Research project Page last updated 10.10.2025

State of Cultural Policy

Duration of the project: 2025 — 2026

The goal of the project is to improve the overall understanding of the current state of Finnish cultural policy and to promote evidence-based societal debate. As part of the project, a publication titled State of Cultural Policy 2025 will be produced, and an event with the same name will be organised in May 2026.

The publication will analyse and compile research data on cultural policy produced by various actors. It will be based on existing materials, studies and reports. To support the preparation of the publication, roundtable discussions will be organised in early 2026 with networks operating across Finland. The publication will also pilot the development of an index describing the state of cultural policy.

The State of Cultural Policy event will serve as a new forum for public discussion on cultural policy in Finland. Its aim is to promote research-based and diverse societal debate on the current state and future directions of cultural policy. The debate is based on the State of Cultural Policy 2025 report, which will be launched at the event.

The State of Cultural Policy event will be organised on 25 May 2026 at Bio Rex in Helsinki. More detailed programme information will be published in early 2026.

The project is independent of day-to-day politics and is based on independent research. It will be carried out in close cooperation with Cupore’s extensive network of experts and partners.

The project is funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation. The State of Cultural Policy event is organised in collaboration with Amos Andersons fond.