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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Jari Hoffren, D.Soc.Sc., Lecturer in Cultural Production, Jyväskylä

Deputy chairperson

Miia Elivuo, Dance Teacher,  Jyväskylä

Other members

Timo Hannunen, Sculptor, Keuruu
Paula Honkimäki, Actor (FIA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Jyväskylä
Nina Huisman, Visual Artist, Jyväskylä
Juri Joensuu, PhD, Literary Scholar, Jyväskylä
Kari Toiviainen, Theatre and Media Worker, Media Artist, Jyväskylä

Presenting Officer

Sari Ilmola, Special Advisor

Information

Tuija Nevajuuri, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Central Finland 2023–2024

Chairperson

Mikko Auerniitty, Photographic Artist, Jyväskylä

Deputy chairperson

Ville-Juhani Sutinen, Author, 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
Kari Toivainen, Theatre and Media Worker, Media Artist, Jyväskylä (from 13 March 2024)

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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Inkeri Jaakkola, Doctor of Music (DMus), Lahti

Deputy chairperson

Terttu Keskinen-Rönkkö, Managing Director, Lahti

Other members

Anna-Kaisa Eriksson, Ceramic Artist and Designer, Hämeenlinna
Mikko Kentta, Furniture Designer, Managing Director, Lahti
Jarmo Kukkonen, Visual Artist, Hollola
Juha Rouhikoski, Light Artist, Artistic Director of Lux Helsinki, Hämeenlinna
Anniina Vainionpää, Visual Artist and Printmaker, Riihimäki

Presenting Officer

Lea Halttunen, Special Advisor

Information

Senni Suomala, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Häme 2023–2024

Chairperson

Juha Laurikainen, Designer, Artist, Hämeenlinna

Deputy chairperson

Maritta Lintunen, Author, Hämeenlinna

Other members

Inkeri Jaakkola, DMus, Lahti
Terttu Keskinen-Rönkkö, Managing Director, Lahti
Ilkka Laasonen, Theatre Director, Lahti
Antti Oikarinen, Visual Artist, Loppi 
Marion Robinson, Graphic Designer, Visual Artist, Lahti
Juha Rouhikoski, Light Artist, Hämeenlinna

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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Venla-Eeva Kakko, Intendant at Kemi Art Museum, Kemi

Deputy chairperson

Marko Niemelä, PhD, Customer Service Manager at Rovaniemi City Library, Rovaniemi

Other members

Áile Aikio, D.Soc.Sc., Postdoctoral Researcher, Inari
Henri Hagman, Visual Artist, Rovaniemi
Anu Jormalainen, Photographer, Freelance Art Journalist, Rovaniemi
Minna Kurttila, Author, Graphic Artist, Sieppijärvi, Kolari
Lauri Sallinen, Musician, Composer, Rovaniemi

Presenting Officer

Katariina Kummala, Special Advisor

Information

Antti Rundelin, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Lapland 2023–2024

Chairperson

Tittamari Marttinen, Author, Rovaniemi

Deputy chairperson

Tuomas Korkalo, Visual Artist, Rovaniemi

Other members

Jouko Alapartanen, Visual Artist, Tornio
Anu Jormalainen, Art Journalist, Photographer, Rovaniemi 
Venla Kakko, Curator, Kemi
Maarit Magga, MPhil, MA, Enontekiö
Jari Mikkola, Senior Teacher, Rovaniemi

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 2025–26

Chairperson

Mathilda Kauppila, Dance Artist, Helsinki

Deputy chairperson

Kaisa Jussila, Graphic Artist, Visual Artists (MFA), Tohmajärvi

Other members

Elina Arminen, Senior University Lecturer, Joensuu
Jari Knuutinen, Composer, Polvijärvi
Jaakko Tohkanen, Actor, Joensuu
Juhani Tuomi, Visual Artist (MFA), Joensuu

Presenting Officer

Laura Kokko, Special Advisor  

Information

Jenna Koistinen, Planning Officer

Arts Council of North Karelia 2023–24

Chairperson

Tuomas Ollikainen, Visual Artist, Joensuu

Deputy chairperson

Mathilda Kauppila, Dance Artist, Joensuu

Other members

Kirsi Kärnä, Actor, Joensuu
Jari Lappalainen, Music Pedagogue, Musician, Joensuu
Ahti Pitkänen, Visual Artist, Kitee
Riitta Turunen, Textile Artist, Heinävesi

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 2025–26

Chairperson

Markku Laakso, Lecturer in Guitar, Musician, Kuopio

Deputy chairperson

Taina Natunen, Costume Designer, Kuopio

Other members

Mari Arvinen, Visual Artist, Suonenjoki
Sannamaria Kuula, Master of Arts (Dance), Kuopio
Taina Natunen, Costume Designer, Kuopio
Santeri Niskanen, Actor, TM, Kuopio
Jouni Tossavainen, Author, Kuopio

