Over the years, the Vimma Prize, awarded by Kynnys ry, has recognized artists and creators who have brought themes concerning disability and functional limitations to the forefront with high artistic quality. The award ceremony is now becoming a part of the Outsider Art Festival, and the jury is inviting nominations for the prize by the beginning of August.
Since 2009, the Vimma Disability Culture Prize has been awarded to artists who have raised questions related to disability and functional limitations in societal discussion while maintaining a high artistic standard. Previous recipients include artist Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen, who represented Finland at the Venice Biennale in 2024, actor Petri Poikolainen, known from the film The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic, and Finland’s Eurovision representative Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät.
The prize is awarded by the disability and human rights organization Kynnys ry, and it includes a working grant provided by the Tukilinja Foundation. Awardees are also offered the opportunity to present their works and practice at Kynnys ry’s cultural events.
In previous years, the prize has been awarded in December in conjunction with the DiDa – Disability Day Art & Action festival, organized in honor of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. However, the award ceremony is now being revamped and will become a part of the Outsider Art Festival program. The goal is not only to join forces among operators in the disability sector but also to increase the visibility of the prize.
“We at Kynnys are incredibly excited about this renewal! It is great to become part of one of Finland’s most significant cultural events and to bring disability culture into the mainstream together with other actors!” says Veera Florica-Rajala, Executive Director of Kynnys ry.
The Vimma Prize jury consists of Taru Perälä, Cultural Secretary of Kynnys ry; Jaana Vainio, Editor-in-Chief of Tukilinja magazine; Riku Ryynänen, Chairperson of the Cultural Association Suomen Eucrea ry; critic Aleksis Salusjärvi, representing the Finnish Critics’ Association; Aura Linnapuomi from the Culture for All service; and musician Sami Helle, representing Pertin Valinta and the Outsider Art Festival.
The Vimma Prize can be awarded to a representative of any art form, and the recipient can also be nominated to the jury through an open call. The Vimma jury hopes to receive a wide range of nominations by the beginning of August.
The event day at EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art will take place on August 21 from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM. The occasion will culminate in the presentation of the cultural awards: the OAF Prize and the Vimma Prize.
Nominations can be sent to: sanni.purhonen@kynnys.fi or by mail to Kynnys ry / Vimma Culture Prize, Yliopistonkatu 5, 7th floor, 00100 Helsinki.
You can find all previous award winners here: https://www.tukilinja.fi/apurahat/myonnetyt-apurahat/