Sibelius Academy Foundation awarded 595 500 euros in grants

The Sibelius Academy Foundation awarded a total of 595,500 euros in grants in its annual general meeting on 15 of April 2021. A total of 198,365 euros were awarded in grants to 251 students. Additional 209,000 euros will be awarded later this year for competitions, and 188,135 euros was awarded for supporting the Sibelius Academy’s projects.

The effects of the pandemic were reflected on students’ applications, and some of the Sibelius Academy’s funding will be allocated later this year towards the rebuilding of the arts sector. 

-The year of the pandemic has been tough for students in the cultural sector. Competitions, master classes, visits and study trips have been cancelled and most of the teaching has been organised remotely. During the upcoming academic year, it is extremely important to rebuild our international and national networks and to ensure that our students can attain the goals that they had to postpone during the COVID pandemic, says Dean of Sibelius Academy Emilie Gardberg.

The total number of applications submitted was 328, of which 251 were approved. The dean made a proposal on the grant decision to the board based on the statements by the department heads. Grants were awarded e.g. for covering expenses caused by master classes, competition participations, doctoral degrees, as well as Junior Academy students’ travel expenses. 

Biggest awarded grants:       

  • €6,000 to Anna-Länsman-Näkkäläjärvi for organising the doctoral concert Jouit nyt 
  • €5,900 to Pia Siirala for organising the 4th artistic component of the Musiikin virta doctoral degree 
  • €4,000 to Mari Tirkkonen & team for premiering a new wind quintet by Touko Niemi

The applicants are notified of the results by email. It is not possible to appeal against the decision. The grants will be paid by 14 May at the latest.

Read the list of grantees (in Finnish)

The Sibelius Academy Foundation is an independent foundation operating in connection with the Sibelius Academy. The foundation was established in 1931 and it supports the Sibelius Academy financially through grants. The foundation is managed by a Board of Directors, which is appointed for a two-year term by the board of the University of the Arts Helsinki. The members of the Board are Lauri Paloheimo (chair), Tom von Weymarn (vice chair), Eeva Ahdekivi, Emilie Gardberg, Mammu Kaario, Tapio Oksanen and Jorma Ollila.

Further information

Anni Pokki
Foundation Officer for the Sibelius Academy Foundation
anni.pokki@uniarts.fi
050 476 69 61