season 2, episode 9 | Mika Virkkala
‘’Global club nights’’ is a networking and informative club series in collaboration with Caisa Cultural centre, Helsinki Open waves web radio and the Global music Department of Sibelius Academy, that aims to bring together all parties involved with music. With live music, seminars and workshops the events attempt to create bridges between musicians, event producers, agents, venues, and music lovers, bringing down barriers and creating a safe and creative environment of free expression. In a celebration of diversity, using the tools of intercultural collaboration and specialized knowledge, we provide the possibility of a neutral and safe space for sharing and exchange of knowledge, information, wishes and insights on the music industry in Finland, both on the part of the musician and from the business side while most importantly, sharing it with the community.
In this episode we welcome Mika Virkkala, who works at the Finnish Culture Foundation as a regional fund officer with the Foundation´s national grant and project activities.
Funding the arts is one of the most beautiful traits of Finnish society and a great key to the survival of many artists residing in Finland. Do all artists know that though?
Mika has extensive experience as a head and chairperson of art and cultural organisations, especially in the education and event sectors, and in managing various development projects. We are happy to discuss his experiences and get an inside view of the processes at SKR for a successful application.

Credits
Producers and hosts: Chico Matada and Vasileios Katopodis
Guests: Mika Virkkala
Sound recording, editing & live streaming: Bailey Polkinghorne
*The audio piece was recorded and edited at the Helsinki Open Waves performance & recording room located at Caisa.
**The views expressed in this audio piece and texts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the view of Helsinki Open Waves.
***If you have any feedback regarding the content of the podcast, please contact us via helsinkiopenwaves@gmail.com