Helsinki residents were given the opportunity to nominate their Cultural Act of 2023 during 27 October – 10 November 2023. We received 357 nominations, which suggested a total of 74 different acts. The EUR 5,000 Cultural Act award for 2023 was given to the Pienten Helsinki website at an event held at Central Library Oodi. The final decision on the winner was made by the Culture and Library Sub-committee of the City of Helsinki’s Culture and Leisure Committee.
“Pienten Helsinki is one of the most effective marketers and messengers for children’s culture in the city. This blog website and social media accounts, all the result of one person’s determined will and limited resources, are the best possible example of civic action and child friendliness on an individual level. They are a bridge between events and communities that help Helsinki residents participate in the cultural services that best suit them”, says Culture and Library Sub-committee chair Sirpa Asko-Seljavaara.
Resident comments reveal that Pienten Helsinki has been an integral force in improving the accessibility of children’s culture and has made it easier for families with children to participate in culture events, as the website has been a one-stop-shop for tips on children’s culture.
Honorary mentions for two established creators
The Culture and Library Sub-committee has granted honorary mentions to Skidit Oy and artist Markku “Sika” Puustinen.
Children are as much residents of Helsinki as adults, and this is fully apparent in the activities of Skidit. In the events they arrange, participation is designed in a manner to make child participation equal to that of adults and in every situation. The residents’ comments highlight the uniqueness and variety of the activities, in which people of all ages can have a good, fun time.
Skidit Disko has encouraged children and adults to dance together at festivals, clubs and culture halls. Skidipeli, which is available at many a library and culture hall, teaches children of all ages about Helsinki and multilingual literacy. Skidit is also well known for its themed cruises and Skidit Festivals, among other things. Their approach, which combines art, play and design, is supported by Aino Heikkinen's bold production and children’s author-illustrator Sanna Mander’s visual skills.
Artist Markku Puustinen’s works can be found in unexpected places, changing people perception of the cityscape. Installations and audio works around Helsinki are true city culture: self-directed, accessible, clever and created to make people smile. They can surprise you, make you happy or force you to think, regardless of your age or cultural background.
Puustinen’s work includes “Mutta minä lähden” (2003) on a drain cover in Torkkelinmäki; the miniature hydropower plant “Hugo” (2019) in Töölönlahti; the “Katedraali” (2021) carved into a hollow tree trunk; “Murto” (2022) on a drain cover next to the Bank of Finland; and “Tekoälybetoniviidakko” (2023) in the Alppipuisto underpass. His latest work “Muodonmuutos”, an ice sculpture, is currently on display in Töölönlahti. His works engage in dialogue with the surrounding cityscape and encourage people to move around the city with their eyes and ears open.
The Culture and Library Sub-committee of the City of Helsinki’s Culture and Leisure Committee grants an annual Cultural Act award for a significant or new kind of Cultural Act or project, the effects of which are targeted at Helsinki or its residents. A Cultural Act changes or challenges existing cityscapes or ways to be, or makes you see things in a new light. A Cultural Act, whether large or small, is an indication of courage for creating something new and different. The City of Helsinki has granted Cultural Act awards since 2009.