Kainuu has recently launched new fresh initiatives in the field of culture. For example, a planned Arts Campus in Kajaani is a great idea for creative industries and artistic and culture activities. Also the Percent for Art principle in public spaces is supported.
The value of culture is clearly recognized in both increasing the wellbeing of citizens, and enhancing the attractiveness of the area.
One year ago, the Kainuu Culture Programme (in Finnish) was finalized, by as many as 70 cultural actors and coordinated by the Regional Council of Kainuu.
The Culture Programme aims at improving the accessibility of culture with the help of collaboration. Project Cultural Kainuu, funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education of Culture, has started a closer collaboration between municipalities, cities, and cultural actors within the Kainuu region.
To increase the visibility of culture, several events, a Cultural Map of Kainuu, and social media campaigns, have been organised in collaboration between several actors. Culture has been and will be involved in the region’s marketing events, for example in the Helsinki Matka Travel Fair in January.
A new activity will be Kainuu Culture Gala that will be organised for the first time this year, and will circulate in the region in the coming years. The aim of the Gala is to present the rich cultural activity of the region.
In addition, during years 2022-2023 the Regional Council of Kainuu has shared pilot funding for new cultural projects, and organised training and workshops. Also the Future Fund of the Regional Council has funded several cultural projects. Kainuu will soon be part of a national network related to cultural wellbeing.
In the Regional Council of Kainuu, there are two new international projects aiming at developing cultural work:
- CHERRY-project aims at involving culture more strongly to the regional development work.
- Another new project N-LiTe develops literary tourism in the region.
We are convinced that the recent positive developments in cultural and creative fields will be strengthened in the coming years.
Writers:
Minna Komulainen, Regional Development Specialist
Joni Kinnunen, Project Coordinator
Elina Keränen, Project Coordinator
Jouni Ponnikas, Regional Development Director
