Opening Address by President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen at the Opening of the Carnegie Art Award Exhibition at Kiasma, 25 October 2007

(check against delivery)

The aim of the Carnegie Art Award is to promote and bring exposure to high standard, contemporary Nordic art, as well as to support artists from the Nordic countries. The Award was established in 1998 and it has, in a short span of time, secured a strong position among the major art awards.

Art is about interaction. The Award has successfully improved public recognition of Nordic contemporary art through extensive exhibitions. Also this time time, the exhibition will tour all the capitals of the Nordic countries and will be also presented in London, Gothenburg and Nice. The numbers of visitors and other publicity show the public interest and the goals of the Award being achieved.

I would like to congratulate the award winners, the recipient of the young artist scholarship and all the artists chosen for this exhibition. I would also like to thank the jury and the members of the expert group for their demanding but also interesting and rewarding work.

Besides societal support, fine arts and culture also naturally need the support of individuals and different communities. Therefore, I would lastly to like to warmly thank the Carnegie Investment Bank, whose support has made today’s event possible.

With these words, I declare this exhibition open.