The next application round is from 1 to 21 September 2025.
The evaluation of applications is a two-phased process. Firstly, the Expert Committee reviews each application independently. Secondly, the committee meets to discuss the applications and their independent evaluations to give a recommendation to the Foundation Board. The Expert Committee’s recommendation is checked by the Foundation’s staff and then submitted to the Board. The Foundation Board decides on grants twice yearly in May and November. The exact dates of these meetings are not disclosed. The Foundation does not provide status updates on the application process or justifications for its decisions.
“The grants provided by the Teosto Cultural Foundation will significantly help numerous music creators in achieving their dreams”
The Chair of the Expert Committee, Minna Huuskonen, is a long-standing professional in the music industry, an expert in music export and a well-known specialist of Finnish music and its creators. Huuskonen’s company, Minnamurra Music Management & Agency, represents jazz and world music creators worldwide. She has served as programme producer for Helsinki Festival’s Huvila, worked on export projects at Music Finland and its predecessor Fimic, and in numerous representation and jury roles, including the selection of artists for the major world music event WOMEX.
“The grants provided by the Teosto Cultural Foundation will significantly help numerous music creators in achieving their dreams. It is a privilege and an honour to serve as Chair of the Expert Committee. I am familiar with the other members from various contexts and have known some for years and even decades, our work will undoubtedly run smoothly. I am also confident that the Foundation’s values and goals will be reflected in our decision-making. I can hardly wait for the first application round, and to get started!” Huuskonen comments on the upcoming grant round.
In addition to Huuskonen, the Expert Committee includes Vice Chair Yari, Jari Knuutinen, known from the band SE and as a film music composer; Jari Eskola, recently appointed General Manager of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and an expert in both Finnish and international concert music; Markus Fagerudd, a multidisciplinary composer known especially for his stage music; Semira Ketroussi, an expert in publishing and music production and A&R manager at Island Records Finland and Elements Music; Kaija Kärkinen, former long-time Chair of Finnish Music Creators and lyricist, actress and singer; Lasse Kurki, A&R manager at Warner Music Finland, music creator and radio host; Minna Leinonen, composer, pedagogue, Doctor of Music and Teosto Prize winner; and Lotta Savolainen, music journalist, curator, musician and artistic director of the Lost in Music showcase festival.
The Expert Committee was appointed by the Board of the Teosto Cultural Foundation in June 2025. Its term of office is two years.
Read more about our application process here.
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The Teosto Cultural Foundation was established in 2024 to support Finnish music and the operating conditions of its creators. The goal of the Foundation is to increase both the artistic and economic value of Finnish music.