Viinikanlahti's Waterfront to Feature Major Public Art Programme and International Competition

The City of Tampere has put a draft art programme on display from 2 to 16 November, outlining how artworks will be integrated as the new Viinikanlahti waterfront neighbourhood is built for about 3,000 residents, Tamperelainen reports.

Officials have chosen water as the unifying theme, split into three subthemes: water as a chemical compound; nature in its various expressions; and people and water. Art will appear in streets, squares, parks, buildings and semi-public blocks, with a focus on main routes, nodes and gathering places. One of the most visible pieces will be placed at Viinikanlahti square and selected through an international open competition. Temporary works are also planned during construction to create events and strengthen community ties, and schools, daycare centres, the sports hall and youth facilities will receive site-specific art following the same thematic framework.