Finland and The American-Scandinavian Foundation
Internet Resources
- Embasy of Finland -
Washington, D.C. - The Nordic Pages on Finland
Finland was welcomed as a full participant in the work of The American-Scandinavian Foundation in 1961, in celebration of the ASF's 50th Anniversary. Her Excellency Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic of Finland, has graciously served as the Foundation's Patron from Finland since her election to office in 2000. ASF's sister organization in Finland is the League of Finnish-American Societies (Suomi-Amerikka Yhdistysten Liitto).
The ASF's sister organization in Finland is the League of Finnish-American Societies (Suomi-Amerikka Yhdistysten Liitto).
Exchange Activities
Over the years, more than 27,000 young Americans and Scandinavians have participated in ASF's exchange programs of study, research and practical training. Collaborating in this effort in Finland are The League of Finnish-American Societies and the Center for International Mobility.
Fellowships
For the 2007-2008 academic year, the Foundation provided $32,000 in funding to six Finns for study and research in the United States, and $24,600 to two Americans for study and research in Finland. Each year as many as 10 scholars participate in this educational exchange. Included in the long list of American Fellows to Finland is US statesman Adlai Stevenson.
Training
Through its training/internship program, The American-Scandinavian Foundation makes possible on-the-job experience in America for Finnish young professionals, students and recent graduates and in Finland for young Americans. Each year, some 50 students and young professionals come from Finland to receive practical experience in the United States. In return, a number of Americans train in Finland in various fields including teaching English and forestry research.
Scandinavian Review
The Foundation's journal presents contemporary Nordic culture and society to an English-speaking readership. Recent articles related to Finland include:
- Finland 1917-1919: Three Conflicts, One Century
- Finland’s National Painter: Akseli Gallen-Kallela
- Looking Back: Who are the Finns?
- Tove Jansson and Her Lovable Moomins
- Projection Problems
- Lönnrot Lives!
Cultural Awards
The ASF's Cultural Award is presented to individuals whose achievements in the fields of art and culture have significantly furthered understanding between the United States and the Nordic countries.
H.E. Martti Ahtisaari, President of Finland from 1994-2000, was Patron of the Foundation during his presidency, and currently serves as the ASF’s Honorary Trustee from Finland. President Ahtisaari was the recipient of the ASF Gold Medal in 2006.
Finnish recipients of ASF's Cultural Award also include Jorma Hynninen, baritone; Esa-Pekka Salonen, Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; and Tove Jansson, author of the Moomintroll books.
Public Projects
The ASF also brings cultural programs to an audience beyond Scandinavia House through funding for public projects throughout the U.S. and Scandinavia. Recent programs supported by the ASF include:
- Commission and performances of a new cello concerto by Kaija Saariaho, conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste, and performed by cellist Anssi Karttunen at the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
- Seminar Managing Change in the Globalized Society for young American and Nordic leaders at the Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Center, Helsinki.
- Performance of works by Finnish composer, Kimmo Hakoka by the Present Music Ensemble at the Miller Theatre at Columbia University, New York.
- “Sisu Cinema: Nine From the Finnish New Wave” at upcoming Northwest Film Forum, Seattle.
Programs at Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America
Current and recent programs at Scandinavia House related to Finland include:
- From Wood to Architecture: Recent Designs from Finland, an exhibition about the use of wood as a building material in recently-constructed buildings.
- Lahjan tytöt: Aesthetic Gymnastics Club, a gymnastic group that combines art and sport in enchanting combination.
- Marion Melnik & Marko Hilpo, a soprano and pianist celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jean Sibelius.
- The Moominvalley, an interactive instillation for children.
- Kaiku – The Many Faces of a Finnish Woman, a mix of jazz, pop and classical music.
- A presentation by Susan Barry, curator of Glass from Finland, and Finnish glass artist Oiva Toikka on Mr. Toikka’s unique design process.
- Roi Ruottinen Ensemble & Ilari Kaila, a cellist and violinist present music by Jean Sibelius.
- New films from Finland are regularly shown as part of the ASF film program. Recent Finnish screenings include Jade Warrior, Matti- Hell is for Heroes and a collection of short films from Finland’s new generation of filmmakers.
Translation Prize
ASF awards an annual prize for the finest English translation of prose or poetry by a Nordic author born after 1800. Winners for translations from Finnish include:
- Michele Simeon for excerpts from Auringon Asema by Ranya Paasonen
- Aili and Austin Flint for excerpts from A Congregation of Birds by Marja-Liisa Vartio
- Anselm Hollo for poetry by Pentti Saarakoski and Paavo Haavikko
- Kathleen Osgood Dana for excerpts from the novel Here Beneath the Northern Star by Väino Linna
- Ritva Poom for short stories by Raija Siekkinen
- Richard Impola for short stories by Leena Krohn