Tampere seminar to map practical ways to expand cultural wellbeing services

A seminar at Culture House Laikku on 27 October will bring cultural professionals, health and social‑care staff, municipalities and third‑sector organisations together to map practical ways to expand cultural wellbeing services. It runs from 12:00 to 15:00 and is organised by Operation Pirkanmaa – The Cultural Network of Municipalities, Culture Bank and the Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County. The venue is Culture House Laikku, Central Square 4.

Organisers say the meeting responds to growing evidence that arts and culture support health, wellbeing and social inclusion, while practical barriers to cross‑sector work remain. Saija Mustaniemi, coordinator of Operation Pirkanmaa and moderator for Culture Bank, says cultural professionals often need a better understanding of care settings. She adds that wellbeing services could in turn benefit from clearer, easy‑to‑purchase cultural offerings.

The programme features case studies from arts work in residential care and supported living, along with presentations by Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County experts. Speakers include artist and drama instructor Jarmo Skön, researcher Tiina Santala and Hanna Korhonen of the LAATUA! project. The afternoon ends with workshops on services for older adults, disability services, home‑delivered cultural services and future development of cultural wellbeing services. Participation is free; advance registration is required by 20 October 2026.

The seminar builds on recent local initiatives, including nearly 100 low‑threshold cultural events for older residents this autumn that ran across the city and neighbourhood‑led community art projects introduced earlier this season.