A recent study commissioned by the Arts Promotion Centre Finland shows that Finns value public art extensively. At the end of 2024, 77 per cent of the respondents to the survey would like to see works of art in their everyday environment. The positive attitude has also clearly increased from the previous survey conducted in 2022, when 70 percent were in favour.
The special focus was on ten Finnish cities: Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Oulu, Turku, Jyväskylä, Lahti, Kuopio and Kouvola. The surveys have been carried out regularly since 2014.
Most support in Tampere, least in Kouvola
According to the survey, the attitude towards public art in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and larger cities is more positive than average. In rural or sparsely populated areas, the attitude is more reserved, although positive.
The positive impact of art on the comfort and safety of the living environment is recognised everywhere, but the funding of public art with tax money divides opinions. The popularity of public art in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and larger cities is partly explained by the growth trend and the higher volume of construction. In smaller towns or rural areas, there is relatively more uncertainty about investments in public art.
Public art was most popular in Tampere with 88 per cent support. The attitude was most negative or indifferent in Kouvola, where 60 per cent of the respondents wished for public art in their surroundings.
Finland ahead of Sweden
The attitude of Finns towards public art is more positive than in Sweden. According to a study commissioned by the Artists' Association Artists' National Organisation (Verian, published 3.1.2025) In Sweden, only 32 percent of citizens want more public art their immediate environment, and only half of the respondents see art in public spaces as important.
"The difference with Sweden is significant. We may not have been aware that art is seen as such a valuable part of our everyday life and built environment. It once again broadens our understanding of Finnishness. For us, art is not just a 'project of the intelligentsia', but something that has an important place in the hearts of almost all citizens," says Kaisa Rönkkö, Director of the Arts Promotion Centre Finland.
Popularity across party lines and respondent groups
Support for public art is particularly strong among supporters of the Greens and the Social Democratic Party, but 63 per cent of supporters of the Finns Party also have a positive attitude towards it. The results show that public art unites Finns across party lines.
"It is really important that art and culture do not start to differentiate in politics in such a way that they are seen as a matter for only a few parties. The survey result is particularly encouraging this spring, when Parliament will begin to discuss the Cultural Policy Report. We need the views of all parties and their participation in building cultural policy," says Kaisa Rönkkö.
The survey also found that 77 per cent of Finns feel that art increases the comfort and safety of the environment, and 79 per cent want art in hospitals and care institutions. In addition, almost 70 per cent of Finns would like to see residential areas and buildings that have invested in architecture and art. Of the age groups, the youngest and older people value public art the most. Women (81 per cent) have a more positive attitude towards the topic than men (72 per cent).
The Citizens' Perceptions of Art as a Part of the Everyday Environment and Public Spaces 2024 survey was carried out by Verian in October 2024 and 1278 Finns over the age of 15 participated in it.
https://www.taike.fi/fi/lehdistotiedotteet/julkisen-taiteen-kannatus-suomessa-kasvanut