Cultural policy and cultural diversity in Finland

Abstract

Post‐war immigration has produced new ethnic and cultural diversity in European societies. The issues of multiculturalism and interculturalism have also gradually entered the agendas of local and national cultural policy makers. In this article, we explore the development of the relationships between cultural diversity, immigration policy, and cultural policy in Finland. Special attention is given to the capital city of Helsinki. The analysis of policy documents, institutional arrangements and interviews carried out with key actors reveal discrepancies between official intentions and practical solutions. Neither is the incorporation of the diversity into the traditional minority policy unambiguous. Furthermore, the establishment of specific institutions for multicultural affairs is shown to be a possible cause of tensions within the field and to prevent the optimal exploitation of both diversity and the arts in public policy, if certain risks are not recognised.

Keywords:

• immigration policy
• cultural policy
• cultural diversity
• multiculturalism
• Finland

Notes

1. Council of Europe’s and ERICarts’ Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe (2007) is a good source for national approaches and good practices, especially the transversal issue databases on cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.

2. The autonomous status of Åland is, of course, a case apart (cf. Pesonen and Riihinen 2002, pp. 198–200).

3. By a foreigner we mean people who live permanently in Finland without having Finnish citizenship. Foreign‐born inhabitants also include those who have citizenship, but were born abroad.

4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulates international co‐operation and visa policy. The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for immigration and emigration and for citizenship applications. The Ministry of Labour is responsible for the reception of asylum seekers, migrants and refugees, integration of all immigrants, and labour issues. Furthermore, it co‐ordinates cross‐sectoral work for good ethnic relations.

5. In its definition of cultural minorities, the Ministry of Education includes, firstly, traditional minorities such as the Swedish‐speakers and the indigenous Sámi people; secondly, other minorities as the Roma, Russian‐speakers and the Tatars; and thirdly, more recent immigrant groups. Furthermore, different disability groups, religious communities, sexual minorities and certain age groups (notably young people) are mentioned as having specific cultural characteristics.

6. Helsinki is actually one of the very few bilingual capital cities in Europe.

7. The Cultural Office is an administrative body of the City of Helsinki, established ‘to foster an encouraging atmosphere and a climate suitable for producing and experiencing art and culture in Helsinki’ (see http://kulttuuri.hel.fi/vuosikertomus05/main_en.php). The Cultural Office has recently been reorganised which means that Figure 2 does not properly reflect the contemporary situation.

8. The centre also has a strong position in the administration of immigrant policy. It is often people connected to Caisa that participate, for example, in municipal and cross‐municipal organisations such as the The City of Helsinki Advisory Board on Immigration and Integration.

9. Events which present Russian music or theatre can, however, be mentioned as a deviation from the rule because they frequently bring many people of Russian origin to the audience.

10. ‘Celebrating multiculturalism’ was quite prominent in these events. According to the unit’s programme, ‘Colourful East’ featured, amongst other things, Indonesian and Thai dancing, Greek music, an ethnic fashion show, a salsa performance and workshop, young Eastern Helsinki bands, a Somali handicraft workshop, a Russian puppet theatre for children, and flavours from all over the world. Furthermore, an exhibition of Chinese Porcelain Art combined lectures and music. ‘Beauty Speaks: Africa’ contained a performance of dance, theatre, song, and rhythm featuring artists from many different cultures. The ‘Chinese Folk Art and Handicraft’ event displayed over a hundred items from different parts and nationalities of China.

11. The famous Sámi musician, Wimme Saari, was among the performers, though.

12. The Etno Espa home page is at http://www.etno‐espa.com/etnoespa2.html (translation P.S.)