At its meeting on 5 February 2026, the Culture and Libraries Sub-committee of the Culture and Leisure Committee decided on operating grants and grants for basic education in the arts for Helsinki-based arts and cultural communities. Operating grants were awarded to 194 communities, with the total grant amount being approximately €12.9 million. Of these communities, ten did not receive operating grants in the previous year, and approximately fifty saw their grant amounts rise from the previous year. Grants for basic education in the arts were awarded to 44 communities, with the total grant amount being approximately €5.7 million.
Operating grants support theatres, dance groups, urban cultural operators, galleries and festivals, among others. Grants for basic education in the arts support providers of education in music, dance, theatre, circus and visual arts, among others.
In total, the cultural grants allocation was increased by approximately €317,000 compared to the previous year. The grants were allocated to promote a vibrant, accessible and equal urban culture in accordance with the priorities of the 2025–2029 Helsinki City Strategy. Art and culture were seen as important for strengthening the wellbeing, inclusion and sense of community of Helsinki residents. Particular attention was paid to ensuring that people from special needs groups have more equal opportunities as creators of art and culture, and that children and young people have equal access to arts and culture.
