- The Art and Culture in Helsinki 2030 vision is an inspiring notion from a diverse group of specialists in the sector regarding what kind of city of art and culture Helsinki should be. I am very grateful that we also had a chance to review the progress made so far in realising the vision together with such a diverse and insightful group of people. The resulting realignments are now driving our work and the realisation of the vision, comments Cultural Director Mari Männistö.
Art and culture featured more prominently than before in the City’s strategy
According to the interim review, the vision has strengthened the status of art and culture both in Helsinki and within the City organisation, and their importance for the wellbeing of Helsinki residents and the development of the city is now recognised more widely than before. This is evident in the Helsinki City Strategy for 2025–2029, for example, in which art, culture and the creative industries are integrated into the solution in a cross-sectoral manner, including in neighbourhood development, the strengthening of vitality and growth, and attractive urban development.
Culture Kids activities are being made permanent and funding for the arts has increased
Many of the key initiatives set out in the vision have now been put into practice. One of the most prominent examples is the Culture Kids programme, which provides children with an opportunity to explore art and culture even before they start school. The activities are being established from a project into a permanent service coordinated by the City from 2027 onwards. Culture Kids activities have been organised in collaboration with operators in the arts and culture sector and with the support of the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation since 2020. By the end of 2025, more than 16,000 children had already signed up for the programme. In 2025 alone,arts and cultural organisations involved in the programme organised a total of around 1,000 events with 23,500 places for the participating children and their accompanying adults.
The City’s support for the arts and culture sector in the form of grants increased significantly during the first half of the vision period, and the budget for the City’s own cultural services has also increased. One of the objectives of the vision was to increase the budget for arts and cultural activities and grants at least in line with the growth in Helsinki’s population and cost level. Accordingly, grants for arts and culture, including so-called institutional grants, increased by 12% between 2020 and 2026 – well over the target. Helsinki has also increased its grant appropriations and resources for the development of basic arts education, leisure activities for children and young people, and cultural services for the elderly.
Regional cultural centres strengthening the cultural life of city districts
Progress has also been made in strengthening the cultural life of city districts. A shared vision was created for Kanneltalo, Malmitalo, Stoa and Vuosaari House, with the aim of developing the cultural centres into even more open, accessible and meaningful meeting places for their local communities. New community producers have started working at the centres, focusing on dialogue with local residents and stakeholders in their duties. Additionally, an architectural competition was started for the expansion and renovation of Stoa, which will bring about extensive regeneration in the Itäkeskus area.
Recommendations for measures during the second half of the vision period
The first half of the Art and Culture in Helsinki 2030 vision period was plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions and overall costs, and cuts to public spending. According to the interim review, these uncertain times further highlight the importance of art and culture in strengthening participation and community spirit, as well as in addressing societal changes.
Changes in the operating environment influence what kind of priorities and recommendations are presented in the interim review for the remainder of the vision period. The City is encouraged to make bold choices and pursue their implementation with determination. In implementing the vision, focusing on the following areas in particular is recommended:
· strengthening young people’s participation and preventing segregation
· resolving issues related to facilities for art and culture
. achieving a better understanding of resident-oriented culture than at present
· strengthening interaction with arts and culture operators
· long-term and predictable cultural policy work and funding
· promoting growth in the creative industries
· developing communications.
The priorities and recommendations set out in the interim review of the vision have already influenced, and continue to influence, how the City of Helsinki’s cultural services implement the City Strategy and plan their activities for the coming years – in collaboration with arts and culture operators and bodies that influence the operating conditions of the arts and culture sector.
The full interim review of the Art and Culture in Helsinki 2030 vision is available on the website:
Interim review of the Art and Culture in Helsinki 2030 vision (in Finnish pdf)