15 new operators selected for Meanwhile Use Spaces for Culture and Arts
An expert panel from Public Cultural Services matched applicants’ space needs, and now most Meanwhile Use Spaces will host several operators. In the selection process, the City of Tampere valued, among other things, the suitability of the proposed concept for the space, its time- and site-specific nature, employment and income opportunities for artists and other cultural professionals, regional connections to Pirkanmaa, the attractiveness of the content, values of equality and sustainability, and the added value for residents (either within the space or indirectly through its use). In addition, priority was given to applicants who have not recently been allocated to Meanwhile Use Space for Culture and Arts.
Two new sites were included in this call. At the former caretaker’s residence at Haihara Manor, a visual artist and illustrator as well as a professional in puppet and shadow theatre were selected. At Hervanta Laisure Centre, the former youth space Kupoli will host Kulttuuri LAB—a group consisting of members of several immigrant communities and artists—together with Katutaidetoimisto ry and Circus Company Opus ry. Through these operators, Hervanta will gain a multidisciplinary and community-oriented cultural space and meeting place, where art is created and open events, workshops and exhibitions are organised for all.
A wide range of operators was also selected for previously used sites. The Kaleva Hall spaces will be used by the Indie Tampere music community and five visual and literary artists. Kauppi Manor will host a theatre and dance professional, an author, and the writers’ association Viitapiiri ry. The programme will therefore include theatre, spoken word performances, and reading and writing groups. In addition, Kauppi Manor will accommodate various visual artists, including a multidisciplinary visual artist, a professional in textile and craft art (ryijy), and the Pelätyt ja palvotut artist collective, which produces illustration art and has collaborated with the Tracon role-playing and anime event for three consecutive years.
At the Pyynikki Swimming Hall, business premises number three will host a demo of an immersive tabletop role-playing room, where projections, sound and lighting create the game environment around the players.
The decision was made by Marianna Lehtinen, Head of Public Cultural Services, on 15 June 2026. "Once again, it was a pleasure to review the interesting concepts and ideas that artists and cultural communities in Tampere had proposed for the Meanwhile Use Spaces for Culture and Arts. Unfortunately, not everyone could be offered a space. However, calls are organised twice a year, so it is always worth applying again," comments Lehtinen.
Meanwhile Use Spaces for Culture and Arts can be granted for working, producing and presenting artworks, implementing projects, exhibitions, or other open and community-oriented creative activities and events. The premises are provided free of charge to selected cultural and arts operators. Cultural activities for residents (such as workshops, exhibitions, and events) must be organised in the space or as a result of its use. Commercial profit-making activities are not permitted in the spaces. However, the sale of artworks, admission tickets, related products, and refreshments is allowed when directly connected to the activity and enabling it. The operator is responsible for all permits, insurance, and the safety of the premises.
"If you are looking for a shared workspace or even a desk, affordable options are still available at Lielahti Manor. Tenants become part of the manor’s artist and cultural community, enabling collaboration and experimentation with different artistic and community-based processes. Members are expected to be interested in participating in an active and open community. In addition, the City offers various premises for short-term rental for meetings, workshops, rehearsals, performances, and other events," reminds Marianna Lehtinen.
