We want the pop-up-type cultural space to be a more permanent part of Mikkeli’s streetscape and cultural offering.
Kulttuuritila22, established in the center of Mikkeli at the beginning of July, will continue to operate at least until the end of the year.
Up until now, the cultural space has operated with a grant from the Kone foundation, but the rest of the year is planned to be self-financed. Additional funding for the next two years has been applied for from the Kone foundation.
In the cultural space, we have seen and will continue to see a lot of different themed evenings, workshops and, among other things, community art. In addition to Kaukasus’ own performances, the program also includes a lot of concerts by guest artists.
The space located on Hallituskatu has been found to be so functional that, according to Tamski, it would be a shame to give it up now. It would take the risk that the place would no longer be available if further funding were obtained and the search for a new space would be faced.
A lot has already been learned in the first three months. In accordance with the original aim, there have been visitors from babies to adults, and the versatility of the events has received praise.
– This has become the cultural living room of everyone from Mikkeli and those who are here. It has also been noticed how art speaks.
Getting Kone Foundation’s funding will become clear at the beginning of December.
– Funding has been applied for in the amount of around 200,000 euros for two years. That includes the space’s expenses, presentations and 1.5 staff years, says Tamski.
If there is no funding, the future is still in the dark. But one thing is clear: We don’t want to start asking for funding from the city of Mikkeli.
– We know the city’s terrible financial situation, so we don’t feel like begging for money from there. Due to the bad economic situation, it would be very important that the funding for this came from somewhere else.