About | The Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland

About us

As the leading expert on Finnish culture and society in the UK and Ireland, the Institute enables societal change through art and culture, empowering diverse voices and fostering creativity. Founded in 1991, the Institute is a non-profit, private foundation funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. The Institute is one of the 17 Finnish Cultural and Academic Institutes. The Institute is also a member of EUNIC London.‌

Our values and mission

We enable progressive change and aim to enrich connections between Finland, the UK and Ireland through art and culture. Our work is based on three key values: equity, sustainability, and creativity.

Our goals

Our goal is to position culture as a catalyst for positive social change, bridging divisions and fostering a more just, equitable future. We achieve this by:

Building bridges

We connect artists, organisations, and thought leaders across Finland, the UK, and Ireland to share knowledge and best practices to tackle joint challenges.

Igniting creativity

Through dialogue, residencies, and collaborative projects, we nurture creative solutions and raise awareness to tackle urgent social issues.

Empowering voices

We champion diverse perspectives, personal and lived experiences, building a more inclusive cultural landscape for all.

Who we are

Aleksi Malmberg (he/him)

Director

Aleksi Malmberg has extensive leadership experience in the cultural sector, both in Finland and internationally. Before moving to the UK, he has served as the General Manager of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Director of the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux, and Head of Programme for the Helsinki Festival, among other roles and advisory positions. Aleksi holds Master’s degree in Philosophy (MPhil, University of Helsinki), and Executive MBA (EMBA, Aalto University). Malmberg builds his work on the pillars of fairness, dialogue and curiosity, believing in the power of arts in society. aleksi.malmberg(at)fininst.uk +44 (0)7711 004801

Sara Kärpänen (she/her)

Programme Director, Arts

Based in London for over a decade, Sara Kärpänen works across storytelling, curation and publishing at the intersection of art and public space.

sara.karpanen@fininst.uk

Neicia Marsh (she/her)

Programme Director, Society

Neicia Marsh has worked in the cultural field in the UK and Finland for over 15 years, holding managerial positions within curating, production, and public relations for organisations based in the UK, US, and the EU. She holds an MA in Arts Management from the Sibelius Academy, and has worked for institutions and organisations such as Academy of Fine Arts Helsinki, Theatre Academy Helsinki, and Feminist Culture House. neicia.marsh@fininst.uk

Annika Pellonpää (she/her)

Project Manager

Annika Pellonpää is a project manager at the Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland. She has strong expertise in financial management, and has previously worked at the Institute as an assistant to the director. She holds a master’s degree in administrative sciences from the University of Lapland. annika.pellonpaa(at)fininst.uk