Elsa Piikki Reflects on Her Internship at FCINY

Elsa Piikki is a Master of Arts with studies in linguistics, film, performing arts, and marketing. Before joining FCINY, she gained experience in both commercial and non-profit organizations, working as a copywriter, communications specialist, and marketing coordinator. She is also a founding member of the Helsinki-based cultural association Mankka, where she has developed a strong DIY approach to cultural production and community building. How did she use these skills at FCINY and what learnings is she bringing back home? 

Can you tell us about your role during your time at FCINY? You came here to do a 5 month internship, in February you got the opportunity to extend your stay to a full year. Was it an easy decision? How would you compare your first half of the year to your second half?

During my nine months at the institute, I got to grow from a Project Coordinator into a Producer.

In the fall, I learned a great deal about the world of cultural institutes from programming and fundraising to communications, networking, and supporting Finnish artists in New York. When I was offered the opportunity to stay for the spring, I didn't have to think twice.

As my role evolved, I took on more responsibility for producing the institute's Withstanding podcast, event reporting and organizing events and gatherings at the institute. I also considered it part of my job to make sure there was always enough licorice in the office.

Big part of the job was also networking and getting to know the cultural scene of New York.  Although it sometimes felt overwhelming at first, I was happy to see how all the research and meetings paid off during the spring. Familiar faces, stronger connections, and a better understanding of the city's cultural scene gave me knowledge that I could also share with others. 

Back in Finland you have your own non-profit organization, Mankka. Are there things you have learned from working at FCINY you will bring back to your own community?

The biggest lesson I learned was the New York mindset of simply putting ideas into action. That means embracing a fast pace, saying yes to opportunities, and trusting that things will come together. I was especially inspired by how cultural organizations collaborate so openly and naturally, seeing each other as resources rather than competitors.

The ambition and unapologetic attitude made a lasting impression on me. Those are qualities I'd love to bring into our own work in Finland.

What have been your favorite projects you have worked with during this time?

I feel grateful to have worked with such a wide variety of projects and inspiring people.

One of my favorite parts of the job was supporting our artists-in-residence and helping make their time in New York as smooth as possible. The most rewarding moments were the ones where I was able to support all the talented Finnish artists in the city, whether it happened around a coffee at the office or around the city from the Bronx to Rockaway beach. 

Seeing so many talented Finnish artists thrive in New York has been truly inspiring.

In addition, I had the opportunity to witness and celebrate several memorable moments in New York: Helene Schjerfbeck's first solo exhibition at The Met, the openings of our first NADA collaboration exhibitions, the institute's 35th anniversary in New York (and its first year in DUMBO), Zohran Mamdani's primary election victory, and Knicks in five!

New York is famous for being very intense. Were you nervous before moving here and why did FCINY and New York call your name?

Before applying I had an ambition to learn more about the international culture scene. I actually applied for the internship while I was on a work trip in London: One evening I went to see a musical about New York, and felt the city calling my name. Walking through SoHo afterward, I remembered the FCINY application and realized the deadline was the very next day. So I finished my application sitting on the floor at the London Book Fair, and half a year later I moved to New York.

I had a hectic summer before moving, but somehow I felt instantly at ease once I arrived in New York. During my first weeks, I spent hours wandering through parks, sitting on beaches, and simply observing the city. Even though there was a lot going on, blending into the crowds felt surprisingly comforting.

Has there been things in everyday life in New York that have surprised you?

My first roommate told me that "In New York, easy things are hard to do, and hard things are easy to do." I couldn't agree more.

Everyday tasks like commuting, grocery shopping, or doing laundry took so much time and effort that I had to plan my time differently than in Finland.

On the other hand, if I wanted to see live music, go dancing on a Tuesday, or visit an exhibition after work, there were always endless possibilities.

Will you miss pizza slices or bagels more?

Pizza. 

What have been the most memorable moments for you here? Did you have a moment when you realised “I live in New York”? 

Being right there in the places and events that the Finnish media was writing about always felt like a reminder that I am actually in New York. 

I will also remember the smaller moments, like walking home by Manhattan Bridge, being able to give right directions when asked on the streets and trains, randomly running into people I know in the city of 8 million people. And surprisingly all of the times when Empire State of Mind was playing at CVS, bars, thrift stores, stadiums, or in cars passing by and people singing to it, I didn’t realize how big of an anthem it is in the city.

What will you miss the most from your time and everyday life here?

I will surely miss the atmosphere and the openness of the people, the random chats in the train and hanging outs in the city. I will miss the endless opportunities to go and enjoy culture such as museums or music whenever I felt like it, and always find a new favourite.

I will also miss all of the familiar faces in gallery openings, kisses from the downstairs cafe’s Nonna, people watching, and the food oh all of the good food. 

What are your favourite places in New York? Museums, activities and food places etc.

Museums: The Met and The Met Cloisters, MoMa PS1

Activities: Salsa classes, open mics, jazz clubs, Planet Fitness, off-broadway shows, Eventbrite adventures. Also the libraries had plenty of free activities for writers! 

Food: Mexican seafood, Trader Joe’s, Chinatown and pizza slices. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about leaving everything and everyone they know to move to a whole new country?

When being alone, you can really get to know yourself without others defining who you are and what you can or can not do. So even if you feel lonely, you are getting there. And in fact, being a nobody in a big city is very freeing!

The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York is seeking new intern every fall and spring. Look out on our Instagram or website for more information!

Interview questions by Eva-Li Teir