A bit about HotPot
HotPot is based in Helsinki, Finland. Our founders share a strong passion for art and the vision of a more inclusive world. We recognise the vital need to support artists in developing their ideas in a place where freedom and tolerance are embraced.
Supporting emerging artists is one of the core activities of HotPot, we want to make a difference by providing opportunities to those creative minds that for various reasons such as censorship, lack of funding and resources have not been able to fully engage in their artistic practices. We believe that art is paramount in the fight against inequality and repression.
One of our fundamental values is promoting diversity in the art world. HotPot is an international platform where art becomes a medium of integration and understanding, consequently, it is also a platform that works towards the progress of developing nations through their artists. We are concerned not only with encouraging the creation of diverse art but also with working on opening spaces for audiences to appreciate it and be part of a discussion where artists and spectators freely interact.
HotPot members endorse change, collaboration and creativity. Ultimately, by supporting art and diversity we ensure that there is a brighter future and better opportunities not only for artists but for all the people who thrive to be heard.
Key People
Angel Casal
Board Member
My name is Angel Casal, I’m 35 years old and I come from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I have been acting since I was 16. I started off as an actor and after 12 years I decided to go behind the scenes and so started my career as a theatre director - I loved it!
I have been a member of a theatre group in the city of San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina since 1996 to date gaining experience in the disciplines of acting and dancing.
Over the years working in the theatre group I have worked as an actor, producer, assistant and director. I have also worked as a teacher of theatre in social slums areas, using the theatre and its different methods as the main tool for social integration. The outcome of each workshop is a final theatre piece with a theatre assembly arising from participant’s needs.
As an artist I share the vision of art as a powerful instrument to embrace diversity while creating a space for all artists in all its manners and ways regardless of their background, and disciplines. A diverse place with its innovative and creative vibes in which understanding and integration are the common ground for further development of a worldwide platform. Such space in which there is no room for censorship but where the aim is to open the stage for creativity as well as give equal opportunities and make collaborations possible. That is why I am honoured to be part of HotPot supporting the development of the artists’ ideas in a place where freedom and tolerance are embraced.
Tomi Haltia
President
I was born in Turku, Finland but I have lived in Helsinki, London and Sydney as well as travelled extensively most of my life. I've had a few careers so far, mostly in insurance and property business.
The decision to at least partly leave the corporate world and do something completely different, something meaningful, something I can feel proud of, grew over the years. Now the time has finally come to do it!
Art, freedom of expression and the diversity of humanity are matters that have always been close to my heart. Since I've met so many amazing artists during my travels and seen and felt the impact art can have on people it was natural to do something to try and improve the conditions in which artists work, as well as to help bring more art into peoples lives. HotPot provides a safe environment for artists to create and exhibit their art.
Ahmed Sajee
Board Member
I am Ahmed a 30-year-old artist. I was born and raised in Baghdad. However, I've been living in Helsinki for the last eight years. I have always loved art since I was a child. When I arrived in Finland, I came across friends who kept encouraging me to continue drawing and developing my skills. I am proud to have found a place that enables me to both create art and share it in the community. I strive to create artworks even if they are simple, and more importantly, share them with others because I believe that art makes life more meaningful and brings people together.
Ahmed Umar
Board Member
I'm a Norwegian/Sudanese cross-disciplinary artist. I came to Norway as a political refugee in 2008 and was awarded an MFA in Medium and Material-based Arts from the Academy of the Arts in Oslo (KHiO) 2016. After graduation, I have participated in several exhibitions, both nationally and internationally.
In 2017, I was awarded the Deputant prize for my work Hijab (Annual protection) at the Norwegian Annual Art and Craft exhibition. My work has been collected by major institutions in Norway such as Drammen's Museum of Art and Cultural History and Oslo Municipality Art Collection. I am also engaged in the public health debates being the front figure in the campaigning for the HIV preventative medicine (PrEP) in Norway.
By being a queer artist from an immigrant background I learnt to appreciate the importance of "safety" in the creative process. How a safe environment, a safe audience and the absence of censorship helps artists to find honest, vital and individual voices. I believe HotPot will provide this kind of much needed safety.
HotPot ry
The legal stuff
HotPot ry is a non-profit, non-government organisation registered in Finland and placed in Helsinki.
Business ID: 2915211-2
Registration number: 221.501
EC Participant Identification Code PIC: 905829942
We would love to hear from you!
Interested in becoming a member or a volunteer? Want to work with us? Want to make a donation? Or just have a question to ask? Go on, write to us!