The importance of knowledge-based management is emphasized in an era of societal upheaval

As I write this, it has been four months since I took the helm at the Center for Cultural Policy Research Cupore. From this vantage point, I have been able to observe not only the information needs related to the Ministry of Education and Culture’s administrative sector but also the knowledge management challenges identified in municipal cultural activities, cultural organizations and institutions, foundations supporting science and art, and industry advocacy groups. There is certainly information available, but it is fragmented, scattered, partially inconsistent, and therefore difficult to utilize and reconcile.

In my observation, research data on cultural policy is used sparingly in societal discussions. Public discourse on culture and its societal significance is often one-dimensional, sector-specific, and increasingly polarized and populist, where different interests converse and pursue their own agendas. It is difficult to form a comprehensive picture based on knowledge.

At the same time, we live in an era of polycrisis, where multiple simultaneous crises reinforce each other’s effects. The operating environment of the cultural sector is changing ever more rapidly, and in recent years, activities have been hampered by, among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the international security environment. The climate crisis challenges us to reassess established operating models and structures.

Currently, the Finnish government is implementing historically large cuts to cultural funding, the impacts of which have not been pre-assessed. In a time of upheaval, where the fundamental pillars of society are being shaken and comprehensive uncertainty is increasing, decision-making based on researched knowledge is more important than ever, and the significance of independent research grows.

In the midst of crises, the importance of art and culture to people is emphasized. They provide means for expressing one’s voice, opportunities for polyphonic discussion and new perspectives, and places for imagining and building new futures. Culture produces inclusion and well-being. It is no wonder that many cultural institutions across Finland have recorded all-time visitor records in recent years.

Cupore’s researchers work very broadly in multidisciplinary research projects in the field of cultural policy. Our research is structured around four themes: cultural structures and funding, municipalities and regions, art and artists, and productions, events, and participation. Our firm aim is to continue developing science communication in the future, to compile fragmented knowledge bases, and to create an increasingly multifaceted picture of the significance of culture and cultural policy.

Cupore’s staff work diligently to strengthen the knowledge base of cultural policy, and we publish our research results openly on our website so that decision-makers, cultural sector actors, and the media can utilize our research in their own activities. We want to promote democratic societal discussion through cultural policy.

In November 2024, a Cultural Policy Report was presented to Parliament, which looks far into the future, to the 2040s. The new Minister of Science and Culture, Mari-Leena Talvitie, will present it to Parliament in February. The cultural policy vision outlined in the report describes culture as a societal force for change, with cultural creators and content at its core. Culture is defined as a right for everyone, and Finland’s international influence is generated by the power of vibrant culture.

But where do we find the strength to believe in such a vision in the midst of crises, when at the same time the basic structures of the cultural sector are crumbling beneath us? It is said that knowledge increases sorrow. At Cupore, we believe that knowledge helps us make sense of the world and that a more comprehensive view of the state of culture and cultural policy helps decision-makers allocate resources more wisely, effectively, and beneficially for all people across Finland.

Photo (front page): Tim Mossholder, Unsplash