Regional arts councils
The regional arts councils make decisions regarding the awarding grants and awards for artists, artist groups and organisations within their own area of responsibility.
The Central Arts Council appoints the members of the regional arts councils for two-year terms based on the recommendations of regional experts in the fields of the arts and culture. Members of other state and regional arts councils, as well as outside experts, may also participate in the peer reviews of grant applications.
Members of regional arts councils
The Arts Council of Central Finland is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Central Finland.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Central Finland. It also awards the annual Central Finland Art Prize.
Arts Council of Central Finland 2023–2024
Chairperson
Mikko Auerniitty, photographic artist, Jyväskylä
Other members
Miia Elivuo, dance teacher, Jyväskylä
Jari Hoffren, Lecturer in Cultural Production, Jyväskylä
Aino Kajaniemi, textile artist, Jyväskylä
Kristiina Lempiäinen-Trzaska, visual artist, Jyväskylä
Ville-Juhani Sutinen, writer, Jyväskylä
Presenting Officer
Sari Ilmola, Special Advisor
Information
Eija Räsänen, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Central Finland 2021–22
Chairperson
Mikko Auerniitty, Photographic Artist, Jyväskylä
Other members
Aino Kajaniemi, Textile Artist, Jyväskylä
Pekka Kostiainen, Composer, Choir Director, Jyväskylä
Jarmo Laaksonen, Design Teacher, Vaajakoski
Kristiina Lempiäinen-Trzaska, Visual Artist, Jyväskylä
Hanna Liinoja, Actress, Jyväskylä
Tanja Rasi, Executive Director, Jyväskylä
Ville-Juhani Sutinen, Author, Translator, Jyväskylä
The Arts Council of Häme is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Häme.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Häme. It also awards the annual Häme Art Prize.
Arts Council of Häme 2023–2024
Chairperson
Juha Laurikainen, designer, artist, Hämeenlinna
Other members
Inkeri Jaakkola, DMus, Lahti
Terttu Keskinen-Rönkkö, managing director, Lahti
Ilkka Laasonen, theatre director, Lahti
Maritta Lintunen, writer, Hämeenlinna
Antti Oikarinen, visual artist, Loppi
Marion Robinson, graphic designer, visual artist, Lahti
Juha Rouhikoski, light artist, Hämeenlinna
Presenting Officer
Lea Halttunen, Special Advisor
Information
Laura Pajunen, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Häme 2021–2022
Chairperson
Juha Laurikainen, Designer, Artist, Hämeenlinna
Other members
Petri Komulainen, Conductor, Lahti
Matti Laitinen, Musician, Lahti
Maritta Lintunen, Author, Hämeenlinna
Satu Loukkola, Sculptor, Järvelä
Antti Oikarinen, Visual Artist, Riihimäki
Johanna Rajala, Dance Teacher, Lahti
Marion Robinson, Graphic Designer, Lahti
The Arts Council of Lapland is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Lapland.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Lapland. It also awards the annual Lapland Art Prize.
Arts Council of Lapland 2023–2024
Chairperson
Tittamari Marttinen, writer, Rovaniemi
Other members
Jouko Alapartanen, visual artist, Tornio
Anu Jormalainen, art journalist, photographer, Rovaniemi
Venla Kakko, curator, Kemi
Tuomas Korkalo, visual artist, Rovaniemi
Maarit Magga, MPhil, MA, Enontekiö
Jari Mikkola, senior teacher, Rovaniemi
Presenting Officer
Arja-Liisa Räisänen, Special Advisor
Information
Antti Rundelin, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Lapland 2021–2022
Chairperson
Katriina Pietilä-Juntura, Museum Director, Tornio
Other members
Jouko Alapartanen, Visual Artist, Tornio
Tittamari Marttinen, Author, Rovaniemi
Karoliina Paatos, Photographic Artist, Rovaniemi
Ilkka Puputti, Music Educator, Rovaniemi
Samuel Valkepää, Designer, Inari
Johanna Virsunen, Actress, Kemi
Merja Yli-Tepsa, Music Teacher, Sodankylä
The Arts Council of North Karelia is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of North Karelia.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of North Karelia. It also awards the annual North Karelia Art Prize.
