The Varkaus Culture Program 2031

Vision 2031

Varkaus is a vibrant cultural city where everyone can participate and make a difference. The importance of culture is recognized and acknowledged as a key component of vitality and holistic well-being.

Values

Sustainably and Responsibly

• We recognize the opportunities and impacts of cultural activities from the perspectives of ecological, economic, social, and cultural sustainability.
• We work to promote social equality, accessibility, and diversity.
• We continuously develop our expertise in sustainability and communicate it to others.

Equitably and Accessibly

• Through our activities, we promote equity so that everyone can participate in art and culture as easily and barrier-free as possible.
• We break down barriers to participation and cultural inclusion.
• We recognize the diversity of cultural heritage and strengthen intercultural dialogue.

Through creative collaboration

• Collaboration is the driving force behind cultural activities in Varkaus.
• We actively communicate our activities to others and seek partners for joint productions.
• Mutual understanding and trust among cultural actors create new opportunities.

The program is structured around five main themes. Each theme has three sub-objectives (15 in total), which are listed below.

To achieve these objectives, the program includes a total of 77 measures. The measures have timelines, responsible parties, and monitoring indicators. The measures are not included in this summary; you can find them in the program document (PDF, in Finnish only).

• Culture belongs to everyone
  • We provide diverse cultural services for various target groups
  • We promote the accessibility of cultural services
  • We improve communication about cultural activities
• Culture creates well-being
  • We improve the participation of different target groups in culture
  • We promote sustainable development and comprehensive responsibility
  • We enhance mental well-being through culture
• Culture fosters vitality
  • We improve working conditions for arts and culture professionals
  • We develop a unique urban identity through art and culture
  • We promote sustainable cultural tourism
• Culture is created together
  • We strengthen cooperation among cultural actors
  • We offer residents opportunities for participation and collaboration
  • We collaborate in networks at the local, regional, national, and international levels
• Culture is valued
  • We show appreciation for culture and its creators
  • We support culture financially and professionally
  • We are committed to culture within the city’s operational structures

The program begins by describing the current state of cultural activities and the operating environment in 2026.

At the end of the program, there are various appendices, such as

• Glossary and definitions
• A concise checklist for event organizers
• A “Did you know that...” section with various cultural facts
• Background information on the program
• A list of links to cultural resources
• Bibliography

A safer space is an environment where everyone can participate, be present, and express themselves without discrimination or harassment. The goal is to create a respectful, open, and accessible atmosphere that supports cultural experiences, learning, and a sense of community.

These guidelines are intended as shared principles for all cultural actors in Varkaus, including associations, businesses, artists, event organizers, other stakeholders, and participants in cultural events. The guidelines apply to both venues and events.

BE MINDFUL

Be mindful of everyone in the space or at the event. Be aware of different needs, backgrounds, and ways of participating.

RESPECT

Treat everyone equally and with respect. Do not make assumptions about people’s backgrounds, identities, or experiences. Respect privacy and approach sensitive topics with care.

BE RESPONSIBLE

Take responsibility for your words and actions. Remember that even well-intentioned comments or behavior may affect others in unintended ways.

If you take photos or videos, make sure to get consent from everyone appearing in them.

GIVE SPACE, BE OPEN, AND LISTEN

Listen actively and give everyone the opportunity to participate in conversations or activities in their own way. Everyone has the right to express themselves without being belittled or labeled.

APOLOGIZE AND FORGIVE

If you hurt or offend someone, intentionally or unintentionally, apologize and be willing to reflect on and adjust your behavior. Be kind to yourself and others; everyone is learning.

INTERVENE IN HARASSMENT

If you notice inappropriate behavior or harassment, report it to the person responsible for the venue or event. Everyone has the right to a safe cultural experience.

A Shared Commitment

Cultural actors in Varkaus are committed to developing safer space practices together with their community and fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.

Poster template for cultural organizations in Varkaus

You can download the "Safer Space Principles" poster template (A3) for your own use, and add the contact information for the person responsible of your venue or event.

• Poster template in PDF format (For example, you can print it out and fill in the missing information by hand)

• Poster template in PPTX format (You can fill in the details in PowerPoint)

The Varkaus Culture Program 2031 was developed through extensive collaboration with various stakeholders and by listening to local residents.

• The program development process began in November 2023 at the Culture Forum’s Future Workshop, where cultural actors from Varkaus discussed what the cultural city of Varkaus of the future would look like.

• In the spring of 2024, a working group was assembled to carry out the program development.

   KulttuuriVarkaus Program Working Group

  • Terhi Siippainen, Senior Cultural Producer, Varkaus City Culture and Event Services
  • Taina Laitinen, Arts Specialist, Arts Promotion Center
  • Pirjo Nyyssönen, Chair, Kirja-Varkaus ry
  • Juha Vuorinen, Theater Director, Varkaus Theater
  • Leena Mäki-Patola, Artist
  • Kati Paananen, Artist
  • Pauliina Arresalo, Library Director, Varkaus City Library
  • Jukka Tuohino, Principal, Soisalo-opisto Adult Education Centre
  • Tytti Härkönen, Community Work Coordinator, Varkaus Museum Center Konsti
• The program was developed using a significant amount of survey data from 2021–2025. Data has also been collected through means other than surveys, ranging from everyday interactions to targeted workshops and from research data to other sources of information.
• The cultural program has been discussed with cultural stakeholders at events such as the Vision Workshop in October 2024, the Culture Forum in November 2024, and the Culture Forum in January 2026.
• Program editing and layout: Terhi Siippainen, City of Varkaus Culture and Events Services.