Our recent Strategy Day brought together the Institute’s staff and the executive board of the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux Trust to reflect on the organisation’s current work and start shaping its strategy for 2027–2030.
The day included an analysis of the 2024–2026 Strategy and our equity work, a workshop on fundraising and new funding opportunities, and a review of the stakeholder survey results to map out challenges and opportunities for the Institute’s work in the current operating environment.
The afternoon was dedicated to focusing on the future, exploring our mission, operating environment, vision and values, by answering the questions: Where are we now? What is challenging us? Where do we want to go?
We asked our staff members for their key takeaways from the day, here is what they had to say:
Director, Johanna Råman: A good strategy must be future-oriented, ambitious yet realistic, focused on opportunities while remaining attentive to risk. Our Board supports us in taking smart risks that will enable the Institute to seize new opportunities, strengthen its impact, and move confidently into the future.
Communications Assistant, Julianna Areva: We actively recognise the challenges of fundraising and meet them with creative and sustainable ideas to keep a strong Institute programme.
Head of Administration, Eeva-Maria Viitanen: We aim for a diverse team that reflects the environment we operate in, bringing together different voices to navigate complex challenges.
Programme Assistant, Linda Lindström: Being aware of our resources, what we have and what we still need, and thinking creatively outside the box in order to grow stronger.
Head of Programme: Malin Bergström: We are in ongoing dialogue with our stakeholders and have a board that is aligned with us, giving strong engagement and support.
Communications Manager, Ela Suleymangil: Both staff and board have ownership of the strategy and are actively involved in shaping it.
We will be sharing more about the strategy process in the months to come. Thank you again to all our staff, board and stakeholders for their active participation so far.
Cover image (L-R): Antti Wihanto, Eeva-Maria Viitanen, Linda Lindström, Iiris Kivimäki, Petri Lahesmaa, Paula Raitis (Chairperson), Lieven Ameel, Martti Kivistö (Vice-Chairperson), Malin Bergström, Johanna Råman, Marja Rislakki, Riikka Thitz and Julianna Areva at the Institute office. Photo by Ela Suleymangil / Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux.