Culture creates well-being in Tuusula − A study on the perceived effects of cultural activities highlights the importance of culture
In line with its strategy, the municipality of Tuusula offers wonderful and innovative opportunities for culture, leisure and hobbies. These investments create well-being. The recently published report on the perceived effects of cultural activities shows that cultural activities have many positive effects on the lives of those who participate in them and even on society as a whole.
In Tuusula, the municipality offers a wide range of cultural activities and educational opportunities for people of all ages. It provides some of these services itself and supports others.
The municipality of Tuusula provides education through Tuusula College, Tuusula Art School and the Central Uusimaa Music College. It also procures educational services from the Central Uusimaa Dance School KETO and the TAITO School of Crafts and Design in Southern Finland. Tuusula’s museums offer exhibitions and events, and the municipality’s cultural services produce and organise a wide range of events for residents of all ages.
Basic arts education offers a long and goal-oriented educational path in culture. We have also heard from our students what the recently published national report shows: cultural activities provide like-minded friends, opportunities to perform and, for example, a sense of being capable of many things, says Laura Nurro, planning teacher at the Tuusula Art School.
In Tuusula, approximately 800 children and young people study visual arts, music, dance, circus arts and crafts on a weekly basis as part of their basic education in the arts. Basic education institutions in the arts also organise various short courses and club activities in schools.
At Tuusula College’s art courses, a shared interest brings different people together.
In addition to the actual studying, the coffee breaks during the college’s courses are important opportunities to meet others in many ways, says Timo Rusanen, the college’s principal. Deep friendships and collaborative projects have been formed during the college’s courses, such as the Passion group, which was formed through the college’s Open Studio and held its first joint exhibition at Galleria Monio in August.
Attending concerts, theatre performances and other shows is a cultural activity. Tuusula offers excellent opportunities to enjoy events at museums and Monio, for example. In addition to the municipality, events are organised by associations and cultural enterprises, says cultural producer Jaana Hopeakoski.
The national Kaikukortti card, which is in use in Tuusula, lowers the threshold for participating in cultural activities. Cardholders can attend events free of charge. Basic art education institutions also offer places for free students.
Report on the perceived effects of cultural activities
The Citizens’ Forum of the Finnish Adult Education Association has produced a report on the perceived effects of cultural activities in collaboration with partner organisations every two years since 2022. The cultural effects were examined again in 2024. In addition, the Basic Education in the Arts Association conducted a similar study at the same time. The reports were published on 18 September 2024.
The report on the perceived effects of cultural activities shows that cultural activities have particularly positive social and learning-related effects: cultural activities reduce loneliness and help build social relationships. Cultural activities help develop personal skills, and the skills learned can also be utilised in other areas of life. The results of the study also reveal psychological, physical and community-related effects.
The results of a survey conducted by the Association for Basic Education in the Arts show the same thing: based on the responses, basic education in the arts is associated with the joy of learning, acceptance, and the skills learned are also utilised at school, at work, and in other areas of life. Engaging in artistic activities also increases creativity and imagination and provides positive challenges. Hobbies bring happiness and increase well-being.
Further information about the report
Further information
Laura Nurro, Design Teacher at Tuusula Art School, laura.nurro@tuusula.fi, +358 40 314 4486
Timo Rusanen, Principal of Tuusula College, timo.rusanen@tuusula.fi, +358 40 314 3414
Ulla Kinnunen, Director of Culture and Museums, ulla.kinnunen@tuusula.fi, +358 40 314 3456
Jaana Hopeakoski, cultural producer, jaana.hopeakoski@tuusula.fi, +358 40 314 3436
This content has been translated using AI