Finnish art showcased in New York – Minister Talvitie strengthens partnerships in the United States

Ministry of Education and Culture
Publication date 27.11.2025 8.49
Type:News item

Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie will visit New York from 1 to 4 December to strengthen partnerships between Finland and the United States in culture and the creative industries, with a special focus on visual arts.

During her visit, Minister Talvitie will attend the opening of an exhibition of works by Helene Schjerfbeck at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and explore New York galleries presenting Finnish contemporary art as part of a new collaboration between the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York, Finland’s Consulate General in New York and the New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA). The Minister will also meet representatives of local cultural institutions and professionals in the field.

“An exhibition of Helene Schjerfbeck’s work at one of the world’s most prestigious art museums is a significant tribute to a central figure in Finnish art. Schjerfbeck’s artistic courage and constant renewal continue to resonate, and her example shows that unique talent attracts international interest, provided that global audiences and professionals are made aware of it. I want to champion today’s artists so they gain the recognition they deserve in the world’s foremost art hubs. That’s why I’ll be meeting American gallerists, curators and other leading voices in the arts during my trip,” says Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie.

The visit aims to help Finnish artists and creative industries gain international reach in line with the Government Programme, the Cultural Policy Report and the Growth Strategy for the Creative Economy.

“I see this visit to New York as an opportunity to advance the goals of both the Cultural Policy Report and the Growth Strategy for the Creative Economy. These are not just words on paper; they set a clear direction for our work. We have moved from drafting strategies to implementing them – to getting things done,” Talvitie says.

The Cultural Policy Report stresses that culture and the creative industries contribute to resilience, vitality and wellbeing in society. The Growth Strategy for the Creative Economy highlights strengthening exports and international engagement as key priorities.

Finnish contemporary art featured in New York galleries and museums

Three New York galleries – Gaa, Margot Samel and Ulterior – will present exhibitions of Finnish contemporary art this winter as part of a new collaboration between the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York, Finland’s Consulate General and NADA.

Funded by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Finlandia Foundation National and the Ministry of Education and Culture, the project brought gallery representatives to Finland earlier this year to meet artists and institutions. These visits have led to a series of exhibitions aimed at strengthening ties between the Finnish and New York art scenes and increasing the international visibility of Finnish visual art.

“Finnish visual art is in a challenging position. I want to do my part to improve the livelihoods of artists and other professionals by supporting their networking and opportunities to succeed in New York. Success there can open doors elsewhere too,” Talvitie says.

The strong visibility Finnish art is gaining in New York is the result of long-term efforts to promote art exports and build international networks. Next year, the city will offer Finnish artists several major platforms.

Jenna Sutela will feature in an exhibition opening in early 2026 at the renowned New Museum. Sutela will also represent Finland at next year’s Venice Biennale, where the Finnish Pavilion exhibition has been curated by Stefanie Hessler, Director of Swiss Institute in New York. Frame Contemporary Art Finland, which supports the international promotion of Finnish contemporary art, has in recent years advanced numerous exhibition projects in New York and across the United States.

In addition, Pioneer Works, a cultural centre where art and science converge, will host a solo exhibition by Tuomas A. Laitinen during Climate Week NYC. Laitinen’s works were last displayed in New York in The Boneless One exhibition at the Yeh Art Gallery in 2022. New works by Iiu Susiraja, whose art was featured at MoMA PS1 in 2023, will be shown at Gratin in an exhibition opening in December 2025.

Inquiries:

  • Anssi Vallius, Special Adviser, Consulate General of Finland in New York, tel. +1 917 515 7030, [email protected]
  • Kati Laakso, Executive Director, Finnish Cultural Institute in New York, tel. +1 917 692 0609, [email protected]
  • Requests for interviews with the Minister: Santeri Lohi, Special Adviser to Minister Talvitie, tel. +358 295 330 353

Read more
Culture Osaava Suomi