The Finnish Government has appointed Emilie Gardberg, Master of Arts, as Director General of the new Finnish Arts and Culture Agency for a five-year term from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.
Gardberg has extensive leadership experience in the cultural sector, having served as Dean of the Sibelius Academy, Director of the Finnish Institute in London, Director of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, and Executive Director of the Turku Music Festival. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University in New York.
As Director General, Gardberg will be responsible for the overall leadership, strategic development and performance management of the Finnish Arts and Culture Agency.
The Agency, which operates under the Ministry of Education and Culture, will be established at the turn of the year through the merger of the Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike) and the National Audiovisual Institute (Kavi). Its mandate covers the promotion of art and culture, media education and media safety, as well as the preservation and dissemination of audiovisual heritage. The Arts and Culture Council will operate in connection with the Agency.