Pillar 2:
Ecological transition in the field of culture

Priority 11:
Providing access to cultural programmes for all, ensuring that barriers to access to culture are addressed

In Espoo, cultural services are a key part of the city’s strategy for sustainable and inclusive development, guided by the city as a service approach and as part of the CultureEspoo2030 programme. This long-term vision sees culture and art as essential to promoting equality, wellbeing, and a sense of community.

One of the city’s leading initiatives is the Culture Call art programme, developed together with the education sector to ensure all children can access meaningful cultural experiences from an early age.

Culture Call offers free art education programmes for children aged 3 to 5, integrated directly in their schedules at early childhood education units. It currently reaches 166 public units (6,699 children) and 95 private units (around 1,500 children), engaging more than 8,000 children in total.

The programme is delivered by 32 professional service providers through creative workshops and performances that support emotional wellbeing and creativity.

Espoo also supports children and young people throughout their educational journey by helping teachers use diverse learning environments such as museums, cultural venues, libraries, and exhibitions to enrich the curriculum and make arts education more accessible.

The city further promotes inclusion by ensuring every young person can access at least one enjoyable hobby. Around 250 free leisure activity groups are offered across 83 schools. These activities, organised by 36 service providers, promote inclusion while supporting children’s development and educational progress.