Cultural operators are preparing for energy-saving measures as electricity prices rise, but events and activities will continue as before, as cultural offerings are not likely to be restricted after the interest rate cuts.
Rising electricity prices have prompted cultural institutions to consider ways to save energy for the coming season.
No revolutionary measures are yet in place at the Science Centre Heureka in Vantaa.
At the Science Centre, Ainoa says that heat control is the most essential way to save electricity.
– So far, it is the most significant thing that has been done. But it has not yet come to the point that our operations are restricted because of the price of electricity, Ainoa says.
“We don’t compromise on quality”
Turku City Theater is even preparing for a doubling of the electricity bill, but the situation is not a cause for concern. We are constantly looking for ways to save energy.
The concert and congress center Tampere building has its own solar power plant on its roof. The cultural actor has worked for energy efficiency for 30 years, and the future increase in the price of electricity does not yet cause major precautions.
According to him, all Finnish cultural centers have committed to investing in saving electricity during the coming season.
Raising prices would be easy but not effective
Culture houses do not yet see a reason to raise ticket prices for spring events, even though costs are increasing.
– Raising ticket prices would be an easy measure, but not necessarily so effective. We are constantly looking for a balance so that our halls are as full as possible, says Arto Valkama from the Turku City Theatre.
According to him, the theater wants to take into account that when prices rise, people can still afford to attend cultural events.
The position of cultural operators is clear: They want to organize events so that as many people as possible can participate in them.
– We make sure that different types of tickets are available so that cultural events are accessible, because we know that it is now more important than ever, says Paulina Ahokas.
Big events save electricity
– According to important international studies, the fact that people participate in events and turn off electrical devices at home – televisions, computers, lights and electric saunas – saves electricity. The more people come into one space, the more it saves electricity, says Paulina Ahokas, managing director of Tampere-talo.
Crowds also create heat.
– Each person produces 130 kilowatts of heat. This heats the whole house, says Ahokas.
In the coming winter, Tampere-talo is planning to invest in big events.
– We try to organize big events, because according to the energy companies, it is saving electricity. It will show up there in your personal electricity bill if you turn on your devices and go to events.
A momentary escape from reality
In addition to the fact that people coming together to use the same electricity can save energy, cultural events offer something that has been missed during the pandemic.
– After this long dry season, people are longing for events, sums up Ahokas.
– After the corona, we have felt that we are an important place for many. We can increase people’s scientific capital and bring joy. There has clearly been a lack of being able to go to common places to spend time, Heureka’s Heli Ainoa reflects.
According to Arto Valkama, the audience has returned to the Turku City Theater after the corona lockdowns. Culture is a way to find escapism in everyday life.
– The theater is a cheaper way to get to other places than a trip abroad. We need moments to get to the stories. Stories have always been a part of humanity. Let’s get away from everyday life for a while. After that, you will have something else to think about in your everyday life. I think it’s really important.