Ars Fennica 2021 shortlist to be announced on 17 August in Hämeenlinna Town Hall

The Ars Fennica Art Award was established in 1990 by the Henna and Pertti Niemistö Art Foundation – ARS FENNICA sr. It is awarded every two years as a recognition of outstanding achievements in the visual arts. The first prize was awarded in 1991. To honour the thirties anniversary the monetary prize has been raised to EUR 50,000.

The shortlist has been selected by the Ars Fennica Award Panel comprising Dr Leena Niemistö (Chair), Kari Vehosalo, visual artist, Kai Kartio, Director of Amos Rex Art Museum and Leevi Haapala, Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.

The winner, chosen by an international art expert appointed by the panel, will be announced on 10 February 2022.

The press conference on 17 August will open with an address by Juha Isosuo, Deputy Mayor of Hämeenlinna. Kari Niemistö, Chairman of the Ars Fennica Art Foundation board, will then provide an overview of the Foundation's activities over the past thirty years. This will be followed by a presentation of the Ars Fennica shortlist by Leena Niemistö, Chair of the Award Panel. The event will be held in Finnish and English. Questions can also be asked in Swedish.

An exhibition of works by the nominees will be held at Hämeenlinna Art Museum from 15 October 2021 to 3 April 2022. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artist at the Ars Fennica 2021 exhibition.

The event will conclude by 2pm. A buffet lunch will be served.

Please register your attendance at the event by 2 pm, 16 August at taidemuseo@hameenlinna.fi

The names of the Ars Fennica nominees and press packs will be posted on the Ars Fennica website at https://arsfennica.fi/en/media by 11am (EET) on 17 August 2021.

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