Arts & culture

New audiences continue to find Finland’s number one painter, Helene Schjerfbeck

Early in 2020, record-breaking attendance at Helsinki’s Ateneum Art Museum and the release of a feature film signalled that artist Helene Schjerfbeck is getting much-deserved attention from audiences of all ages. We talk with actor Laura Birn and curator Anna-Maria von Bonsdorff.

Arts & culture Webpick

Nordic and international photographers exhibitions on the streets of Helsinki

The Helsinki Photo Festival, from July 7 to September 30, 2020, brings the artistic medium of photography back onto the streets.

Arts & culture Music

Operatic Finnish police officer’s performance resonates online

It sounds like some sort of modern fairy tale: Once upon a time, there was a police officer who turned into an opera singer. Years passed, and he turned back into a police officer. Later, he gained renewed renown on Youtube.

Arts & culture Equality

Tom of Finland and IDAHOTB both continue to contribute to pride and acceptance

May 8 is the birthday of Tom of Finland (1920–91), often called Finland’s most famous artist globally. Shortly after that anniversary, on May 17, the annual International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) takes place.

Arts & culture Art

Finnish museums step up their online game to meet demand

Unable to invite visitors onto their premises, Finnish museums are taking to their websites and social media to meet the demand for beauty, inspiration and ideas, bringing audiences everything from video art to VR guided tours. Here are some of our favourites.

Arts & culture Music

Bridging the social distance, Finnish musicians realign online

As tons of gigs get cancelled or postponed, relegated to an indefinite future because of Covid-19, many musicians and other performing artists in Finland are reaching their fans online, either on designated concert sites or by posting video material.

Arts & culture Art

In Helsinki, Amos Rex showcases the new generation of artists

The triennial Generation 2020 exhibition offers an overview of 15-to-23-year-old artists in Finland. They use a range of media to comment on today’s world.

Arts & culture Visual arts

We’re all in this together: First Helsinki Biennial highlights ties between nature and humans

People who take the 20-minute ferry to the island of Vallisaari in summer 2021 can connect with art and nature at the first-ever Helsinki Biennial. Digital material is on offer if corona-related restrictions or geography prevent you from attending in person.