Grant applications for intangible cultural heritage projects focus this year on cultural diversity

This year's grants aim to promote intercultural dialogue and secure the rights of minorities to safeguard their own cultural heritage. Applications can be submitted at haeavustuksia.fi. The application period ends on October 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM.

Finland ratified the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. The Finnish Heritage Agency is responsible for implementing this convention in Finland.

Since 2018, the Finnish Heritage Agency has supported intangible cultural heritage projects through state grants. The 2025 grants particularly aim to support activities that promote cultural diversity as part of cultural heritage work or the cultural activities of minority groups.

Intangible cultural heritage refers to traditions and practices that are passed down from generation to generation. This can include celebrations, food traditions, craftsmanship, performing arts, storytelling, or skills related to nature. Traditions are constantly changing and evolving. Cultural diversity, as well as the traditions and cultural activities of different minorities, enriches intangible cultural heritage.

Eligible applicants include associations, municipalities, foundations, and companies. Applications can be made in Finnish, Swedish, or English. The application period ends on October 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM.

The Finnish Heritage Agency will hold an information session online via Zoom on Wednesday, September 10, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Registration can be done at the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/plhPqD7JQTaQd00rJeMRvw

More information about the grant https://www.museovirasto.fi/en/avustukset/avustukset-aineettoman-kulttuuriperinnoen-sopimuksen-mukaisiin-yhteistyoe-ja-kehittaemishankkeisiin-1

More information about intangible heritage https://www.aineetonkulttuuriperinto.fi/en/

Apply for the grant https://www.haeavustuksia.fi/en/

For specific questions regarding applying for the grant, please contact: Senior Adviser Eija Liukkonen, tel. +358 (0)295 33 6009, firstname.lastname@museovirasto.fi

For information on the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage: Senior Adviser Leena Marsio, tel. +358 (0)295 33 6017, firstname.lastname@museovirasto.fi

Photo: Storytelling Workshop at the Helinä Rautavaara Museum in Espoo 2023. Ministry of Education