Policy Monitor – Page 4 – European Heritage Hub

Valtioneuvoston asetus museoista (Government Decree on Museums)

1 January 2006

This piece of legislation defines the requirements for museums seeking government funding in Finland. In addition to the standards laid out in the Museums Act of 1992, museums must demonstrate that their operations take into account the museum’s theme and geographic area in defining scope and in their preservation, research, and documentation functions. Requirements for key museum personnel include experience in the museum’s field and basic knowledge of museum practice. Successful museums must also provide long-term financial and operational plans indicating how collections will be developed, maintained, and made available

Laki Museovirastosta (Act on the National Board of Antiquities)

18 June 2004

This legislation establishes the Finnish Museum Agency, under the Ministry of Education and Culture, to safeguard cultural heritage and manage the country’s museums. Its primary purpose is to enhance the protection, management, and display of Finland’s cultural and historical assets. The Agency’s responsibilities include the acquisition, care, and exhibition of cultural and historical national assets. It acts as an expert authority for the protection of cultural heritage and environments, and oversees ancient monuments and cultural sites not managed by other authorities. Additionally, it is responsible for researching cultural heritage, preserving

Valtioneuvoston asetus Museovirastosta (Government Decree on the National Board of Antiquities)

1 June 2004

The legislation establishes and governs the operations of the Finnish Museum Agency, commonly referred to as Museovirasto. This legislation outlines the Agency’s comprehensive responsibilities, including the protection and development of the country’s cultural heritage. The Agency is tasked with the administration of national museums, the safeguarding of archaeological sites, and the promotion of cultural heritage awareness. The law specifies the organisational structure of the Agency, led by a Director-General. It includes various departments and regional units dedicated to diverse aspects of cultural preservation, such as archaeology, history, and art history.

Maankäyttö- ja rakennuslaki (Land Use and Building Act)

1 January 2000

This legislation outlines the regulations and requirements concerning land use, construction, and heritage preservation. It emphasises the importance of maintaining safe and healthy conditions in building projects, ensuring compliance with environmental protection laws. The law also addresses the significance of considering heritage and cultural aspects in planning and decision-making processes. Regarding heritage preservation, the legislation mandates adherence to specific guidelines and regulations when developing or constructing in areas of historical or archaeological significance. It highlights the need to protect and preserve cultural heritage sites, requiring thorough assessments and approvals before

Laki eräistä kuvataiteen tekijöille suoritettavista apurahoista (Act on Certain Grants to Authors of Visual Arts)

1 March 1997

This legislation aims to support and promote the work of visual artists in Finland by providing them with grants to maintain and enhance their artistic practices. The law establishes a framework for the distribution of annual grants from state funds to artists whose publicly owned works are displayed. These grants are intended to sustain and develop the economic conditions of artists engaged in creative endeavours. Furthermore, the legislation specifies that the grants are available to visual artists residing or having permanently resided in Finland. The total amount of funds allocated

Asetus taidenäyttelyiden valtiontakuusta (Decree on State Guarantees for Art Exhibitions)

1 May 1991

This legislation outlines the government’s policy to support art exhibitions and preserve the country’s historical artefacts and artworks. It establishes the National Board of Antiquities (NBA), in charge of safeguarding and managing the country’s cultural heritage. The board grants state guarantees for art exhibitions, provided they meet certain criteria to support the local and national art scene and promote international cultural exchange. To qualify for the state guarantees, applicants must submit a request detailing the exhibition’s content, including a list of the art pieces, their value, and the proposed exhibition

Laki taidenäyttelyiden valtiontakuusta (Act on State Guarantees for Art Exhibitions)

1 May 1991

This law provides state guarantees for damages incurred during exhibitions of art, historical, and cultural artefacts. The objectives and scope of the law are precisely defined, and it applies only to non-commercial exhibitions of considerable cultural significance. This law regulates the conditions under which state guarantees for damages to exhibition items incurred by the exhibitor can be granted. It specifies that if damages can be compensated through insurance or another warranty, state guarantees will not be granted. The legislation further indicates the requirements that organising institutions must meet to qualify

Laki Suomenlinnan hoitokunnasta (Act on the Governing Body of Suomenlinna)

1 March 1989

This legislation establishes the management framework for the Suomenlinna fortress in Helsinki, which is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Suomenlinna fortress served as an important military base for centuries, and now it is a popular tourist destination. The law grants the Ministry of Education the mandate to oversee the Suomenlinna’s management through the Suomenlinna Governing Body. The Body is responsible for the preservation, administration, maintenance, and restoration of the buildings and areas within the fortress complex. The law outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Suomenlinna Governing Body

Muinaismuistolaki (Antiquities Act)

26 April 1963

This legislation aims to safeguard Finland’s ancient heritage by protecting and preserving ancient monuments and artefacts. It establishes strict regulations prohibiting any unauthorised excavation, alteration, or damage to these historical sites without the necessary permits. The law places the responsibility on permit holders to notify the relevant authorities of any changes made to the protected areas. Furthermore, the legislation outlines the process for obtaining permits for activities that may impact ancient monuments, ensuring that proper assessments are conducted to minimise harm to these valuable cultural assets. It also addresses the

Valtioneuvoston asetus valtion taiteilija-apurahoista (Government Decree on State Artist Grants)

This legislation outlines the procedures for applying for state artist pensions and grants, emphasising the importance of timely notifications to the State Treasury regarding any changes that may affect pension eligibility. It also addresses the redistribution of unused grant portions by relevant art committees, ensuring efficient allocation of resources within the heritage sector. The document highlights the role of the Arts Promotion Centre in making decisions on grant durations, aiming to support and promote artistic endeavours. Furthermore, the legislation sets guidelines for the application process for state artist pensions, mirroring

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