Institution

Council of Arts and Culture

The Council will operate in conjunction with the Finnish Arts and Culture Agency and decide on the awarding of government grants and arts prizes based on peer reviews conducted within the Grant Assessment Panels. The Council will also make proposals for the title of Art Academic and serve as an expert body on arts and cultural policy.
Term of office
-
Ryhmäkuva, joka on otettu ulkona harmaata seinää vasten
Members and deputy members of the Council of Arts and Culture. Photo Lari Järnefelt / Felt Fotografi.

The nomination was taken by the Government based on the preparations of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The term begins on 1 July 2026 and ends on 30 June 2029.

Members appointed to the Council of Arts and Culture

  • Pauliina Feodoroff, Film Director
  • Krister Gråhn, Sculptor 
  • Ville Hänninen, Critic, Non-Fiction Author
  • Jyrki Karttunen, Choreographer
  • David Kozma, Actor, Director
  • Anssi Lassila, Architect
  • Virpi Rautsiala, Actor
  • Outi Rousu, Producer
  • Maarit Ruikka, Theatre Director
  • Pajtim Statovci, Author
  • Hannele Mikaela Taivassalo, Author
  • Riikka Talvitie, Composer

Deputy Members appointed to the Council of Arts and Culture

  • Katri Saukonpää, Producer
  • Anita Seppä, Professor
  • Päivi Setälä, Director
  • Matti Hakamäki, Director
  • Satu Miettinen, Dean
  • Olavi Uusivirta, Actor, Musician
  • Ilona Hongisto, Professor

The appointment of the Council of Arts and Culture is connected to the new peer review structure and the resulting discontinuation of the current arts councils as of 1 July 2026.

The principles of peer reviews, the autonomy of art and regional equality will be maintained in decision-making.

Read more

Press release

New peer review system for the arts: 324 members appointed to Pool of Experts

The peer review system of the Finnish Arts and Culture Agency has been restructured, and the former arts councils were discontinued over the summer. The new system comprises a Council of Arts and Culture, a Pool of Experts and rotating Grant Assessment Panels to review grant applications. The Council of Arts and Culture has now appointed the members of the Pool of Experts for the first three-year term.
Ryhmäkuva, joka on otettu ulkona harmaata seinää vasten
News

New Council of Arts and Culture convenes for organisational meeting

The Council of Arts and Culture held its first meeting on 19 August 2026. The council elected composer Riikka Talvitie as Deputy Chair from among its members. Samu Forsblom is Chair of the Council.
News

Government appoints Council of Arts and Culture for 2026–2029 term

The Government has appointed the Chair, members and deputy members of the Council of Arts and Culture for a three-year term. Programme Director Samu Forsblom was appointed as Chair. The appointment of the Council of Arts and Culture is connected to the new peer review structure and the resulting discontinuation of the current arts councils as of 1 July 2026.