The Artist Companion Programme brings culture into seniors’ daily lives in Tampere
Both the Artist and Dance Companion Programmes are part of Tampere’s cultural services for senior citizens. The programme began in autumn 2023 at Koukkuniemi with the launch of the Tanssikummi® (Dance Companion) model. In 2024, the programme grew to include all public and contracted residential care units within the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa. During 2025, artists have visited each group home at least 2–3 times, reaching over 1,900 seniors across 128 locations throughout Tampere.
Artist Companions are professional artists from various disciplines who design and deliver visits tailored to the residents’ abilities and preferences. Each visit lasts 90 minutes and includes both a group session and the opportunity for one-on-one interaction in the resident’s room—with their permission. Requests for residents’ favourite songs are always welcome!
At the heart of the model are accessibility and quality: services are purchased from artists with experience working in social and healthcare settings. This ensures that even the most vulnerable individuals can enjoy cultural experiences—sometimes quite literally “at the bedside.” The programme has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both residents and staff. Art brings joy, evokes memories, and positively influences cognitive functions.
“I dance and move a lot. At some point I realized that movement and dance are deeply connected to joy and leisure for older adults, going all the way back to their youth. That’s why I dance the polka and the humppa—not forgetting the tango. In slower pieces, I aim for improvised, lyrical movement. And sometimes I’ve danced a few steps of flamenco too. I receive a lot of praise for my work, and each day gives me more than it asks.” – Jouko Enkelnotko, also known as the clown Armas Aallontie, works as an Artist Companion at Koukkuniemi.
In 2025, Artist Companions include Jouko Enkelnotko, Inka Hannula, Sirkku Autio, Assi Piironen, the Tanssikummit® through the Regional Dance Centre of Pirkanmaa, as well as community artists from Culture Centre PiiPoo, Musisoiva (Music Rehabilitation Association), and Hehkumahku.
The programme is coordinated by the City of Tampere’s Cultural Services for the Elderly, as part of the Culture Support and Accessibility Team within Public Cultural Services. The programme is funded through The City of Tampere's funds for culture and sports.
