Development Grants for Culture may be awarded to Tampere-based cultural organisations for purposes including the creation and development of collaboration networks between arts and cultural organisations, as well as for pilot projects and the development of working methods. These may include, for example, new operating models, concepts or spatial solutions. Grants may also be awarded for skills development and for preparing applications for EU funding. The grant must be used during 2027, even if the project receiving support continues beyond that year.
In addition to the regular Development Grants for Culture, two separate funding allocations are available for development projects taking place in 2027. A dedicated allocation of €50,000 has been reserved for festival activities. This funding is intended particularly to support the development of festivals that have grown significantly in recent years and are becoming established.
A second dedicated allocation of €50,000 is available for the development of cultural activities in designated neighbourhood development areas. These areas are Hervanta, Tesoma, Multisilta, Peltolammi, Kaukajärvi and Annala. Through development projects, cultural organisations may, independently or in cooperation with other organisations, expand their activities to one or more neighbourhoods within the city.
Grants are awarded exclusively for development projects. They cannot be used to support the core activities of organisations that are already eligible for the City of Tampere’s general operating grants, as such activities are primarily funded through the general grant scheme.
Funding will not be awarded for the production of artistic works, recordings or publications. It may not be used to finance investments, nor the acquisition, renovation or improvement of fixed or movable assets. Grants are also not intended for commercial business activities or activities where any profit generated is distributed for the benefit of owners.
Development Grants for Culture may be applied for by Tampere-based non-profit organisations that are either registered or can demonstrate that they have submitted an application for registration. Project expenses must be identifiable in the organisation’s accounts through a separate cost centre. The grant may cover a maximum of 80% of the eligible costs of the development project.
Decisions on Development Grants for Culture will be made during 2026. Applications will be assessed in accordance with the City of Tampere’s general principles for grant-making and the criteria for cultural grants approved by the Culture and Leisure Committee. These criteria are available at www.tampere.fi/avustukset.
Applications must be submitted using the electronic application form, which will be available from 16 September 2026 at www.tampere.fi/en/developmentgrantsforculture. An application is considered to have been submitted on time if it has been received in the electronic application system no later than 3:45 pm on 7 October 2026. Applicants must submit a project plan, a project budget and a financing plan for the development project as part of their application.