Arts Council of North Karelia 2023–24
Chairperson
Tuomas Ollikainen, visual artist, Joensuu
Other members
Mathilda Kauppila, dance artist, Joensuu
Kirsi Kärnä, actor, Joensuu
Jari Lappalainen, music pedagogue, musician, Joensuu
Ahti Pitkänen, visual artist, Kitee
Riitta Turunen, textile artist, Heinävesi
Presenting Officer
Susanna Mäki-Oversteyns, Special Advisor
Information
Veera Kuure, Planning Officer
Arts Council of North Karelia 2021–22
Chairperson
Kai Paavilainen, Director, Actor, Joensuu
Other members
Reetta Gröhn-Soininen, Sculptor, Joensuu
Jari Lappalainen, Music Teacher, Joensuu
Tuomas Ollikainen, Visual Artist, Joensuu
Riitta Turunen, Textile Artist, Varistaipale
Ulla Vaarnamo, Author, Joensuu
Anna Venäläinen, Dance Artist, Joensuu
The Arts Council of North Savo is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of North Savo.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of North Savo. It also awards the annual North Savo Art Prize.
Arts Council of North Savo 2023–24
Chairperson
Aki Lintumäki, artist-researcher, Kuopio
Other members
Jyrki Heikkinen, writer, Kuopio
Markku Laakso, lecturer in guitar, Kuopio
Sirpa Miettinen, visual artist, art pedagogue, Kuopio
Taina Natunen, costume designer, Kuopio
Johanna Partio, dance artist, lecturer, Kuopio
Presenting Officer
Susanna Mäki-Oversteyns, Special Advisor
Information
Veera Kuure, Planning Officer
Arts Council of North Savo 2021–22
Chairperson
Virpi Rautsiala-Savolainen, Actress, Kuopio
Other members
Sari Hakala, Critic, Visual Artist, Kuopio
Aki Lintumäki, Media and Community Artist, Kuopio
Leena Mäki-Patola, Leena, Ceramic and Visual Artist, Varkaus
Jyri Paretskoi, Author, Iisalmi
Johanna Partio, Dance Artist, Kuopio
Rauno Tikkanen, Conductor, Siilinjärvi
The Arts Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu. It also awards the annual Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu Art Prize.
Arts Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu 2023–2024
Chairperson
Reijo Valta, PhD, Oulu
Other members
Mihkel Koldits, musician, choir director, Oulu
Milla Korja, dance artist, lecturer, Oulu
Jukka Laukkanen, graphic designer, Paltamo
Mayumi Niiranen-Hisatoimi, visual artist, Kajaani
Vesa Ranta, photographic artist, Oulu
Minna Rytisalo, writer, Kuusamo
Dimitra Sidiropoulou-Salo, musician, music journalist, Oulu
Presenting Officer
Arja-Liisa Räisänen, Special Advisor
Information
Antti Rundelin, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu 2021–22
Chairperson
Marko Karvonen, Coordinator, Kajaani
Other members
Jaakko Heikkinen, Visual Artist, Suomussalmi
Mihkel Koldits, Choir Director, Oulu
Milla Korja, Dance Teacher, Oulu
Essi Kummu, Author, Oulu
Joose Mikkonen, Actor, Oulu
Vesa Ranta, Photographic Artist, Oulu
Dimitra Sidiropuolou-Salo, Musician, Oulu
Elina Vieru, Curator, Oulu
The Arts Council of Ostrobothnia is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Ostrobothnia.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Ostrobothnia. It also awards the annual Ostrobothnia Art Prize.
Arts Council of Ostrobothnia 2023–24
Chairperson
Henna Helmi Heinonen, writer, psychologist, Seinäjoki
Other members
Minna Bengs, visual artist, Seinäjoki
Antti Hintsa, artist, graphic designer, Lapua
Aeon Lux Koskinen, visual artist, Seinäjoki
Markus Luomala, conductor-choir director, musician, Kaustinen
Dan Lönnqvist, senior teacher, organist, Pietarsaari
Irina Parviainen, actor, Kokkola
Ulla Kristiina Väätäinen, dancer, Vaasa
Presenting Officer
Arja-Liisa Räisänen, Special Advisor
Information
Antti Rundelin, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Ostrobothnia 2021–22
Chairperson
Jimmy Pulli, Visual Artist, Vasa
Other members
Ann-Helen Attianese, Author, Maxmo
Minna Bengs, Visual Artist, Seinäjoki
Jari Eklund, Photographic Artist, Pattijoki
Henna Helmi Heinonen, Author, Seinäjoki
Jari Hietanen, Actor, Vaasa
Anni Järvelä, Musician, Kaustinen
Mikko Pellinen, Musician, Kokkola
The Arts Council of Pirkanmaa is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Pirkanmaa.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Pirkanmaa. It also awards the annual Pirkanmaa Art Prize.
