As part of the Cultural Policy Research Days, a panel discussion open to everyone will be held. The discussion will be held in Finnish.
Panel Discussion: Spaces for Art and Culture in Joensuu
Time: Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Location: Art Center Ahjo, Kirkkokatu 23, 80100 Joensuu
Spaces are a vital enabler of cultural activity. At best, they support operations by providing appropriate and functional settings. At worst, they stand empty and unused. A space is formed through shared activity, while at the same time, the space shapes the activity and interaction within it.
In many municipalities and cities, space-related issues in cultural activities are a key tool of urban policy, a matter of cultural policy, and a challenge for the future.
The panel will discuss the spaces available for art and culture in Joensuu, exploring questions such as:
- What is the current state of spaces for art and culture in Joensuu? What are the main challenges? What is working well?
- What does the future look like? What kinds of development needs and proposals do different actors have for improving space-related issues?
Panelists include artists Merja Pennanen and Rauli Katajavuori, Tiia-Mari Mäkinen from Taike (Arts Promotion Centre Finland), and Pirkko Ahola from the City of Joensuu. The panel will be chaired by Miikka Pyykkönen from the University of Jyväskylä.
Before the discussion, Miikka Pyykkönen will give a brief introduction on the topic of spaces for art and culture. This introduction will address space-related questions particularly in the context of Jyväskylä, based on interview research conducted among different stakeholder groups – the independent scene, institutions, and the city.