The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York welcomes KLAUDIA OFWONA DRABER as Director of Programs, starting November 2025. Ofwona Draber will be succeeding ELINA SUOYRJÖ who has served the institute since 2020.

Ofwona Draber, with Master´s Degrees in Economics from the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH), and in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art-New York, is currently pursuing her PhD in Practice in Curating at the University of Reading with the OnCurating Academy. Klaudia was the 2021-2022 Curatorial Studies Program Helena Rubinstein Fellow at the Whitney Museum of American Art Independent Study Program (ISP). 

Klaudia has gained years of experience in the New York art scene as a curator and strategy consultant, and working as the Head of Public Relations at the Polish Cultural Institute New York, and as Curator at WORTHLESSSTUDIOS, as well as serving as Faculty at Sotheby’s Institute of Art-New York. Ofwona Draber is the founder of KODA, a social practice residency for mid-career artists, and a board member at ArtTable. In addition, she has led arts, technology and strategy projects in Europe including at the British Council, and at UBS, and in Africa, managing complex capital investment, business and arts projects with nonprofits, art collections, education institutions, private institutions, and artists. With her strong strategic background in art and business, Ofwona Draber brings a broad international perspective on cultural exchange and its vast possibilities to FCINY.

“I am thrilled to continue my work in the field of cultural exchange—and Finland is a fascinating country to support. I look forward to working alongside Kati Laakso and the entire FCINY team to develop meaningful partnerships, produce exciting programs, and host residencies for contemporary art, design, and architecture.” – says Klaudia Ofwona Draber.

“We are excited to welcome Klaudia to the FCINY team! With her distinguished background and profound expertise in art, business, strategy, and residency-making, she brings a wealth of experience and insight that will enrich and strengthen the Institute’s work. We’re excited to start shaping our upcoming plans together and look forward to the new perspectives and ideas she will bring to the FCINY.” – comments Kati Laakso, the Institute´s Executive Director.

The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York works across the fields of contemporary art, design and architecture, creating dialogue between Finnish and American professionals and audiences. FCINY hosts residencies for Finnish or Finland-based designers, architects and artists through its independent residency program. The Institute’s mission lies in recognizing timely critical ideas and debates in the visual fields and producing thought-provoking contributions of our own.

The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization registered in the State of New York.

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