Tampere Cultural Network
The Tampere Cultural Network is aimed at communities that receive general grants for culture from the City of Tampere. The network provides a platform for diverse discussions on current topics relevant to cultural sector actors, such as networking and collaboration, funding, facilities, communications, and cultural policy.
The Tampere Cultural Network was established in December 2021. The network invites executive directors or persons responsible for operations (one representative per community) to participate in its meetings.
Representatives from the Tampere office of the Arts Promotion Centre Finland also take part in the activities.
The network follows safer space principles.
Network meetings
The network usually meets four times a year.
Upcoming events:
- Tuesday 27 October 2026, 09:15–12:00, Pirkanmaan musiikkiopisto, topic: collaboration between different organisations
- Tuesday 9 February 2027, 14:00–16:00, the former youth centre Kupoli in Hervanta, topic: customers, audiences and shared target groups
Past events:
- April 30, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m., Lielahti Manor, topic: regional cooperation in Pirkanmaa, 3:00–5:00 p.m., informal May Day picnic in the manor park
- February 12, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m., Nekala Cultural Center Nekalab, topic: facilities, 3:00–5:00 p.m., informal networking
- November 18, 2025, Tukkateatteri, topic: Twin Cities
- September 4, 2025, 1–3 p.m., Dance Theater MD, Hällä Stage, topic: Our international City
- May 27, 2025, 9–11 a.m., Sanataideyhdistys Yöstäjä, Main Library Metso, topic: Clarifying the network's objectives
- February 18, 2025, 9–12 a.m., Tukkateatteri, topic: EU funding
Planning group
The content of the network meetings is planned by a working group consisting of professionals from the cultural and arts sector. The list sets out the name of each member of the planning group, the organisation they represent, and the name of the general grant awarded to that organisation.
Chairperson
- Jouni Auramo, Pirkanmaan musiikkiopisto, General grants for cultural institutions
Vice Chairperson
- Housana Alfashtaki, Lähi-idän naisten yhdistys ry, General grants for cultural minorities
Secretary
- Venla Moisala, Public Cultural Services, City of Tampere
Members
- Hanna-Liisa Onnela, Tampere-Seura, General grants for cultural and art communities
- Johanna Tohni, Tomaatteja! Tomaatteja! Stand-up Festival, General grants for festivals and large public events
- Katri Häti, Tukkateatteriyhdistys ry, General grants for organizations providing cultural leisure activities
- Keijo Svart, TamRoma ry, General grants for cultural minorities
- Kerttu Opus, Circus Company Opus ry, General grants for cultural and art communities
- Malú Magnée, Pispalan kulttuuriyhdistys / Hirvitalo, General grants for cultural and art communities
- Marianna Lehtinen, Public Cultural Services, City of Tampere
- Petri Seppä, Kulttuuriosuuskunta Uulu, General grants for cultural and art communities
- Taru Salonen, DesignOnTampere ry, General grants for cultural and art communities
- Tenho Nuutila, Viitapiiri ry, General grants for cultural and art communities
- Tiina Hursti, Pirkka-Hämeen kuvataiteilijat ry, General grants for organizations providing cultural leisure activities
Operating Conditions of Tampere’s Cultural Sector
The study on the operating conditions of Tampere’s cultural sector was completed in spring 2026. The study was initiated in response to a request made in 2024 by cultural organisations participating in the Tampere Cultural Network. It aims to address the wishes expressed by these cultural actors and builds on the general association sector study completed in 2025 by focusing specifically on the operating conditions of cultural organisations and the services that the City of Tampere provides to the local cultural field.
As part of the 2025 General grant application process, Tampere-based cultural organisations were given the opportunity to assess their own operating conditions and funding situation in a comprehensive manner. Among other things, they evaluated changes affecting grants as well as other developments influencing their ability to operate.
The study presents a wide range of observations on the current state of Tampere’s cultural sector and identifies key areas for development from the City of Tampere’s perspective, together with a number of proposed actions. The findings are also examined in relation to the national context.
Prepared by: Marianna Lehtinen, Venla Moisala and Anna Szalay.
(Please note that the full report is available in Finnish only.)