Finnish Culture in Turmoil Amidst Economic Cuts and Shifting Values, Report Finds

Finnish culture is facing a period of significant upheaval, according to a stark new report by the Centre for Cultural Policy Research Cupore. The "State of Cultural Policy 2025" report, released today, paints a dramatic picture of a cultural landscape struggling under the weight of economic austerity, rapid technological advancements, and shifting societal values. For the first time in Finland, this report provides a holistic view of the diverse players involved in cultural policy, encompassing government bodies, local authorities, foundations, and private enterprises.

The report's central message is that the cultural model, long reliant on the public funding and strong institutions characteristic of a welfare state, is showing signs of severe strain. Economic cuts, the pervasive influence of digital technology, and a broader societal reevaluation of values are collectively challenging the established structures. The future of culture, as envisioned by the report, will be defined by digitalization, internationalization, and the increasing integration of creativity with economic activities. Culture is shifting from being a mere weekend pastime to an integral component of all endeavors, fostering meaning, trust, inclusivity, critical thinking, and adaptability.

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The weight of the past is also reflected in the fact that the language and administrative structures of cultural policy in many ways mirror the logic of the late 20th century, even though the operating environment of the 2020s is defined by crises, uncertainty, and rapid change.

Amidst this transition, the present moment is characterized by profound changes and a pervasive sense of uncertainty for those working in the cultural sector. The report notes that the language and administrative frameworks of cultural policy often reflect late 20th-century logic, ill-suited to the crises, unpredictability, and swift transformations defining the 2020s. Funding for the arts has faced numerous cuts in recent years, with the cumulative impact and interconnected effects proving difficult to quantify. These savings affect different arts sectors unevenly, as some institutions remain shielded by state funding while an increasing number of cultural professionals navigate short-term contracts and persistent insecurity.

The report identifies growing polarization as a consequence of these changes. Cultural offerings are increasingly concentrated among the educated and in major urban centers, leaving segments of the population disengaged, with some not even reading books. Gender disparities are also widening. This situation fuels further demands for cultural funding cuts, as reduced public support inevitably makes culture a pursuit for a select few. The discussion surrounding cultural policy in Finland has been hampered by a lack of shared knowledge, with the multitude of actors making a comprehensive understanding of the field elusive. Basic details, such as defining the cultural sector or its workforce, remain unclear, leading to discrepancies even in reported employment figures.

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The current state of cultural policy reflects the same restlessness that permeates social policy more broadly. Economic scarcity and uncertainty materialize as funding cuts, project-based operations, and short-termism.