NDPC announces its new appointment as the Head of the Secretariat
📷 Hanna Solomon (Social Cocktail)
We are delighted to announce that Krista Petäjäjärvi steps into a new role as the Head of the NDPC Secretariat as of 1 April 2026.
Krista brings nearly two decades of experience initiating and implementing cross-sectoral projects connecting arts, skill-building, project design, knowledge production, research and advocacy, developed in parallel with national and international networks and programmes.
Since 2021, Krista been working with the NDPC as a Project Advisor, Acting Head of the Secretariat, and Expert in Arts-Based Innovations. She has a background in performing arts and is actively involved in various organisations and initiatives in arts, culture, education and public policy. Krista has Finnish nationality, is a native Finnish and Swedish speaker, and holds a master’s degree in culture and arts, while she is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Lapland. She lives and works between Helsinki and Riga.
As NDPC enters a new phase, we would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of Dace Resele, who concludes her leadership term. Over the past 7 years, Dace has played a key role in strengthening NDPC organisational capacity and initiating several large-scale projects and partnerships. Her leadership has positioned NDPC as an important actor in the field.
Looking ahead to what’s next, Krista comments: “NDPC holds a unique and vital role in driving forward sustainable futures through culture. I look very much forward to strengthening existing collaborations and building new alliances and partnerships. The skillset of the team is wonderful, and it is a true pleasure to get the chance to stir NDPC to its next chapter.”
The head is appointed by the NDPC steering committee, and the term duration is 3 years. Krista’s appointment begins on 1 April 2026. You can watch Krista’s presentation of the NDPC in the video at the bottom of the page.