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
Arts Council of Central Finland
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)
Arts Council of Häme
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
Arts Council of Lapland
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
Arts Council of North Karelia
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
Arts Council of North Savo
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
Arts Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu
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
Arts Council of Ostrobothnia
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
Deputy chairperson
Rosita Koskinen, Visual Artist, Seinäjoki
Other members
Annika Bergvik-Forsander, Visual Artist, Pietarsaari
Antti Hintsa, Visual Artist, Graphic 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
Arts Council of Pirkanmaa
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
Deputy chairperson
Marja-Liisa Torniainen, Visual Artist, Visual Arts Critic, Tampere
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
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
Arts Council of Satakunta
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
Arts Council of South Savo
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
Arts Council of Southeast Finland
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
Arts Council of Uusimaa
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
Deputy chairperson
Mika Wickström, Author, Helsinki
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
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
Arts Council of Varsinais-Suomi
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