Johanna Råman (pictured second from the left) joined the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux as its new Director at the beginning of October. Amid a very busy start, we asked Johanna to share her first impressions, her initial experiences, and her vision for the coming years. Get to know Johanna a little better in our conversation below.
How has it been starting this new chapter in Brussels?
It has been a wonderful start! The first working week already gave me a lot: a new office, a new team, and a new cultural environment. I’m happy to get back to the international cultural scene and explore the very interesting ways that art and cultural organisations in the Benelux work, programme and take a stand. The Benelux is a region of short distances whose societies are diverse, open and strongly appreciative of culture. I am thrilled to discover the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux’s long-term, impactful work. This will provide a good starting point for continuing to create collaborative opportunities for cultural practitioners and organisations across Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
You have a strong background in film and music. Are there any events, festivals or venues that you are excited to explore in the Benelux?
For the past two years, I worked as the Executive Director for DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival and before that in different music organisations – so yes, I have a natural interest in sound, music, and film, but I follow arts and culture widely.
There are so many wonderful art institutions in the entire Benelux area. In the upcoming years, I hope to visit International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Movies that Matter and Rewire Festival both in The Hague, and Le Guess Who? – International Music Festival in Utrecht.I also look forward to delving into different performances at KVS, Beursschouwburg, La Raffinerie, Rosas, CAMPO, VIERNULVIER, as well as seeing the upcoming re-opening of Kaaitheater and KANAL–Centre Pompidou, just to name a few.
We’ve been working on the action plan together for 2026, what are you most excited about for the coming year?
I am especially excited about the Institute’s upcoming programming that influences current societal discourse. The true measure of a society’s civility is reflected in how it engages with and treats its minorities, and we want to keep fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and represented.
What kind of collaborations would you like to foster in the Benelux region?
I want to acknowledge the importance of the entire art and culture ecosystem – every level needs to be taken into consideration. The level that needs to be identified, fostered and promoted always depends on the project, yet consistently and overarching, I aim to closely collaborate with our partners in line with our main mission: creating sustainable connections and work opportunities for culture and art professionals between Finland and the Benelux region, and promoting the visibility of Finnish culture in the Benelux countries.
What do you see as some of the biggest challenges ahead?
Institutionally, the biggest challenges are very often connected to funding. Culturally and politically, artistic freedom is more threatened globally than ever before. We must really work to protect this. When the arts are attacked, democracy is at risk and in crisis.
What is the legacy that you would like to leave behind from your time at the Institute?
I aim to create meaningful new connections and collaborations and to leave behind a heightened sense of sharing, gathering, cultural dialogue and exchange. Crucial for me too is strengthening the foundation of long-term institutional resilience. Close to my heart is also the goal of making our work evermore sustainable and accessible.
My goal is to continue the important work of the Institute, while also evolving it as a dynamic platform for dialogue, creativity, and inclusion. I hope we will continue to foster an environment where diverse voices truly feel heard and represented.
During your first week you headed to The Hague for the opening of Jenna Sutela’s exhibition, and to meet with other partners in the cultural field. How was it? Did the visit spark any new ideas or connections you hope to explore?
It was a wonderful 36-hour visit. I strongly recommend Jenna Sutela’s Ave bossa, bow ole exhibition at the Stroom Den Haag. This is a perfect opportunity to discover Sutela’s powerful “tech povera” before she goes on to represent Finland at the next Venice Biennale.
I was also happy to discover 1646’s experimental art space and their current exhibition To carry this body of an animal forth by Olof Marsja. This exhibition, drawing on Marsja’s Sámi heritage and the Sámi craft Duodji, led me to think about how many interesting artists are currently emerging from Sápmi. If you are interested in other contemporary Sápmi voices, themes, and in general the vibrant indigenous nation, I would recommend a visit to the Sámi Museum Siida and Skábmagovat Indigenous Film Festival in Inari.
I also got to discover a brand new part of 1646’s programme: Edible Concepts. For each edition, 1646 invites a chef to respond to the exhibition with flavour sensations, unexpected textures and exceptional garnishes. This reminded me of the amazing gastronomy culture and creative chefs we also have in Finland. Finland’s cuisine is usually built around fresh, natural ingredients, gathered straight from the waters, fields and forests. Seasonal eating isn’t a lifestyle choice in Finland – it’s tradition.
Here are a few interesting culture chefs and kitchens that I am actively following in Finland, since food, in my opinion, is art!:
- Koekeittiö is a test kitchen, culinary art space, and studio in Pihlajamäki, Helsinki, for artists working with different culinary practices and edible materials.
- Culture chef Jyrki Tsutsunen serves creative, wild food, and often experiments with musicians.
- Ossi Paloneva is a self-taught chef, food entrepreneur, and pioneer in all-ecological cooking, with a strong focus on future ingredients and innovative food solutions. He just organised VLLD’s pop-up dinners in September.
Additionally, here are a few of my favourite culinary addresses in Helsinki:
- Grön – a one-Michelin-star restaurant with a Michelin Green Star
- Nolla – a restaurant with sustainable development and circular economy values
- Bona Fide – a simple little bistro
- Kuurna – a small, family-run bistro.
At the start of each staff meeting, you invite us to share what we are currently most proud of. We are curious, after your first few weeks at the Institute, what are you most proud of?
I am so proud of the Institute’s work overall. Everything we do, we do on time, within the budget, and with high-quality. The Institute’s work is guided by principles of ecological, social and economic sustainability – something that personally resonates strongly with me.
And finally, for those who don’t know you yet! Is there a personal passion or dream you’d like to share with us?
As long as there is solidarity, there is hope. I am currently thinking of different ways to contribute to society, and I am looking forward to doing some volunteer work in Brussels. Good ideas are welcomed!
Another personal dream. I love the sea and water; I usually spend one week in the most Western point in Finland at a lighthouse, and do sailing trips with my friends. Maybe, one day, I could have the skills to captain a boat of my own.
Cover image: L-R: Alexandra Landré, Johanna Råman, Jenna Sutela and Lua Vollaard at the opening of Jenna Sutela’s exhibition Ave bossa, bow ole at Stroom Den Haag. Photo by Studio Uittenbogaart, courtesy of Stroom Den Haag.