Matters concerning students in the fields of arts and culture are currently being prepared, negotiated and implemented on several different tables. Although some of the changes have already taken effect this spring, the changes and studies currently under way aim above all to create guidelines far into the future. A future in which today's students will be in working life and in its decision-making positions, bearing the responsibility and consequences of the decisions made now. The University of the Arts Student Union (TaiYo) is concerned about the little, if not non-existent, representation of art students at the decision-making tables.
In this article, we highlight three topical topics in cultural policy with the aim of awakening and encouraging more and more art and culture students to participate in the discussion and influence decision-making that concerns them.
- Cuts targeted at students in arts and culture
The spending limits discussion in April 2024 brought chilling news to art students and the entire Finnish cultural field. Orpo's Government had decided to speed up the cuts to the Ministry of Education and Culture, and now announced cuts of four million euros in central government transfers for performing arts and music. This means a network of more than 200 theatres, orchestras, circuses and museums within the scope of the system of central government transfers (VOS).
In addition, the Government decided on additional cuts of EUR 25 million for the Ministry of Education and Culture, which will be added to the cuts already agreed. The number of cuts made by the Ministry of Education and Culture is already multiplying compared to what was expected based on the Government Programme. Minister of Education and Culture Sari Multala has announced that the cuts are targeted, but their targets have not yet been determined. According to the Arts Council, the cuts in appropriations, if implemented, will weaken the Finnish economy, wellbeing and security.
At the beginning of 2024, the Arts Promotion Centre Finland's non-statutory government transfers were also cut by EUR 1.3 million, and they were targeted at operating grants, special grants, target grants and thematic grants, i.e. mainly the free field of art, which is still recovering from the aftermath of the coronavirus. The challenge is that VOS cuts will also target new artists and young artists, and that they will prevent the emergence of new artistic and cultural openings.
In addition to cultural cuts, students in the fields of art and culture are also subject to severe cuts in housing allowance that entered into force at the beginning of April, as a result of which both TaiYo and the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) have taken a stand and written separately. Cuts in students' livelihoods continued in the government discussion on spending limits, when the Government announced that students would move from general housing allowance back to student financial aid housing supplement. When talking about the weakened social security of students, we should not forget the cuts in social assistance, let alone the index freeze of student financial aid. For example, SYL has rejected the cuts planned by the government very unequivocally. In these joint government efforts, students bear a burden that is disproportionate to their income and standard of living.
- Cultural policy report: looking ahead to 2046!
The future of the cultural sector is currently being envisioned! In spring 2024, work began on the cultural policy report included in the Government Programme of Orpo's Government, which aims to form an ambitious vision of the future of the arts and culture sectors. In practice, the report creates a vision for the entire cultural sector until 2046, enables the long-term development of Finland's arts and culture policy and identifies key measures to achieve the objectives. Given the current financial plight of operators in the arts and culture sectors and concerns about the future of the sector, it is not insignificant what kind of guidelines are written in the policy paper.
The Report on Cultural Policy is prepared by a working group appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture, and it is prepared in close interaction with actors and stakeholders in the sector. Among the representatives of art education, both President of Uniarts Helsinki Kaarlo Hildén and University Lecturer Tomi Dufva from Aalto University will participate in the working group. TaiYo does advocacy work on the topic by, for example, meeting decision-makers and stakeholders, participating in discussions and demonstrations, and being involved in organising Flora Day, which envisions the future of the cultural sector (date to be announced later).
To support the working group's activities, the Confederation of Culture and the Arts KULTA ry has launched low-threshold participation living room discussions under the project, through which anyone can participate in the preparation of the cultural policy report. In order for the voice of art students to be taken into account in decision-making, it is of paramount importance to include the views and ideas of art and culture students in living room discussions, demonstrations taking a stand and other dialogue on the topic. TaiYo organises a living room discussion specifically targeted at art students on Monday 13.5 at 14-16 in the Theatre Academy Mylly student room. Taike's Director Kaisa Rönkkö, who sits in the working group of the Report on Cultural Policy, will also participate in the discussion event. Come and have a cup of coffee and influence the future of the cultural sector!
- European parlament elections
Although cultural policy is not in itself the core competence of the European Union, culture, art and cultural heritage are still at the heart of the European Union and Europeanism. In addition to the intrinsic value of art, KULTA ry, among others, has highlighted in its European election goal the importance of culture in strengthening democracy, the creative economy and as a factor in the green transition. The creative industries are also a major source of employment in Europe.
EU legislation ensures, among other things, the protection of Europe's cultural heritage, cooperation between cultural institutions in different countries and the promotion of the mobility of creative workers. In addition, the EU produces activities and investments that support the cultural policies of the Member States, such as the European Capital of Culture programme. It is therefore extremely important that the arts and culture sectors are also represented in the European Parliament and influence decision-making on the creative industries.
The turnout in the European elections is terribly low, especially among young people, and it would be of paramount importance for democracy to get young voters to the polls at the turn of May and June! The European elections will be held in Finland on 9.6. and advance voting is also possible. TaiYo supports the cultural field's European election goals and aims to actively participate in election panels and discussions. There are also plans to cooperate with other advocacy organisations, such as KULTA ry, in connection with the elections. So stay tuned!
Important dates:
- On Monday 13.5. from 2 pm to 4 pm, there will be a cultural-political living room discussion in the Theatre Academy Mylly student room.
- 5.-4.6. Advance voting in European Parliament elections in Finland
- 6th of June European parlament elections
Upcoming also the event which was moved forward from Flora day. Date to be announced.
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