The group exhibition showcasing the works of the candidates for Finland’s most significant visual-art prize will be on display at HAM in the autumn 2025. The winner will be chosen by an international art expert, Director of the Mori Art Museum Mami Kataoka.

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.

In alternate years, the Foundation awards Finland’s most significant visual-art prize – 50,000 euros. The prize goes to an artist in recognition of individual artistic work of outstanding quality. The nominees have variously been from Finland, the Nordic countries, the Baltic States and the St Petersburg region.

The candidates for 2025 have been nominated by the 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 winner will be chosen from among the candidates by an international art expert invited by the award committee, Director of the Mori Art Museum and Director of the National Center for Art Research (NCAR) in Japan, Mami Kataoka.

The group exhibition showcasing the candidates’ works will be on display at HAM Helsinki Art Museum from October 24, 2025, to March 15, 2026. The winner will be announced in the spring of 2026. The public can also vote for their favorite candidate in the exhibition.