Presenting Officer

Laura Kokko, Special Advisor 

Information

Jenna Koistinen, Planning Officer

Arts Council of North Savo 2023–24

Chairperson

Aki Lintumäki, Artist-Researcher, Kuopio

Deputy chairperson

Taina Natunen, Costume Designer, Kuopio

Other members

Jyrki Heikkinen, Author, Kuopio
Markku Laakso, Lecturer in Guitar, Kuopio
Sirpa Miettinen, Visual Artist, Art Pedagogue, Kuopio
Johanna Partio, Dance Artist, Lecturer, Kuopio

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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Minna Rytisalo, Author, Kuusamo

Deputy chairperson

Joose Mikkonen, Actor, Oulu

Other members

Jukka Laukkanen, Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Paltamo
Urho Kähkönen, Visual Artist, Kuhmo
Moosa Myllykangas, Sculptor, Oulu
Katja Johanna Sutela, University Lecturer, Musician, Liminka
Pekka Tähkävuori, Musician, Raahe
Darja Zaitsev, Master of Arts (Art and Design), Director, Curator, Oulu

Presenting Officer

Katariina Kummala, Special Advisor

Information

Antti Rundelin, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu 2023–2024

Chairperson

Reijo Valta, PhD, Oulu

Deputy chairperson

Minna Rytisalo, Author, Kuusamo

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
Dimitra Sidiropoulou-Salo, Musician, Music Journalist, 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 2025–26

Chairperson

Ulla Hyväluoma, Dancer, Vaasa

Other members

Annika Bergvik-Forsander, Visual Artist, Pietarsaari
Antti Hintsa, Visual Artist, Graphic Artist, Seinäjoki
Rosita Koskinen, Visual Artist, Seinäjoki
Markus Luomala, Conductor-Choir Director, musician, Kaustinen/Helsinki 
Anssi Orrenmaa, Freelance Author, Non-Fiction Author, Seinäjoki
Anna-Irina Parviainen, Actor (FIA), Kokkola
Jouni Ilari Tapio, Sound Designer, Vaasa

Presenting Officer

Susanna Mäki-Oversteyns, Special Advisor

Information

Antti Rundelin, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Ostrobothnia 2023–24

Chairperson

Henna Helmi Heinonen, Author, Psychologist, Seinäjoki

Deputy chairperson

Antti Hintsa, Artist, Graphic Designer, Lapua

Other members

Minna Bengs, Visual Artist, Seinäjoki
Ulla Kristiina Hyväluoma, Dancer, Vaasa
Rosita Maria Koskinen, Visual Artist, Seinäjoki
Markus Luomala, Conductor-Choir Director, musician, Kaustinen
Dan Lönnqvist, Senior Teacher, Organist, Pietarsaari
Irina Parviainen, Actor, 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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Tuula Linnusmäki, Dance Artist, Lempäälä

Other members

Yasmin Ahsanullah, Actor, Tampere
Aimo Hyvärinen, Media Artist, MA, Tampere
Juha Mantere, PhD, Professor of Music History, Akaa
Antti Oksa, Producer, Musician, Tampere
Jukka-Pekka Palviainen, Author, Sastamala
Saara Sillanpää, Visual Artis, Art Teacher, Tampere
Marja-Liisa Torniainen, Visual Artist, Visual Arts Critic, Tampere

Presenting Officer

Sari Ilmola, Special Advisor

Information

Tuija Nevajuuri, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Pirkanmaa 2023–2024

Chairperson

Tuula Linnusmäki, Dance Artist, Lempäälä

Deputy chairperson

Jouni Rissanen, Choir Director, Conductor, Kangasala

Other members

Minna Hokkanen, University Lecturer, Actor, Tampere
Aimo Hyvärinen, Media Artist, Tampere
Jukka-Pekka Palviainen, Author, Sastamala
Pekka Rahkonen, Illustrator, Comic Artist, Nokia
Marja-Liisa Torniainen, Visual Artist, Visual Arts Critic, Tampere

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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Kati Aalto, Dander, Dance Teacher, Pori

Deputy chairperson

Matti Velhonoja, Lecturer, Team Leader, Kankaanpää

Other members

Matei Gheorghiu, MMus, Composer, Kankaanpää
Kirsi Jaakkola, Visual Artist YAMK, Kankaanpää
Maria Pere, Actor, Pori
Niilo Rinne, Artist, Researcher, Pori
Susanna Virkki, MA, Doctoral Researcher, Pori

Presenting Officer

Susanna Mäki-Oversteyns, Special Advisor

Information

Eija Räsänen, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Satakunta 2023–2024

Chairperson

Kati Aalto, Dancer, Dance Teacher, Pori

Deputy chairperson

Matti Velhonoja, MPhil, Kankaanpää

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

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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Jari Tuononen, Producer-Director, Designer-Teacher, Mikkeli

