The National Council for the Performing Arts is responsible for making decisions regarding grants, subsidies and prizes within the fields of theatre, performance and live art, dance and circus. The council also provides expert advice in these fields.
National Council for the Performing Arts 2025–26
Chairperson
Tomi Suovankoski, Lightning Designer, Söderkulla
Deputy Chairperson
Marie Antikainen, Scenographer, MA (Art and Design), Kuopio
Other members
Vesa-Petteri Asikainen, MA (Theatre and Drama), Executive Director, Helsinki
Anni Hiekkala, Cultural Producer, Vantaa
Noora Karjalainen, Artistic Director, Doctoral Researcher , Helsinki
Anniina Kumpuniemi, MA (Dance), Executive Director, Tampere
Soile Lahdenperä, DA (Dance), Choreographer, Helsinki
Samuli Nordberg, University Lecturer, Theatre Artist, Helsinki
Matti Paloniemi, Artistic Director, Helsinki
Anni Sundbacka, MA, Advisor, Kaarina
Laura Tikka, KM, Circus Artist and Teacher, Tampere
Jonas Welander, Executive Director, Helsinki
Presenting Officer
Marja Susi, Special Advisor
Information
Anni Tappola, Planning Officer
National Council for the Performing Arts 2023–24
Chairperson
Petri Kauppinen, Lecturer in Dance, Dance Artist, Oulu
Deputy Chairperson
Rasmus Slätis, Actor, Helsinki
Other members
Marie Antikainen, Scenographer, Kuopio (from 1.9.2023)
Vesa-Petteri Asikainen, Actor, Helsinki
Anniina Kumpuniemi, Dancer-Choreographer, Executive Director, Tampere
Soile Lahdenperä, Dancer, Choreographer, Helsinki
Satu Rasila, Playwright, Turku
Virpi Rautsiala, MA (Theatre and Drama), Kuopio (until 31.8.2023)
Mikko Rinnevuori, MEd, Helsinki
Tomi Suovankoski, Lightning Designer, Helsinki
Anastasia Trizna, MA (Theatre and Drama), Helsinki
Minna Vainikainen, Direcotr-Choreographer, Helsinki
Ulla Hyväluoma, Dance Artist, Vaasa
