At Kiilto, art has long been a visible part of everyday life. Over the years, artistic work has been supported through grants and exhibitions, among other means. Many works have found a home in Kiilto’s premises, where they bring joy and offer a brief escape from the daily grind.
In a world where complexity is growing and answers are rarely simple, companies need the ability to see more broadly. Art doesn’t provide ready-made solutions, but it helps us understand, think creatively and question assumptions.
This is the view of Eeva Solja-Wulff, Deputy Chair of Kiilto’s Board and one of its owners. In a family-owned company, it is natural that the things important to the owners are reflected in the company’s everyday life. Art is something no visitor to Kiilto can fail to notice. At Kiilto, art is connected to wellbeing, encounters and creative thinking. That is why Kiilto decided this spring to also support the TEOS2026 event.
“Art and culture support wellbeing in society. Just as important as bringing art into homes, public spaces or workplaces is creating opportunities for artists to gain visibility for their work,” says Solja-Wulff.
“By supporting the TEOS event, we want to play a part in strengthening the role of art and creating conditions for artists to work in an open, accessible environment. TEOS offers us a natural partnership where support goes directly to local art, artists and shared encounters.”
“Art and culture support wellbeing in society. Just as important as bringing art into homes, public spaces or workplaces is creating opportunities for artists to gain visibility for their work.”
The personnell’s own art association
At Kiilto Denmark, art has become a natural part of everyday work. According to Marketing Manager Helle Raabe Bilstedt, art helps create a workplace where the focus is not only on tasks and operations, but also on the things that bring new impressions, a sense of presence and shared experiences.
Kiiltonians have established an art association through which various artists display their works in Kiilto’s premises for around two months at a time. Approximately half of the staff are members. The exhibitions feature paintings, photographs, jewellery, ceramics and much more. As the displays change, the atmosphere in the building shifts a little too. New colours, new expressions and new details catch the eye during the working day.
Tom Hein, Chair of the art association, considers this particularly valuable.
“We have a fine tradition of inviting different artists into the building. This means that the workplace is constantly changing slightly, and that we maintain a close connection to creative communities and local talent.”
Members vote on which art pieces the association should acquire, and once a year they gather at the annual meeting over a delicious strawberry cake. At the meeting, one piece of art is drawn in a raffle among the members.
“This way, art becomes more than something you simply walk past in the building. It becomes something you participate in and share,” says Raabe Bilstedt.
Art can also bring something special to a busy working day. It can create a small pause, give cause for reflection and bring people together in a different way.
“I find that art makes a difference in everyday life. It provides little breaks in a busy working life and opens the door to conversations that might not otherwise have taken place,” says Hein.
A company as part of the cultural community
In addition to the art association, Kiilto supports a local cultural centre in Denmark, Tobaksgaarden in Assens, which provides a setting for art, music, film and other cultural experiences.
Alongside supporting local cultural operators, Kiilto also sees it as important to enable artistic practice at different stages of a career, particularly when the path is still taking shape.
This spring, Kiilto is resuming its collaboration with the Academy of Fine Arts in Finland, awarding an art grant to one Academy student at the master’s degree exhibition, Kuvan Kevät.
The grant may be awarded in recognition of talent, versatility and distinctiveness, or it may also be given as an encouragement to a student who has made a significant leap in their development as an artist during their studies.
In previous years, exhibitions by grant recipients were on display at Kiilto’s premises in Lempäälä. Works by the awarded artists have also been acquired for Kiilto´s sites.
“A few years ago, we organised a visual art competition and acquired several of the works submitted, they are now on display at our locations across Kiilto’s countries of operation. The theme of the competition was one of the cornerstones of our culture. Perhaps that is why Kiiltonians have taken the works to heart, and there is often pride and warmth in their voices when they talk about them,” reflects Solja-Wulff.
In Denmark, too, art is seen as more than decoration.
“It helps make every working day a little richer, creates connections between people and keeps the door open to the local cultural life of which the company is a part,” says Helle Raabe Bilstedt.
TEOS2026, 8–17 May 2026
TEOS is a non-profit event where artists have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their works to visiting audiences. The event is held in Helsinki at the Merikaapelihalli hall of the Cable Factory, 8–17 May 2026. The event is organised by the Finnish Sculptors’ Association, the Finnish Printmakers’ Association and the Finnish Photographers’ Union. Read more: TEOS 2026 – Finland’s most versatile contemporary art sales event.
Kuvan Kevät 2026 – University of the Arts Helsinki Academy of Fine Arts Master’s Exhibition, 15 May – 14 June
Kuvan Kevät 2026 presents 45 talented artists completing their master’s degrees from the Academy of Fine Arts’ four teaching areas: painting, sculpture, printmaking and time-space arts. Kuva/Tila and other spaces at Mylly, Sörnäisten rantatie 19, 00530 Helsinki. Open Tue–Sun 11–18. Free admission. Read more: Kuvan Kevät 2026 | University of the Arts Helsinki.