A delegation representing mostly the heads of degree programmes at TAMK University of Applied Sciences is on a visit to Hanzehogeschool Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, Netherlands.


The purpose of the trip is to benchmark Hanze University and to develop closer links. There is already some staff and student exchanges between the institutions but there is also a strong will for further development of mobility and project cooperation. During the first day of the visit TAMK delegation got an introduction to the university and it's international policy. Also the applied research activities, the system of accreditation of prior learning and the educational development and assessment were part of the programme.

During the second day of the visit the delegation split up into two groups. Leena Mäkelä and Cai Melakoski, TAMK School of Art and Media and Kirsi Tolvanen, TAMK International Office, paid a visit to two art schools of Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

Most of Hanze University 18 schools are at the main campus area 5 kilometres from the centre of Groningen. Academie Minerva, which is the oldest of Hanze schools, lies in the heart of the city.

Academie Minerva is a classical fine arts school, where you can study painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography and media art. The resources are excellent, the students may use all traditional techniques and tools, but there is also an impressive set of digital instruments.

The atmosphere is truly international, so Minerva is a good choice for exchange studies. The Academie Minerva Frank Mohr Institut also offers MA programmes in Painting and Interactive Media.

The Academy of Popculture (Academie voor Popcultuur) is not in Groningen, but 40 minutes away in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland.

The Academy has a very modern approach to education. It is not based on traditional courses in various topics, but the skills are learned and knowledge acquired in hands on projects. The education is not about classes, it is about competences and coaching the creative processes. You first create an unique idea, implement it, and sell it. The idea is to educate pop artists who are able to independently make their living. Business and revenue models are a central issue here unlike in most art schools.

The School of Art and Media has had exchange with both art schools, but after this visit the cooperation will be more intense. We are looking forward to see representatives of Akademie Minerva and Academie voor Popcultuur at our International Week and Tampere Art Factory in May 2009

Photos: Upper from Akademie Minerva, lower from Akademie voor Popcultuur

Academie Minerva
Academie voor Popcultuur

Tampere Art Factory