Anssi Lassila Appointed to Council for Arts and Culture

Anssi Lassila has been appointed as a member of the Finnish Council for Arts and Culture for a three-year term of office, starting on July 1, 2026 and ending on 30 June 2029.

The Council operates in conjunction with the Finnish National Agency for Arts and Culture. It decides on state artist grants and art prizes based on peer review. It also makes proposals for the title of Academician of the Arts and acts as an expert body on art and cultural policy. To safeguard the autonomy of art, its activities are based on independent expert assessment. The Council members and deputy members represent a broad range of expertise in art and cultural policy.

Program Director Samu Forsblom was appointed as Chair. As an architect and professor of architecture, Anssi Lassila represents expertise in strategic development and education in the arts and culture sector. The other members of the Council are director Pauliina Feodoroff, sculptor Krister Gråhn, critic and author Ville Hänninen, choreographer Jyrki Karttunen, director David Kozma, actor Virpi Rautsia, producer Outi Rousu, director Maarit Ruikka, author Pajtim Statovci, autor Hannele Mikaela Taivassalo, composer Riikka Talvitie.

The deputy members are producer Katri Saukonpää, professor Anita Seppä, director Päivi Setälä, director Matti Hakamäki, dean Satu Miettinen, actor and musician Olavi Uusivirta, professor Ilona Hongisto.

• For more information, see the announcement by the Ministry of Culture and Education HERE.