Cultural Heritage in Action is organizing a peer learning visit to Helsinki in June 2022.

Anyone working on culture and cultural heritage for regional, urban or rural administration from the EU and the UK can apply to participate in the visit until 30 April 2022.

The visit will be dedicated to the topic of the City Jigsaw Puzzle - according to a sustainable model of reusing old spaces for cultural purposes, and will focus on the example of Kaapelija (Cable Factory). The City of Helsinki and the real estate company Kiinteistö Oy Kaapelitalo (Kaapeli) have been cooperating for 30 years in the management of the former cable factory. The legal form of the company and full ownership of the premises have led to a long-term sustainable operating model that guarantees quality cultural activities.
Selected participants will discuss the challenges and obstacles they face along the way and how they have been overcome. The visit will provide an intimate and confidential setting for discussing pitfalls and failures, providing feedback and constructive criticism, and jointly building solutions. Selected participants will receive useful information and ideas to improve existing local projects, launch new ones or transfer some of the presented practices.

Special topics that will be addressed during the visit to mutual learning will be:
• Sustainable and adaptable reuse of (industrial) heritage buildings for artistic use
• Model of cooperation between municipal departments: culture, city museums, housing and environment
• Management models for transformed cultural heritage sites
• Helsinki City Strategic Framework for Cultural Heritage; Helsinki Real Estate Strategy; Vision of culture and art 2030

Cultural heritage in action will cover travel and accommodation costs for participants, as well as lunches and dinners (the consortium will take care of all logistical aspects).
Learn more about the visit, application rules and find the application form here.