In spring 2026, the City of Tampere offers two new sites as well as three sites previously included in earlier application rounds, all owned by the City of Tampere. The new sites are the former youth centre Kupoli in Hervanta and the former caretaker’s residential building in Haihara, which has also previously functioned as an artist residence. In addition, three familiar meanwhile use spaces are included: commercial premises no. 3 at Pyynikki Swimming Pool, three (3) working spaces at Kaleva Hall, and Kaupin virkatalo, the former official residence of the municipal director, located in the Kauppi Hospital area. Operators are sought for the premises for the period 1 September 2026–28 February 2027.
The Meanwhile Use Space model in now expanding for the first time to the south-eastern parts of Tampere. Developing cultural activities in different neighbourhoods is one of the City’s strategic objectives, and this aim is now also being promoted through meanwhile use spaces.
"The well-known Kupoli was vacated at the turn of the year when the youth centre moved to new premises on the Leisure Centre side. It is wonderful that the space can quickly be brought into new use and that it offers opportunities for a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Hopefully, the menwhile use space will also generate activities that reopen doors to the residents of Hervanta after a short break — perhaps this time for both former and current young people."
- Mari Jalkanen, Project Manager, Cultural Work in Residential Areas
A meanwhile use space application round is also opening for the first time in the Haihara Art Centre area.
"The former caretaker’s residence and artist residency will be opened in the autumn for artistic work, with the aim of developing the area through artistic means. It is hoped that the activities will be guided by communality and inclusion as part of the artists’ own practice."
- Sanna Ristaniemi, Coordinator responsible for Haihara activities
The Meanwhile Use Space for culture and arts in a model that has been in use since 2022 and has spread from Tampere to many other cities. There is a constant supply of temporarily vacant premises in the city, and the City aims to bring these spaces to beneficial use. The meanwhile use space application round is organised approximately twice a year and seeks interesting cultural and artistic concepts for vacant premises. The spaces are made available to operators on a temporary basis (usually approximately 2–6 months), enabling pop-up style and experimental activities.
Artists and cultural organisations from the Pirkanmaa region may apply for a meanwhile use space for:
The activities organised in the space, or as a result of its use, must include cultural activities open to all residents (such as workshops, exhibitions, or events).
More detailed information about the sites available and the application form can be found at Meanwhile Use Spaces for culture and arts webpage.
