The ability of my Finnish friends to raise sponsorship money for their conventions continues to astound me. Today Tero reports that this year’s Finncon has received a grant of €5,000 (about $7,500 at today’s ludicrously favorable rates) from government cultural funds. Maybe the Finns just like SF, but I have a sneaking suspicion we could do this in other countries too if only we knew how.
2 thoughts on “Finnish Magic”
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Linking with a “respectable” culture events like Jyväskylä Arts festival helps a lot.
Showing true national co-operation helps, too, and having great references from very good writers is in need.
Living in a country where literature politics has been an essential tool for enhancing national self identity is a huge help.
And having great visitors is the essential part 🙂
There is something more but that is only for your eyes, Cheryl, so I send you an email…
ipa
Yes, I was struck by the government sponsorship as well when I met found out about Finncon from one of the Acon organizers when I met him at Smofcon. The NEA has a big fat bankbook, and in some states arts councils also support events . . . connections with colleges and universities definitely seem to help.
I just saw your articles on Finncon on Emerald City. I’m from the Boston area; I and my fiance are going to two events (including Finncon) in late July/early August this year (I already signed up as a volunteer; we decided to go back in December). I’m curious how many other americalainens (heh) go over for Finncon (this will be my first time in Finland and I’m cramming like mad); certainly fewer than folks from other majority anglophone places like the UK, but seems that it has become popular lately.