{"id":22168,"date":"2025-08-20T16:50:39","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T13:50:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/varsinais-suomi.kajahdusdev.fi\/culture\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T12:24:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T10:24:29","slug":"culture","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/varsinais-suomi.fi\/en\/varsinais-suomi\/culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”none” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ADD8E6″ scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” id=”subpagebanner” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column left_padding_desktop=”50″ top_padding_tablet=”50″ bottom_padding_tablet=”35″ left_padding_tablet=”25″ flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” text_color=”#003554″ text_direction=”default”]\n

Culture grows within us<\/h1>\n[\/nectar_responsive_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20545″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” mask_enable=”true” mask_shape=”custom” mask_custom_image=”16792″ mask_size=”contain” translate_y_desktop=”50″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”50″ bottom_padding=”30″ top_padding_tablet=”100″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” id=”texticon” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner left_padding_desktop=”50″ right_padding_desktop=”50″ left_padding_tablet=”0″ right_padding_tablet=”0″ flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” text_direction=”default” class_name=”ph5″]The culture of Southwest Finland is diverse and vibrant. Here, history and the present meet: medieval towns, archipelago communities, and a modern creative economy form a rich whole. The region is the birthplace of Finland and the cradle of many cultural traditions. Southwest Finnish identity is reflected in language, events, and the way of working together. Culture is not merely heritage\u2014it is continuous renewal and community.[\/nectar_responsive_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_margin=”50″ bottom_margin_phone=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” id=”h2otsikkojapyoreakuva” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bottom_padding=”50″ text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”longtextcolumn1″][vc_column_inner left_padding_desktop=”50″ left_padding_tablet=”0″ left_padding_phone=”0″ flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Culture belongs to everyone<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” text_color=”#003554″ text_direction=”default”]In Southwest Finland, culture is seen as a resource for both quality of life and business. Creative industries, arts, cultural tourism, and events provide employment and strengthen the region’s attractiveness. Culture enhances well-being and community spirit and is broadly integrated into regional development in accordance with the Regional Strategy 2040+ guidelines. It supports sustainable development, strengthens identity, and builds bridges between different actors. Above all, culture is about partnership, interaction, and learning together. <\/p>\n

Providing cultural services comprehensively throughout the region is an important objective. Particularly in smaller municipalities, shared solutions and long-term work are needed to ensure culture is accessible to all. At the same time, the operating conditions and employment in the creative sector are being strengthened so that culture can be a permanent part of Southwest Finland’s vitality and sustainable growth.[\/nectar_responsive_text][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

A collectively built future for culture<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Cultural development in Southwest Finland is based on openness, partnership, and collective action. Municipalities, organizations, artists, cultural enterprises, and residents form a network that advances regional cultural policy and strengthens expertise. This network-based approach supports the objectives of the Southwest Finland Strategy 2040+, which emphasize accessibility, collaboration, and the well-being impacts of culture.
\nThis work is supported by the regional culture forum, which brings cultural actors together to discuss, learn, and develop new initiatives. The forum provides opportunities and encounters that address current themes such as accessibility, sustainable development, and the significance of art for well-being. It also serves as a channel through which the voice of culture is heard in decision-making and strategic work. <\/p>\n

The guidelines of the cultural strategy are reflected in practical collaboration. The aim is to strengthen the region’s cultural identity, increase the availability of cultural services, and support entrepreneurship in the creative sector. In Southwest Finland, culture is a shared resource that builds well-being, community spirit, and future vitality.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Culture Committee\u2014expert and guide for the cultural strategy<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The Southwest Finland Culture Committee is the region’s cultural policy expert body, responsible for preparing the cultural strategy in collaboration with the regional culture and arts sector. The committee monitors the implementation of the strategy and makes initiatives that strengthen the role of culture as part of regional development and well-being. <\/p>\n

The committee members represent a broad range of art forms, education, industries, and municipalities. This diverse composition ensures that both expertise and the practical needs of the sector are taken into account in planning. The committee works in collaboration with the culture forum and other regional networks and promotes measures that make culture and art a natural part of regional development. <\/p>\n

The Culture Committee is an important link between cultural sector actors and the Regional Council of Southwest Finland. The work is based on interaction and openness, and its aim is to develop a region where culture is present in everyday life, strengthens community spirit, and builds the Southwest Finland of the future.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” constrain_group_2=”yes” constrain_group_6=”yes” bottom_margin=”50″ bottom_margin_phone=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” id=”bluecolumnyellowbuttons” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ADD8E6″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” text_color=”#003554″ text_direction=”default”]\n

Aurora Medal<\/h3>\n[\/nectar_responsive_text][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” text_color=”#003554″ text_direction=”default”]The Regional Council of Southwest Finland annually awards the Aurora Medal in recognition of significant work for the benefit of Southwest Finland’s culture. The award may be granted to an individual, community, authority, company, or working group distinguished in the fields of art, culture, or science. The medal may also be awarded to a person originating from Southwest Finland who has contributed significantly to national cultural work. <\/p>\n

The Aurora Medal has been awarded since 1977.[\/nectar_responsive_text][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” text=”Read more about the Aurora Medal” url=”https:\/\/varsinais-suomi.fi\/en\/aurora-medal\/”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ADD8E6″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” text_color=”#003554″ text_direction=”default”]\n

Culture Bank<\/h3>\n[\/nectar_responsive_text][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” text_color=”#003554″ text_direction=”default”]Culture Bank is a nationally expanding digital service that brings together professionals in art and culture in one place. Its purpose is to facilitate encounters between creators and clients and to increase employment opportunities in the creative sector. In the service, cultural actors can showcase their expertise and offer services such as performances, workshops, and training. <\/p>\n

The service is developed by the City of Tampere in collaboration with other regions, and its use is free for all actors in the sector.[\/nectar_responsive_text][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” text=”Go to Culture Bank” url=”https:\/\/kulttuuripankki.fi\/” aria_label_text=”Linkki Kulttuuripankki-sivustolle”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”50″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” id=”bluepanels” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” text_color=”#003554″ text_direction=”default”][\/nectar_responsive_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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