National Council for the Performing Arts

The National Council for the Performing Arts supports and recognises professional artists in the field of the theatrical arts by awarding artist grants, project grants and state prizes.

Each year approximately 53 theatre professionals work on artist grants. The council also distributes over 300,000 euros a year in project grants to support independent theatre productions and Finnish drama literature.

The council also reviews subsidy applications by communities in the field of the theatrical arts, based on which the Director of Taike makes the final decision. Each year these communities receive almost 3 million euros in special subsidies and operational subsidies. The majority of these funds is allocated as operational subsidies to independent theatre groups.

The council also provides expert opinions on artist pension applications within the field of the theatrical arts.

National Council for the Performing Arts 2019–20

Chairperson:

Ville Sandqvist, Director, Helsinki

Other members:

Mikael Aaltonen, Producer, Helsinki
Ari Ahlholm, Teacher, Turku
Giorgio Convertito, Dance Artist, Helsinki
Heta Haanperä, Theatre Director, Oulu
Saara Juvonen, Cultural Producer, Helsinki
Ulla Mäkinen, Lecturer in Dance, Varislahti
Lotta Nevalainen, International Affairs Manager, Helsinki
Raija Ojala, Executive Director (retired), Helsinki
Sirpa Riuttala, Theatre Director, Helsinki/Lappeenranta
Samuli Roininen, Dancer-Choreographer, Tampere
Jussi Sorjanen, Theatre Director, Helsinki

Presenting Officer

Mari Karikoski, Special Adviser (Theatre, Performance and Live Art, Dance, Circus Art)

Information

Anni Tappola, Planning Officer