The State of Cultural Policy event was organised for the first time
The first State of Cultural Policy event brought the sector's actors together to discuss cultural policy and its futures.
Lasipalatsi’s Bio Rex was filled with sunshine and lively conversation on 25 May 2026 as more than 300 people interested in cultural policy gathered for the first State of Cultural Policy event. The event served as a new kind of forum for societal discussion on cultural policy in Finland. Its purpose was to promote research-based, pluralistic, and respectful dialogue on the current state and future directions of cultural policy.
The State of Cultural Policy created a space for reflecting on the past, present, and future of the field; for new networking opportunities; and for encounters between research and the arts. Discussions were sparked by the State of Cultural Policy 2025 report, which was launched during the event’s morning programme. The repot is now available on Cupore’s website.
A warm thank you to all participants, speakers, and partners of the event! A feedback survey has been sent to participants – the possibilities of continuing the event will be planned based on the received feedback.
See photos from the event below.
The event spread across the entire upper floor of Lasipalatsi. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
Maryan Abdulkarim and Jenni Karimäki discussed cultural policy and democracy, moderated by Liisa Suvikumpu. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
Sakarias Sokka moderated a dialogue in which Heikki Pursiainen and Tero Nauha discussed the economy and value of culture. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
Kristin Danielsen and Brynjar Andersen Saus explored the theme of cultural rights and responsibilities under the moderation of Mary Gestrin. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
The themes of the day’s programme and the State of Cultural Policy report published at the event coloured the discussions during the breaks. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
Cupore thanks every participant for a successful event! Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
Let’s continue the discussion!
