Lou Vaasankatu is a curator-run exhibition space located on Vaasankatu 15 in Helsinki. Lou runs on non-profit basis and hosts exhibitions and performances. From 2026 onwards, the space is programmed by Earthbound Lovers, a curatorial duo composed of Uni Nissinen & Maikki Siuko.
Lou’s activities are divided between Lou Vaasankatu and occasional off-site and co-hosted projects.
The programme is based on invitations only. Currently, we are not able to accept any new work proposals.
About Lou
Lou is a community of independent curators working closely with contemporary art and performance, committed to fostering open-ended artistic and curatorial thinking.
Lou is transitory by nature. Initially founded as a temporary curatorial project, it continues to take on various forms of organising and becoming public with varying intensities.
Beyond the Vaasankatu space, Lou curates and organises events and exhibitions in additional locations and commissions new off-site productions, both independently and in collaboration with other art venues and organisations.
During 2024–2025, Lou Vaasankatu received funding from the Kone Foundation and was programmed and curated by its founder, Remi Vesala. In 2025, the non-profit organisation Lou ry was established to support Lou’s operations.
Lou is currently focusing on planning its future activities in Vaasankatu and elsewhere.
Lou ry Board 2026
Remi Vesala (chair)
Teo Paaer
Yilin Ma
On community...
From the beginning, Lou has brought together artists, curators, friends, and visitors – all of whom have actively shaped what Lou is and who it is for.
Lou is a trans-led initiative. The name Lou pays homage to trans activist Lou Sullivan (1951–1991) and acknowledges the trans communities of the past, present, and future.
We also value the artist-run history of the Vaasankatu space, previously home to initiatives such as Outo Olo and Sorbus. The activities, people, and communities of these spaces continue to influence what Lou is today.
address:
vaasankatu 15
00500 Helsinki
contact:
info@lou.gallery
accessibility:
Lou is located 300m from Sörnainen metro station. The space is wheelchair accessible with assistance: there is a movable ramp that covers the two steps in the entrance. The staff will assist with the ramp upon arrival. The door is 67 cm wide. The toilet is very small, and there are two steps on the way there. It's possible to visit an accessible toilet at Solmu pub across the road during their opening hours. Please email us with accessibility needs, and we'll do our best to accommodate them.
Vaasankatu 15
00500 Helsinki