Arts Council of Pirkanmaa 2023–2024
Chairperson
Tuula Linnusmäki, dance artist, Lempäälä
Other members
Minna Hokkanen, university lecturer, actor, Tampere
Aimo Hyvärinen, media artist, Tampere
Jukka-Pekka Palviainen, writer, Sastamala
Pekka Rahkonen, illustrator, comic artist, Nokia
Jouni Rissanen, choir director, conuctor, Kangasala
Marja-Liisa Torniainen, visual artist, visual arts critic, Tampere
Presenting Officer
Sari Ilmola, Special Advisor
Information
Tuija Nevajuuri, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Pirkanmaa 2021–2022
Chairperson
Taina Laaksonen, Designer, Design Director, Tampere
Other members
Niina Hakalahti, Author, Tampere
Maija Hoisko, Lecturer in Dance, Tampere
Minna Hokkanen, Actress, Tampere
Tapio Korjus, Music Entrepreneur, Tampere
Arto Koskinen, Film Director, Screenwriter, Tampere
Janne Laine, Visual Artist, Tampere
Tuukka Peltonen, Visual Artist, Virrat
Jouni Rissanen, Choir Director, Kangasala
The Arts Council of Satakunta is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Satakunta.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Satakunta. It also awards the annual Satakunta Art Prize.
Arts Council of Satakunta 2023–2024
Chairperson
Kati Aalto, dancer, dance teacher, Pori
Other members
Pertti Koskinen, writer, Harjavalta
Jukka-Pekka Lehto, musician-composer, Pori
Angelika Meusel, theatre director, Pori
Marja Patrikainen, sculptor, Kokemäki
Mirva Tolppanen, actor, Pori
Matti Velhonoja, MPhil, Kankaanpää
Presenting Officer
Salla Mistola, Special Advisor
Information
Silja Tuhkunen, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Satakunta 2021–22
Chairperson
Marjo Heino, Visual Artist, Art Educator, Luvia
Other members
Tarmo Hotanen, Lecturer, Rauma
Saara Kemppi, MA (Music), Pori
Pertti Koskinen, Author, Harjavalta
Hannele Lanu-Ståhle, Actress, Pori
Toni Lehtola, Visual Artist, Pori
Angelika Meusel, Theater Director, Pori
The Arts Council of South Savo is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of South Savo.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of South Savo. It also awards the annual South Savo Art Prize.
Arts Council of South Savo 2023–2024
Chairperson
Satu Piispa-Hakala, writer, Juva
Other members
Veera Kolehmainen, designer, project manager, Savonlinna
Lauri Nykopp, artist, Hirvensalmi
Juho Puikkonen, Assistant Principal, musician, Mikkeli
Jari Tuononen, producer, designer-teacher, Pieksämäki
Hanna Vahvaselkä, visual artist, Mikkeli
Presenting Officer
Susanna Mäki-Oversteyns, Special Advisor
Information
Veera Kuure, Planning Officer
Arts Council of South Savo 2021–2022
Chairperson
Marja Ikonen, Executive Music Teacher, Rantasalmi
Other members
Elisa Hillgén, Photographic Artist, Mikkeli
Lauri Nykopp, Artist, Hirvensalmi
Satu Piispa-Hakala, Author, Mikkeli
Ilmo Pokkinen, Rector, Mikkeli
Jari Pylväinen, Actor, Rantasalmi
Paula Ruuttunen, Ceramic Artist, Designer, Mikkeli
The Arts Council of Southeast Finland is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Southeast Finland.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Southeast Finland. It also awards the annual Southeast Finland Art Prize.
