Härkönen
Heli Innala
Ismo Jokiaho
Lea Kivi
Outi Kotala
Miina Laine
Heta Laitakari
Marjo Lampila
Kirsi Länsitie
Tiina Kaisa Leppänen
Anssi Matias Miettinen
Kalevi Mäkelä
Anja Niera
Pasi Niininen
Ilkka Pesonen
Kirsi Porrassalmi
Paula Puikkonen
Ida Rusava
Merja Salmi (formerly Asonen)
Elina Saviaro
Pasi Salonen
Petri Seppä
Anna-Maija Urm
Miia-Mari Tenhola
Lauri Tyrvänen
Leena Vainio
Loes van Dorp
Marje Viitala
Johanna Vilén
MEMBERSHIPApply for Membership in AvaraTaide ry
Full Members
An actively working visual artist with demonstrated professional activity in the field may be accepted as a full member. The background may be diverse: what is essential is current activity in the visual arts field, such as exhibitions, projects, or other active participation. A professional qualification in visual arts or membership in an artist association affiliated with the Arts Promotion Centre Finland is an advantage.
Members may apply for exhibition time at Galleria Ronga at the member rate and participate in the association’s activities according to their expertise.
Student Members
A student in the cultural field or equivalent may be accepted as a student member. Student membership offers the opportunity to become acquainted with the association’s activities and to apply for exhibition time at the member rate.
Student members do not have voting rights at the association’s meetings nor automatic participation rights in joint exhibitions. After graduation, it is possible to apply for full membership.
Membership Benefits
- participation rights in AvaraTaide joint exhibitions
- reduced exhibition rental fee (e.g., Iso Galleria -20%)
- opportunity to borrow gallery equipment
- partnership benefits (Paino Arena and Fintex)
Selection and Membership Fee
The board processes applications at its meetings approximately once a month.
The membership fee is reviewed annually.
Apply for Membership
Complete the form below and apply for membership. The board decides on membership selections at its meetings based on applications. Board meetings are held approximately once a month.
