Cultural Policy Report:
Culture as strong and unifying force in building sustainable, viable and more humane future

On Thursday 28 November, the Government submitted to Parliament a cultural policy report that outlines the long-term objectives and action plan for cultural policy until the 2040s. The report emphasises the efforts to preserve and renew the foundations of culture and make them economically viable, and to reinforce the impact of cultural and creative sectors on society. The long-term strategy, which draws on continuous cooperation between several policy areas, will be complemented later with an implementation plan.

According to the vision the report describes, in the 2040s arts and culture have become a force to strengthen and unite Finland and inspire the building of a more sustainable, viable and humane future. Working in cooperation with other policy areas, a successful cultural policy will create inclusion and meaningfulness in people's lives, building a broad foundation of knowledge, wellbeing, and social and economic value.

With the Cultural Policy Report, the Government seeks to strengthen cooperation that crosses the boundaries between administrative and policy sectors.

“Culture and art tell a story about who we are and where we are going. They help us deal with the difficult questions of human existence. Culture and art bring people together, counter prejudice and accelerate social change. Culture plays a key role in solving tricky problems, driving sustainable and responsible economic growth, and strengthening democracy and a sense of community,” says Minister of Science and Culture Sari Multala.

Long-term objectives

Finland's long-term cultural policy is based on four objectives: 1) culture is a driving force for change, 2) cultural practitioners and content play a key role, 3) culture is everyone's right and 4) cultural field drives global impact

Culture is the most significant driver of progress in human activity, because it determines how we view the world and its changes. Cultural practitioners contribute to Finland's development as a sustainable and well-rounded society. A diverse and accessible culture is everyone's right. Culture belongs to everyone regardless of their background, language, location, age or financial resources. A dynamic cultural field drives Finland's impact globally.

In order to achieve the objectives, the cultural sector must be empowered to drive the change. The sector needs restructuring and funding solutions. The required measures target the cultural sector (cultural and creative industries, arts, cultural heritage), authorities and their cooperation, and policy-level action.

Implementation plan will be drawn up later

An implementation plan will be drawn up once the report has been completed. It will provide the timetable for the action plan and specify the responsible parties and other detailed plans. One of the proposed measures to monitor implementation and the cooperation between administrative sectors is to create a cultural and creative sector body that will continue working across parliamentary terms.

Cultural Policy Report (in Finnish)

Inquiries:

Santeri Lohi, Special Advisor to the Minister, tel. 358 44 259 8451

Johanna Vuolasto, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 330 235

Liisa Suvikumpu, General Secretary for the Cultural Policy Report, tel. +358 295 330 040