Now is the time for art and culture! Together with artists and residents, we will achieve the objectives of the Cultural promise drafted in Turku.

Coordinated by the City of Turku, the Cultural Spearhead Project develops and promotes the operating conditions for arts and culture in Turku in collaboration with operators in the sector.  At the same time, we support the well-being of the city’s residents and the vitality of the region.  

Our work is guided by the Cultural promise, which has been developed through extensive collaboration.  

The cultural promise includes the following themes:

  • Happy citizens of Turku
  • Art and culture as an occupation
  • Limitless structures
  • Renewable and creative meeting spaces
  • Inviting and intriguing cultural events 
Read more about the Cultural promise
The Cultural Promise of the City of Turku: Time for Art and Culture! pdf, 1.56 MB

Cultural well-being 

Research has shown that culture promotes health, well-being, and inclusion. The benefits of culture and art on well-being can be experienced by both the creator and the audience.

Most of the city’s cultural services are intended for all Turku residents. In addition, we provide tailored, targeted and low-threshold services for children, young people and older adults.

In the Cultural Spearhead Project, we continue to develop the cultural well-being services. At the same time, we are increasing resident inclusion and strengthening regional cooperation. 

Growing into both an experiencer and creator of art and culture promotes the well-being of Turku citizens. 

 

Cultural work 

Culture and art are an essential part of a vibrant city and a meaningful urban environment. A vibrant and versatile cultural city is built on the foundation of high-quality art content and a thriving and independent professional art scene.

The Cultural Spearhead Project improves the operating and working conditions of artists, while developing the structures of the operating environment and fostering cooperation between different parties. Our aim is to increase the visibility of the art and culture sector, build partnerships, strengthen competences, and create new and innovative activities in the field. 

Turku offers the necessary operating conditions and employment opportunities for professional artists. 

Cultural vitality

Turku has a long history as a cultural city, offering a wealth of experiences and sights for both citizens and tourists.

In the Cultural Spearhead Project, we foster Turku’s vitality through the appeal created by art and culture. We support year-round events and encourage new initiatives and experiments. We emphasise Turku’s maritime heritage as part of its urban culture, while also promoting its distinctive food, sports and exercise scenes.

The City of Turku has made significant strategic investments in culture. The most recent cultural investments include Art House Turku, Turku Music Hall Fuuga and the upcoming Museum of History and the Future. The new cultural institutions support the existing business of the creative industries while also enabling completely new activities.  

The attractiveness of art and culture promotes the vitality of the entire region. 

 

Redeeming the promise 

What is new about culture in Turku? Find out more about the current projects and development measures of the City of Turku on the page City for culture.  

Contact information

Irina Niemimäki Project Director 040 6740553
Heli Lempa Project Manager, Cultural Well-being 044 9073539
Heidi Pulkkinen Project Manager, Cultural Work 044 9074795
Julia Chir Project Manager, Cultural Vitality 040 6654694