IronNotes Ignites International Metal Art Collaboration

Officially launched in January 2025, At the Borders of Iron (IronNotes) is a European initiative that redefines the role of metal art in contemporary society. Coordinated by LAB University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Design and Fine Arts (Finland), the project brings together six organizations from five countries and is co-funded by the EU’s Creative Europe programme with a total budget of over €1 million.

Combining traditional blacksmithing, contemporary art, and ecological thinking, IronNotes: Metal Art Today event explores how iron and metal forging can be reimagined in today’s public art. The project connects professionals, educators, and artists from Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Norway, and Italy.

Online Participation Open to International Audiences

The project’s first public event, the IronNotes: Metal Art Today seminar, takes place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, and is fully accessible online and free of charge. Held in English, the seminar offers a wide-ranging program exploring:

• The role of metal in public art today
• Traditional forging methods vs. digital and high-tech approaches
• Sustainability and new practices in metal art and design

International attendees are encouraged to join remotely and engage with speakers from across Europe, including artists, educators, and sustainability experts.

Exhibition and Live Demonstrations in Finland

The project’s first curated exhibition opens on the same day in Lappeenranta, Finland, featuring works by students and artists across partner countries. On-site visitors can also experience live blacksmithing demonstrations on June 18.

Event registration link:
https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/ironnotesevent

More information about the event:
https://www.ironnotes.eu/events/lappeenranta-finland-16-18-6-2025/

Project Partners

IronNotes is a collaboration between:

LAB University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Design and Fine Arts (FI)

ME-talli Oy (FI)

University of Gothenburg (SE)

Estonian Academy of Arts (EE)

Oslo National Academy of the Arts (NO)

Associazione Autonoma per la Biennale d’Arte Fabbrile (IT)

Contact

Eija Mustonen

Development Specialist, LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts

 +358 40 763 3690, eija.mustonen@lab.fi

Jenni Sokura

Lecturer, LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts

+358 40 195 7529, jenni.sokura@lab.fi

Antti Nieminen

Master Blacksmith, ME-talli Oy

+358 40 042 5949, antti.nieminen@vaskitsa.com