History of Forum Box

Forum Box is a non-profit artist-run co-operative society, which was initiated in 1996 by sculptor Kain Tapper (1930–2004). Its main purpose is to maintain an art space in Helsinki in order to enrich and support the Finnish cultural life. Currently Forum Box co-op has over 80 artist members, all of which are prominent Finnish artists and actors in the field of contemporary art.

The Forum Box building is owned by the city of Helsinki. Formerly a cold storage room, the space was renovated by the artists themselves in 1998–99. The renovation was designed by architect, professor Juhani Pallasmaa. Forum Box was opened in June 1999 with an exhibition by Anthony Caro and Richard Serra, organised together with Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.