Showcasing the importance of culture – Tampere invites everyone to experience culture

-The aim is to make people in Tampere aware of how easy it is to make culture part of their everyday lives, and to do something small for their own cultural well-being. In the current climate of debate, we don't want to just moan about the state of culture, but to show how much culture we have available for everyone, says Sampo Terho, Director of Culture of the City of Tampere.

The featured sites in the campaign are the City of Tampere's own cultural institutions and services, in particular easily accessible free services. The spotlight will be on events such as free entry to museums, tips about books, art for all, opportunities for self-expression and cultural trails around Tampere.

The spark for the campaign from an idea by the President of Finland

In September 2024, the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, took part in a panel discussion entitled "Culture as a resource for society" in Tampere, Finland.

 -If we don't go to theatres, concerts, museums and art exhibitions, if we don't read books, then our mental capacity to act in difficult situations is weakened, said Stubb, reflecting on the importance of culture. 

He went on to suggest that everyone could set a target of 52 cultural experiences a year – one every week.

Tampere, a city of action, is responding to the encouragement to act offered by the President. The week's cultural highlights will be presented on the campaign pages https://www.tampere.fi/en/52timesculture and on the City of Tampere's social media channels. The aim is to get people to try out new ways to enjoy Tampere's rich cultural offerings and to inspire them to seek out information for themselves. The pages will provide people with a weekly spark to get involved in culture, even if a particular tip does not fit into their schedule.

- We are delighted that the President of Finland agreed to be patron of the campaign, as it was his idea that started it all. During the discussion, he also shared many examples of cultural experiences that have touched him, and we want to do our part to help people in Tampere find them for themselves, says Sampo Terho.

A challenge for other Finnish municipalities

Tampere wants to challenge not only Tampere residents but also other municipalities to join the 52 times culture campaign.

- Other municipalities and cities in Finland are also welcome to join the campaign, each in their own way. In these times, culture must be visible in society as strongly as possible, and existing resources should be utilized for the well-being of all of us, Sampo Terho adds.