Deputy chairperson

Veera Kolehmainen, Designer, Savonlinna

Other members

Kari Kärkkäinen, Sculptor, Juva
Hanna Matilainen, Author, Editor, Saarijärvi
Juho Puikkonen, Vice-Principal, Musician, Mikkeli
Susanna Tyrväinen, Designer, Pieksämäki

Presenting Officer

Laura Kokko, Special Advisor  

Information

Jenna Koistinen, Planning Officer

Arts Council of South Savo 2023–2024

Chairperson

Satu Piispa-Hakala, Author, Juva

Deputy chairperson

Jari Tuononen, Producer, Designer-Teacher, Pieksämäki

Other members

Veera Kolehmainen, Designer, Project Manager, Savonlinna
Lauri Nykopp, Artist, Hirvensalmi
Juho Puikkonen, Assistant Principal, Musician, Mikkeli
Hanna Vahvaselkä, Visual Artist, 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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Mikko Sakala, Painter, Kouvola

Deputy chairperson

Minna Raskinen, Musician, Educator, Kouvola

Other members

Jimmy Asikainen, Actor FIA, Teaching Assistant, Lappeenranta
Sirpa Hannele Heinonen, Visual Artist, Designer, Kouvola
Olli Mantere, Sculptor, Kouvola
Antti Nieminen, Master Blacksmith, Sculptor, Taipalsaari
Maiju Pohjola, Author, MA, Hamina

Presenting Officer

Lea Halttunen, Special Advisor

Information

Sini Paloheimo Voutilainen, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Southeast Finland 2023–2024

Chairperson

Hanna Koikkalainen, Photographer, Lappeenranta

Deputy chairperson

Maaria Päivinen, MPhil, Kotka

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
Mikko Sakala, Painter, Kouvola
Wiljami Salminen, Musician, Pedagogue, 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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Outi Rousu, Producer, Porvoo

Other members

Petri Ala-Maunus, Visual Artist, Helsinki
Mi Grönlund, Master of Arts (Theatre and Drama), Creative Director, Hanko
Jenni Haili, Photographic Artist, Helsinki
Mikko Innanen, Musician, Composer, Helsinki
Jussi Järvinen, Jewelry Artist, Helsinki
Henna Kaikula, Circus Artist, Raasepori
Henrik Pathirane, Poet, Visual Artist, Helsinki
Sepideh Rahaa, Visual Artist, Media Artist, Vantaa
Pia Sirén, Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Loviisa
Lauri Toivio, Composer, Graphic Artist, Järvenpää
Mika Wickström, Author, Helsinki 

Presenting Officer

Tuulikki Koskinen, Special Advisor

Information

Tuire Tapanainen, Planning Officer
Helena Laahanen, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Uusimaa 2023–2024

Chairperson

Lotta Nevalainen, Acting Executive Director, Head of International Affairs, Helsinki

Deputy chairperson

Pasi Rauhala, Media Artist, Lohja

Other members

Tatu Ahlroos, Interior Architect, Helsinki
Terhi Kokkonen, Musician, Helsinki
Ilari Kähönen, Visual Artist, Helsinki
Piia Lääveri, Production Manager, Helsinki
Ahmed Mohamed Kakoyi, Musician, Producer, Espoo
Sami Nieminen, MA (Theatre and Drama), Helsinki
Outi Rousu, Producer, Porvoo
Pia Sirén, MVA, Loviisa
Aino Tenkanen, Composer, MMus, Hyvinkää
Mika Wickström, Author, 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 2025–2026

Chairperson

Pauliina Mäkelä, Illustrator, Visual Artist, Turku

Deputy chairperson

Anna Torkkel, Choreographer-Dancer, Turku 

Other members

Magdalena Hai, Author, Masku 
Riina Kotilainen, Deputy Intendant, Turku
Maire Krusberg, Performance Artist, Iniö
Heikki Kännö, Author, Turku 
Benny Majabacka, Lecturer in Cultural Production, Kaarina 
Kyösti Mäkimattila, Musician, Entrepreneur, Lieto
Lotta Petronella, Filmmaker, Artist, Turku
Kimmo Schroderus, Sculptor, Salo 

Presenting Officer

Salla Mistola, Special Advisor

Information

Eija Räsänen, Planning Officer

Arts Council of Varsinais-Suomi 2023–2024

Chairperson

Pauliina Mäkelä, Illustrator, Visual Artist, Turku

Deputy chairperson

Maire Krusberg, Performance Artist, Parainen

Other members

Magdalena Hai, Author, Masku
Pertti Jalava, Composer, Paimio 
Hertta Kiiski, Visual Artist, MVA, Turku 
Heikki Kännö, Author, Turku 
Benny Majabacka, Lecturer in Cultural Production, Kaarina 
Marianne Petters, Dance Artist, Antiquarian Entrepreneur, Kemiönsaari 
Jussi Vahvaselkä, Theatre Director, Turku