News
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux draws the red line for Gaza
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux joins a collective call for justice in Gaza. On 15 June in Brussels, cultural organisations demand a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and EU action. Culture cannot stay silent—join us and wear red.
Johanna Råman appointed new Director of the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux
Johanna Råman has been appointed as the new Director of the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux. Råman begins her four-year term on 1 October 2025, succeeding Laura Boxberg, who has served as Director of the Institute and led its operations since 2021.
Policy and accountability: Finnish cultural and academic institutes gather in Brussels
We are excited to host the annual Spring Days in Brussels, where all 17 Finnish cultural and academic institutes are gathering to explore policy, accountability, and collaboration from 4–6 June 2025. We will be joined by experts, and policymakers.
Michelangelo Miccolis joins professionals programme organised by Hangö Teaterträff, Kiasma Theatre and Performing Arts Centre – Eskus
We are thrilled to support Belgium-based Michelangelo Miccolis’s participation to the professionals programme at URB Festival taking place this June in Helsinki, Finland.
Leading international curators from the Benelux, Sandrine Colard and Gabi Ngcobo, visit Helsinki Biennial Preview
International curators Sandrine Colard and Gabi Ngcobo to visit the Helsinki Biennial Preview as part of Frame’s visitor programme at the Helsinki Biennial, organised in partnership with HAM Helsinki Art Museum.
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!