Meanwhile Use Spaces for culture and arts
The next open call for Meanwhile Use Spaces for culture and arts is open from 28 April to 15 May.
The next application period for Meanwhile Use Spaces for culture and arts takes place from 28 April to 15 May 2026. This is the eighth application round. Applications must be submitted by Friday 15 May at 3:45 pm. Late applications will not be accepted. Applications are submitted using an online form. The link to the form will be published on this website on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. The decision will be made by the Head of Cultural Services, Marianna Lehtinen.
The concept of Meanwhile Use Spaces
The Meanwhile Use Spaces concept (Välitilamalli) is an operating model developed by the City of Tampere, where empty spaces are temporarily made available for cultural activities.
There are always various temporarily vacant spaces in the city, and the city aims to put these spaces to good use. The interim model supports experimental, temporary, and pop-up activities, and does not aim to solve the broader and longer-term challenge of cultural spaces. The need for longer-term cultural spaces is being addressed by, among other things, the cultural center being built at Nekala School and the Hiedanranta development project. The interim space search is usually conducted twice a year, and the search is for interesting cultural and art concepts for vacant spaces.
The search for temporary spaces is usually conducted twice a year, and the aim is to find interesting cultural and artistic concepts for empty spaces. The spaces are made available to operators on a temporary basis, which enables pop-up and experimental activities.
The spaces can be used for working, creating, producing and presenting works, carrying out projects, exhibitions or other open and collaborative creative activities. When making choices, the City of Tampere values concepts that are appropriate to the space and its surroundings, that take into account the temporary nature of the activity.
The Meanwhile Use Spaces are released free of charge for use by cultural and art operators. Cultural activities (such as workshops, exhibitions and events) must be arranged for city residents in the space or as a result of its use. The sale of works, ancillary products, and refreshments is allowed as long as it is closely linked to the activities conducted in the space.
The operator is responsible for all permits, insurances and security of the premises. Operators may apply for Project Grants for Culture for costs related to the events.
When making selections, City of Tampere values:
- the suitability of a concept to the space
- time and place specificity
- increasing employment and earning opportunities for artists and other cultural operators
- applicants from Pirkanmaa
- interesting and/or unusual content
- the applicant’s values regarding equality and sustainability
- the added value for residents (in the space or resulting indirectly from its use).
Applications will also be assessed on the basis of the balance between different art forms and artistic disciplines.
Different kinds of collectives can also apply for the spaces, but they must have one main applicant responsible for the application. The requested period can also be shorter than the full usable time given in the space description. The representatives of the City of Tampere may also propose the joint use or sharing of premises between different applicants.
Applications for premises are made using an electronic form. You can also apply for more than one space. However, please fill in a new form for each space you are applying for. The location cards include information on accessibility in the available spaces.
Premises included in November 2025 call
Business premises in Pyynikki swimming pool building
Pirkankatu 10, business premises No. 3
1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
This traditional street-level commercial space at the swimming pool, including a basement, offers opportunities for various kinds of pop-up activities. A tram line passes directly in front of the space, providing easy access.
No open viewing will be organised. However, the street-level space can be viewed through the window on Pirkankatu, and the basement includes a windowless room of equal size.
Kaupin virkatalo
Parantolankatu 5, Tampere
1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
The meanwhile use space is Kaupin virkatalo, located in the Petsamo district in a former hospital area, surrounded by forest. The total area available is 425.5 m². The space may be allocated to a single operator or shared between multiple applicants.
The building was originally constructed in 1955 as the official residence of the municipal director and was most recently used as additional reception centre capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The premises are handed over as they are and must be returned in the same, functional condition. As a historically significant building, certain restrictions apply, such as careful use of parquet floors.
An open viewing will be held on Thursday 7 May at 16:00–17:00.
Kaleva hall (Kalevan halli), 3 spaces
Sarvijaakonkatu 28, Tampere
1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
This call offers three smaller workspaces in Kaleva Hall. The building also houses the Centre for Sustainable Living, and there is other community-based activity in the surrounding area. Interest in joint activities is considered an advantage. Kalevan halli is an accessible space for community culture, arts, hands-on activities, and social interaction.
Kaleva Hall is an industrial building that previously operated as a car repair shop. Shared toilet and social facilities are available. Other activities take place in the main hall and adjacent spaces, which means some through-traffic. Subject to agreement with other users, workshops and joint events may be organised in these shared areas.
- Space 1: Two rooms, approx. 16 m²
- Space 2: Two rooms, approx. 19 m²
- Space 3: One room, approx. 23 m²
The spaces are handed over as they are and must be returned in a functional condition. Light structures that do not damage the building may be installed, and the space may be painted both inside and outside. All plans must be approved by the city before implementation.
An open viewing may be organised during the application period; the exact date has not yet been confirmed.
Further information
The short address for this page is tampere.fi/en/meanwhileuse