Ars Fennica 2025

Ars Fennica is a contemporary art prize awarded every two years and one of the largest in the Nordic countries. The 50,000 euro prize is open to Finnish, Nordic, and Baltic artists. The prize is awarded by the Henna and Pertti Niemistö Art Foundation – ARS FENNICA sr., and it is presented in recognition of outstanding artistic achievement and distinctive creative vision.

The nominees for the 2025 Ars Fennica Award and the international art expert were selected by the foundation’s award panel, which includes the chairperson, Dr. Leena Niemistö, along with members visual artist Eija-Liisa Ahtila, Dean Leevi Haapala (University of the Arts Helsinki’s Academy of Fine Arts), and Museum Director Arja Miller (HAM Helsinki Art Museum).

The Henna and Pertti Niemistö Art Foundation – ARS FENNICA sr was established in 1990 to promote the visual arts by opening up new channels for Finnish visual art internationally, by providing artists with inspiration in their creative work, and by encouraging interest in and respect for the visual arts among the general public.

The Ars Fennica exhibition is held for the first time at HAM Helsinki Art Museum. Each nominee contributes a small selection or ensemble of works to the accompanying exhibition. The prize winner will be announced in February 2026. The winner is selected by international art expert Mami Kataoka, Director of the Mori Art Museum.

Visitors are also invited to vote for their favourite. Ballots are available at the ticket desk upon arrival, and the Visitors’ Choice title will be presented alongside the main prize in February 2026.