State of Cultural Policy
The State of Cultural Policy project aims to improve the overall understanding of the current state of cultural policy in Finland and to promote informed public discussion. The project pilots the State of Cultural Policy 2025 publication and organises the State of Cultural Policy event, which serves as a new kind of forum for societal discussion on cultural policy in Finland.
State of Cultural Policy 2025
The project operates independently of day-to-day politics and is based on independent research. It is carried out in close collaboration with Cupore’s extensive network of experts and partners.
The project is funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation. The event is organised in cooperation with the Amos Anderson Foundation and the Nordic Culture Point.
State of Cultural Policy 2025 report
The project’s main publication analyses and brings together research-based knowledge on cultural policy produced by various actors. It draws on existing data, studies, and reports on Finnish cultural policy and its impacts.
The preparation of the publication is supported by participatory roundtable discussions organised in early 2026 with cultural sector networks across Finland. The publication will also pilot the development of an index describing the state of cultural policy.
Roundtable discussions
During spring 2026, thematic roundtable discussions were organised across Finland in collaboration with the project’s partners. The discussions were held with seven organisations, each focusing on a theme relevant to their region.
The themes included, for example, the development of the creative industries, the relationship between private and public cultural funding, experiences of participation in cultural policy decision-making, and the role of arts and culture in regional branding and identity.
The discussions were conducted using the Erätauko method and were based on participants’ personal experiences and perspectives. The insights gathered from these discussions will be utilised in the project’s reporting and at the event.
State of Cultural Policy event, 25 May 2026
The State of Cultural Policy event will take place on 25 May 2026 at Lasipalatsi Bio Rex in Helsinki. The event’s program has been published, explore the day’s program and speakers through this link: Programme – Cupore
More detailed information about the programme is available on the event website:
https://www.cupore.fi/en/the-state-of-cultural-policy-event/
The event serves as a new kind of forum for societal discussion on cultural policy in Finland. Its aim is to promote research-based, pluralistic dialogue that values diverse perspectives on the current state and future directions of cultural policy. The discussion is informed by the new State of Cultural Policy 2025 report, which will be published at the event.
In cooperation
Topical issues in the project
Project researchers
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Maria Hirvi-Ijäs Senior Researcher, PhD, Associate Professor in Contemporary Art +358 50 463 5575 maria.hirvi-ijas@cupore.fi Profile -
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