“We at EMMA are proud and happy about Pilvi’s appointment,” says Saija Äikäs, Chair of the Board of the EMMA Art Museum Foundation, noting that EMMA is in excellent shape after Pilvi Kalhama’s tenure. “We expect the new Director of EMMA to have strong, visionary expertise in art and design, as well as international experience. We also require demonstrable people-management and business skills. The new Director will oversee a unique and internationally significant museum in an extraordinary environment and will manage a professional, multidisciplinary staff,” Äikäs adds.

Next summer, Kalhama will have served as Director of EMMA for 13 years. During that time, EMMA has cemented its position as one of the most important art museums in Finland. Under Kalhama’s leadership, EMMA has widened its scope to include not only art but also design, and has strengthened its collaboration with the City of Espoo on public art projects. The museum’s visitor numbers and its international recognition have grown, and its finances are on a solid footing.

“I am immensely grateful for my years working at EMMA, where, together with the staff, the board and our partners, we have built EMMA’s success! My warmest thanks go to Chair Saija Äikäs and the entire EMMA team, the Saastamoinen Foundation, the Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation, Kyösti Kakkonen, as well as outgoing Mayor Jukka Mäkelä and all our partners at the City of Espoo and in networks with whom I have had the pleasure of working towards shared goals,” says Kalhama.