Arts Council of Southeast Finland 2023–2024
Chairperson
Hanna Koikkalainen, photographer, Lappeenranta
Other members
Jouni Hiltunen, documentary film director, Kuusankoski
Antti Nieminen, master blacksmith, sculptor, Taipalsaari
Hanna Peräkylä, visual artist, Kouvola
Minna Pirilä-Martti, executive director, Lappeenranta
Maaria Päivinen, MPhil, Kotka
Mikko Sakala, art painter, Kouvola
Wiljami Salminen, musician, pedagogue, Kotka
Presenting Officer
Lea Halttunen, Special Advisor
Information
Laura Pajunen, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Southeast Finland 2021–2022
Chairperson
Eeva-Liisa Puhakka, Visual Artist, Ruotila (1.1.-31.12.2022)
Iiris Rannio, Director, Theatre Director, Lappeenranta (1.1.-31.12.2021)
Other members
Jomi Fagerström, Director of Education, Kouvola
Jouni Hiltunen, Documentary Film Director, Kuusankoski
Ville Huhtanen, Visual Artist, Imatra
Hanna Koikkalainen, Photographic Artist, Imatra
Vilma Ilmari Putro, Actress, Lappeenranta (1.1.-31.12.2022)
Maaria Päivinen, Author, Kotka
Wiljami Salminen, Musician, Kotka
The Arts Council of Uusimaa is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Uusimaa.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Uusimaa. It also awards the annual Uusimaa Art Prize.
Arts Council of Uusimaa 2023–2024
Chairperson
Lotta Nevalainen, acting executive director, head of international affairs, Helsinki
Other members
Tatu Ahlroos, interior architect, Helsinki
Terhi Kokkonen, musician, Helsinki
Piia Lääveri, production manager, Helsinki
Ahmed Mohamed Kakoyi, musician, producer, Espoo
Sami Nieminen, MA (Theatre and Drama), Helsinki
Pasi Rauhala, media artist, Lohja
Katriina Rosavaara, visual artist, Helsinki
Outi Rousu, producer, Porvoo
Pia Sirén, MVA, Loviisa
Aino Tenkanen, composer, MMus, Hyvinkää
Mika Wickström, writer, Helsinki
Presenting Officer
Tuulikki Koskinen, Special Advisor
Information
Tuire Tapanainen, Planning Officer
Helena Laahanen, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Uusimaa 2021–22
Chairperson
Ville Suhonen, Film Director, Otalampi
Other members
Vesa-Petteri Asikainen, MA (Theatre), Helsinki
Georg Grotenfelt, Film Director, Architect, Helsinki
Karri Miettinen, Rap Artist, Author, Helsinki
Lotta Nevalainen, Head of International Development, Helsinki
Riitta Paakki, Jazz Musician, Teacher, Helsinki
Pasi Rauhala, Visual Artist, Lohja
Katriina Rosavaara, Visual Artist, Helsinki
Anne Vasko, Illustrator, Author of Children’s Books, Hyvinkää
Matthew Whittall, Composer, Helsinki
Sinikka Vuola, Author, Helsinki
Denise Ziegler, Visual Artist, Helsinki
The Arts Council of Varsinais-Suomi is one of Taike’s regional expert bodies and is responsible for the region of Varsinais-Suomi.
The arts council makes decisions regarding the awarding of Taike’s regional grants to artists in the region of Varsinais-Suomi. It also awards the annual Varsinais-Suomi Art Prize.
Arts Council of Varsinais-Suomi 2023–2024
Chairperson
Pauliina Mäkelä, illustrator, visual artist, Turku
Other members
Pertti Jalava, composer, Paimio
Hertta Kiiski, visual artist, MVA, Turku
Maire Krusberg, performance artist, Parainen
Heikki Kännö, writer, Turku
Benny Majabacka, Lecturer in Cultural Production, Kaarina
Adrian Perera, writer, Turku
Marianne Petters, dance artist, antiquarian entrepreneur, Kemiönsaari
Jussi Vahvaselkä, theatre director, Turku
Presenting Officer
Salla Mistola, Special Advisor
Information
Eija Räsänen, Planning Officer
Arts Council of Varsinais-Suomi 2021–22
Chairperson
Leena Kela, Performance Artist, Mynämäki
Other members
Rosanna Fellman, Poet, Author, Åbo
Hertta Kiiski, Visual Artist, Turku
Ari Kostamo, Designer, Salo
Eero Merimaa, Visual Artist, Turku
Markus Rantanen, MA (Music), Turku
Iida Rauma, Author, Turku
Jussi Vahvaselkä, Musician, Conductor, Turku