Uutiset
From Antwerp to Amsterdam to Brussels, the art of coming together at art week(end)s
In our latest staff blog post, our Communications Manager discovers how Benelux Art Week(end)s are transforming the regional art scene through collaboration, accessibility, and community-focused programming.
Debunking myths: ice skating was not invented in Finland!
Our Head of Administration, Eeva-Maria Viitanen, former professional archaeologist and in-house expert unpacks archaeological evidence and unravels the true origins of ice skates and ice skating.
Alma Heikkilä’s solo exhibition opens on 31 May at RADIUS in Delft
Discover Alma Heikkilä’s solo exhibition at RADIUS, in Delft, The Netherlands, 31.5.–24.8.2025 exploring human-microbial entanglements and multispecies art practices.
Press Release: Teo Ala-Ruona’s powerful performance debuts in the Netherlands
The Finnish performance artist Teo Ala-Ruona’s Parachorale has its Dutch debut this May at Vleeshal in Middelburg, the Netherlands. Experience this groundbreaking performance blending choral singing, live tattooing, and ritual 17–18.5.2025.
Disabled futures – Josefien Cornette in conversation with Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen
Josefien Cornette (BE) and Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen (FI) reflect on art-making as disabled creators, exploring accessibility, community, and humour, offering a powerful vision of a more inclusive cultural field beyond an ableist world.
A gothic carnival of flesh and voice: Teo Ala-Ruona’s Parachorale debuts in the Netherlands this May
Parachorale by Finnish artist Teo Ala-Ruona and working group, has its Dutch debut at Vleeshal Center for Contemporary Art in Middelburg this May.
Ready to gather again for Everyday Priorities – Art, Technology and Accommodations?
Join us for Gathering II of Everyday Priorities – Art, Technology and Accommodations in Helsinki, Amsterdam and online 6.5.2025, 18:30 CET.
Colour: Seeing Beyond Pigment with Tiina Pyykkinen
Helsinki-based artist Tiina Pyykkinen joins ”Colour – Seeing Beyond Pigment” at Z33, an exhibition in Hasselt, Belgium, spotlighting sustainable colour innovations using melanin. From 8.5.–24.8.2025, researchers, designers, and artists unveil their fascinating results.
A festival like no other: Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival
In our latest blog post, our Head of Programme, Malin Bergström, shares her love for the one event that captures Brussels at its most bizarre and brilliant: Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.
Unveiling Renaissance: WAUHAUS’ Dutch debut at SPRING festival
Experience Renaissance by WAUHAUS, the acclaimed Helsinki-based arts collective, in their Dutch debut at SPRING Performing Arts Festival. This powerful 60-minute performance ritual explores transformation, queer futures, and radical imagination. 30.-31.5. at SPRING, Utrecht.
Finland gets freaky at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival
Experience Finnish sci-fi and horror at BIFFF 2025, one of the world’s biggest genre film festivals! Don’t miss the Belgian and world premieres by Arto Halonen and Marko Mäkilaakso at Brussels Expo, 8.–20.4.2025.
Come gather with us for Everyday Priorities – Art, Technology, and Accommodations
Join us for the first Everyday Priorities gathering on 25.3.2025 in Amsterdam, Helsinki, and online — featuring artists Joy Mariama Smith, Blue Fleming, Pernilla Manjula Philip, and Flis Holland.
Black Art, White Walls: Brussels reflections 6 months in
When Black art enters historically white institutions, what changes and what remains? In this reflection, our Programme Assistant, Joséphine Gram explores her experiences of Brussels’ cultural scene.
Participants selected for visual arts study trip to Amsterdam
Participants for the visual arts study trip to Amsterdam organised by the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux have been selected. Taking place in collaboration with Amsterdam Art Week the group will visit Amsterdam 20.–23.5.2025.
Antti Uimonen explores change in “Unfolding” at Barker Theatre in Turku
Turku’s Barker Theatre presents ”Unfolding” by Antti Uimonen, the Finnish choreographer, performer, and artistic researcher based in Amsterdam. Catch the performance 21.-23.3.2025.
Opportunity: Svenska kulturfonden internship at the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux
Svenska kulturfonden (The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland) is accepting applications 15.3.-31.3.2025, for internships starting in August. Join our team in Brussels! Read the full call in Swedish.
Casco Art Institute: Working for the Commons presents the 2025 spring programme featuring Kristiina Koskentola
The exhibition and public programme ”Sensing the Ways” explores ways of knowing through movement and the body, shaped by deep connections with nature and spirit. Opens 22.3.2025 at Casco Art Institute, Utrecht.
Join the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux as our next EDUFI intern
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux seeks a new Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) intern for a 4-month internship starting in August 2025. The application round is open 27.2.–13.3.2025. Good luck!
Radical visibility: The power of Disability art with Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen
Our Communications Assistant, Maija Lindström, reflects on the opening of Wallinheimo-Heimonen’s first solo exhibition in the Netherlands and the need for more spaces centering Disabled voices.
Living and working in Brussels: A personal perspective with Laura Boxberg
Catch up with our Director, Laura Boxberg, as she shares her experience of living and working in the heart of Europe, along with tips and recommendations for Brussels!
Join our new intensive Finnish for Beginners course starting online this March!
Start learning Finnish with us this spring. Study Finnish online from anywhere in the world with live online classes twice a week. Classes begin 17.3.2025. Register now!
Everyday Priorities—Art, Technology and Accommodations 2025
Join us in Amsterdam and Helsinki for a series of gatherings and new artistic commissions exploring equity, access, and new artistic practices with Joy Mariama Smith and Flis Holland.
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux is looking for a new Director in Brussels
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux is seeking a new Director in Brussels for a four-year term starting on 1.10.2025. The deadline for applications is 28.2.2025. Read the full call in Finnish.
What’s happening in Oulu in 2026?
Oulu has been named the 2026 European Capital of Culture. Celebrating its arts scene, it will feature festivals, exhibitions and indigenous Sámi artists. Discover what the programme has to offer and how to get there!
Meet Maija: Our new intern joining the team in Brussels
Introducing Maija, our new intern from Finland! With a background in sociology, global politics, and a passion for media and culture, she’s excited to explore Brussels and make an impact in the cultural sector. Welcome, Maija!
Open Call: Visual Arts Study Trip to Amsterdam in May 2025
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux invites Finland-based visual arts professionals to a study trip in the Netherlands, May 2025. Explore art institutions, join Amsterdam Art Week, and foster collaboration. Apply by 14.2.2025.
Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen: When I grow up, I will become a coat rack
Fresh from representing Finland at the 2024 Venice Biennale, Wallinheimo-Heimonen debuts her first exhibition in the Netherlands, opening 7.2.2025, at 1646 in The Hague.
Institute office closed for the holiday season 2024-25
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux will be closed for the holidays from 23.12.2024 until 7.1.2025. We wish you a restful holiday and a peaceful start to the new year.
EUNIC Mobility Days in Brussels: evaluating cultural collaboration in the heart of Europe
In early December EUNIC cluster members gathered in Brussels to exchange ideas, strengthen networks, and explore impactful collaborations.
Sebastian (2024): Finnish Director Mikko Mäkelä’s Queer Drama Hits Belgian Cinemas in November
Finnish-British director Mikko Mäkelä’s latest film Sebastian (2024) hits cinemas across Belgium 27.11.2024. Read Joséphine’s Gram’s insightful review.