Everyone's Birthday: Taina Mäki-Iso x Aine Art Museum

Award-winning clown comes to the art museum in Tornio – Taina Mäki-Iso, originally from Tervola, has had a long career as a hospital clown

In September, you can experience art at the Aine Art Museum with the guidance of a professional clown, when Taina Mäki-Iso, originally from Tervola, (b. 1963, Tervola) arrives to celebrate the art museum's 40th anniversary and Oulu2026 as the European Capital of Culture.

There will be art tours led by the clown, surprises and an artist meeting with Taina Mäki-Iso, open to everyone. Clowning is suitable for all ages and no common language is required. The clown can be met at the Aine Art Museum in surprising places on Thursday 17.9. from 4-6 pm and 23.9. from 3-6 pm. Clown-led exhibition tour on Friday 18.9. at 2 pm and Saturday 19.9. at 1 pm. After the tour on Saturday 19.9. at 2:30 pm, Taina Mäki-Iso's artist meeting at Café Ainee, coffee will be served. Admission to all events is free.

Taina Mäki-Iso has worked as a hospital clown in Helsinki for over 20 years. Mäki-Iso has directed for both city theatres and independent groups and has performed in Finland, Austria, France, the Czech Republic, Benin, the United Arab Emirates and Spain.

Mäki-Iso is a respected teacher and has taught physical theatre, mask acting and clowning courses at the University of the Arts Helsinki's Theatre Academy and the Tampere Theatre Arts Degree Programme. The Finnish Cultural Foundation's Uusimaa Fund awarded its eponymous award to Taina Mäki-Iso in 2024 in recognition of her efforts to promote clowning in Finland.