President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb conferred the honorary title of Academician of Arts on architect, professor emeritus Vilhelm Helander and master folk singer, musician Hilja Grönfors at the House of Nobility in Helsinki on Friday 8 November.
Vilhelm Helander (b. 1941) is recognised for his significant contribution to the Nordic building conservation and conversion. Throughout his career, Helander has planned challenging renovations with a focus on respecting and preserving the architectural values of different eras. The most famous of these projects are the Old Students’ House in Helsinki, the Finnish National Museum and the Helsinki Cathedral. Hilja Grönfors (b. 1951) is a renowned expert on Roma language and culture. She has done tremendous work in teaching and recording the musical and song tradition of the Roma people. During her career, Hilja Grönfors has performed extensively at Finnish and international music festivals.
The title of Academician of the Arts is awarded by the President of the Republic to highly distinguished artists on the proposal of the Arts Council of Finland. The title of Academician of Arts can be held by no more than eleven persons at a time. The title of Academician is a distinction. It is not remunerated. The title is the title is lifelong.
Current Academicians of Art:
Eija-Liisa Ahtila, media artist
Caj Bremer, photographer
Pirjo Honkasalo, film director
Marjo Kuusela, dance artist
Hannu Mäkelä, author
Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi, textile and fashion designer
Jorma Panula, conductor
Sirkku Peltola, playwright, director
Roi Vaara, performance artist
