Meanwhile Use Spaces for culture and arts
Applications for Meanwhile Use Spaces for Culture and Arts Are Now Open
The application period for meanwhile use spaces for culture and arts is open from 28 April to 15 May 2026. This is the eighth call for meanwhile use spaces, and two new spaces from Hervanta and Haihara are included.
The use period for the spaces is from September 2026 to the end of February 2027.
Decisions will be made by Marianna Lehtinen, Head of Public Cultural Services, during May–June 2026.
Applications must be submitted no later than Friday 15 May at 15:45. Late applications will not be processed.
Applications are submitted via this electronic form:
Application form for Meanwhile Use Spaces for Culture and Arts
The concept and criteria of Meanwhile Use Spaces
Meanwhile Use Spaces for culture and arts (Kulttuurin välitilamalli) is an operating model developed by the City of Tampere, through which temporarily vacant premises are made available free of charge and on a temporary basis for use by cultural and arts actors.
The city continuously has various types of premises that are temporarily vacant, and its aim is to put these spaces to beneficial use. The Meanwhile Use Spaces model supports experimental, temporary, and pop-up-oriented activities, and it is not intended to address broader or long-term challenges related to cultural facilities. Longer-term needs for cultural spaces are addressed, for example, by the cultural centre being developed at Nekala School and the Hiedanranta development project.
Applications for meanwhile-use spaces are generally organised twice a year. The call seeks interesting cultural and arts concepts for vacant premises. The spaces are allocated to operators on a temporary basis, enabling pop-up-style and experimental activities.
Meanwhile-use spaces can be applied for use as workspaces; for the production and presentation of artworks; for the implementation of projects, exhibitions, or other open and community-oriented creative activities. When making selections, the City of Tampere values concepts that are well suited to the specific space and its surroundings, are timely, and take into account the temporary nature of the use.
The premises are allocated free of charge to selected cultural and arts actors. Cultural activities for residents (e.g. workshops, exhibitions, events) must be organised in the space or as a result of its use. The sale of artworks, admission tickets, related products, and refreshments is permitted where it is connected to the activity carried out in the meanwhile-use space.
The operator is responsible for all permits, insurances, and safety related to the activity. Costs related to events may be covered by applying for Project Grants for Culture.
When making selections, City of Tampere values:
- the suitability of the concept for the space
- time- and place-specific content
- employment and income opportunities for artists and other cultural professionals
- regional relevance within Pirkanmaa
- the overall appeal of the content
- the promotion of equality and sustainability
- added value for residents (within the space or indirectly as a result of its use)
In addition, applications are assessed with attention to balance between different art forms and artistic disciplines.
Spaces may also be applied for by collectives; however, one lead applicant must be designated as responsible for the space. The applied period may be shorter than the full availability period indicated in the space information sheet. City representatives may also propose shared use of spaces or dividing them between multiple applicants.
A single joint electronic application form is used for all spaces. You may apply for more than one space; however, a separate application must be submitted for each space. Accessibility information for each space can be found in the respective space information sheets.
Meanwhile Use Spaces Included in the Spring 2026 Call
Former Caretaker’s Residence, Haihara
Haiharankatu 30, Tampere
7 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
The meanwhile use space is in the former caretaker’s residence and artist residency located on the Haihara Art Centre premises. The premises include a kitchen, bathroom with shower, living room, and a workroom, as well as a fenced yard area. In addition to the fenced yard, the area is surrounded by lush greenery.
Haihara Art Centre is increasingly developing its activities towards communal and participatory practices. Therefore, an interest in opening activities to the public, as well as focusing on young people and young adults, is considered an advantage for applicants. There are extensive collaboration opportunities with Haihara’s coordinator, local operators, residents, and community artists.
Public Cultural Services will be seeking community artists for the Kaukajärvi–Annala area for autumn 2026. The same applicant may apply both for the meanwhile use space and submit a proposal to the community art open call, which will be published simultaneously in the Culture Bank.
The premises are handed over in their current condition and must be returned in a usable state. The space may be used between 07:00 and 22:00. Overnight stays are not permitted.
An open viewing will be held on Wednesday 29 April at 15:00–16:00.
Hervanta Activity Centre, Former Youth Centre “Kupoli”
Insinöörinkatu 38, Tampere
1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
This meanwhile use space is a former youth centre located in the centre of Hervanta. In this call, the available spaces include a multi-purpose room, club room, café area, lobby and toilet facilities. The property also includes other rooms that may be used for storage, office work, or artistic workspaces.
The space has a long history as a youth centre and is currently awaiting major renovation. Before handing over the space to the operator, surface cleaning and possibly priming will be carried out. The operator may also paint the walls if desired.
The spaces are suitable for artistic work, group activities, workshops, and public events. The premises are handed over as they are and must be returned in a functional condition.
Due to the variety of spaces, either one operator or several operators may be selected. Depending on the applications received, the city may propose dividing the spaces or shared use. Interest in collaborative work and shared use of the premises is considered an advantage.
An open viewing will be held on Thursday 7 May at 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Kaleva hall (Kalevan halli), 3 spaces
Sarvijaakonkatu 28, Tampere
1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
This call offers three smaller workspaces in Kaleva Hall. The building also houses the Centre for Sustainable Living, and there is other community-based activity in the surrounding area. Interest in joint activities is considered an advantage. Kalevan halli is an accessible space for community culture, arts, hands-on activities, and social interaction.
Kaleva Hall is an industrial building that previously operated as a car repair shop. Shared toilet and social facilities are available. Other activities take place in the main hall and adjacent spaces, which means some through-traffic. Subject to agreement with other users, workshops and joint events may be organised in these shared areas.
- Space 1: Two rooms, approx. 16 m²
- Space 2: Two rooms, approx. 19 m²
- Space 3: One room, approx. 23 m²
The spaces are handed over as they are and must be returned in a functional condition. Light structures that do not damage the building may be installed, and the space may be painted both inside and outside. All plans must be approved by the city before implementation.
An open viewing may be organised during the application period; the exact date has not yet been confirmed.
Kaupin virkatalo
Parantolankatu 5, Tampere
1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
The meanwhile use space is Kaupin virkatalo, located in the Petsamo district in a former hospital area, surrounded by forest. The total area available is 425.5 m². The space may be allocated to a single operator or shared between multiple applicants.
The building was originally constructed in 1955 as the official residence of the municipal director and was most recently used as additional reception centre capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The premises are handed over as they are and must be returned in the same, functional condition. As a historically significant building, certain restrictions apply, such as careful use of parquet floors.
An open viewing will be held on Thursday 7 May at 16:00–17:00.
Business premises in Pyynikki swimming pool building
Pirkankatu 10, business premises No. 3
1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
This traditional street-level commercial space at the swimming pool, including a basement, offers opportunities for various kinds of pop-up activities. A tram line passes directly in front of the space, providing easy access.
No open viewing will be organised. However, the street-level space can be viewed through the window on Pirkankatu, and the basement includes a windowless room of equal size.
Further information
The short address for this page is tampere.fi/en/meanwhileuse