Turku Enjoyed a Successful Year as European Capital of Culture

Turku has completed its year as European Capital of Culture very successfully. The comprehensive programme has produced new collaboration while creating a platform for continuing projects. Turku has also gained more visibility in global media than ever before and visitor numbers have gone up as well.

"During the last few months, not many people have asked me how everything is going; I have been showered with congratulations," says Cay Sevón, the CEO of the Turku 2011 Foundation, which was responsible for implementing the Capital of Culture year. "Turku has permanently established itself as a Finnish representation of a beautiful European cultural city, both from a local perspective and abroad. The success Turku has enjoyed this year has been an undeniable indication of the power of culture and how it can impact society in a positive way," states Sevón.

Half of the projects that participated in the Turku 2011 Foundation programme have submitted their final reports and replied to a survey, the results of which are promising in terms of the future. As many as 93% of the projects stated that they gained new contacts or networks through the Capital of Culture activities, 86% stated that they learned new things, 75% improved their operating premises, and 78% believe that they will continue their activities.

The Turku 2011 Foundation has created project-supporting services, such as the production support service, as well as communications and marketing support services. Additionally, the foundation has acted as a link between the cultural spectrum and the tourism industry. The foundation has also received extremely positive feedback from these efforts. According to the survey, 95% of the projects found that overall, the Turku 2011 Foundation has accomplished its task either fairly or very well.

"During this year, I have been delighted to see that the citizens of Turku have been proud of their city. We should make sure that they stay that way in the future," says Christoffer Taxell, Chairman of the Turku 2011 Foundation. "Turku has become a significant European cultural city, and it is extremely important that we continue to  invest in culture, in Turku, all over Finland and in Europe," Taxell continues.

Extensive operations and permanent effects

There were 163 projects involved in the Turku 2011 programme, producing around 5,000 individual events, in the implementation of which about 15,000 people from 63 countries were involved. The total number of visitors for the cultural events is expected to be around 2 million. The final number of visitors will be determined in February 2012.

"The Turku 2011 programme has been easy to take in and experiential in nature. The programme has broken boundaries, supported the community and co-operation and attracted new groups of people to experience culture," says Programme Director Suvi Innilä. "For the employees in the culture sector, this year has provided them with an opportunity to showcase their know-how to the world, and they have indeed embraced the opportunity. The cultural spark has grown into a powerful flame in Turku, and that fire will keep burning after the year has ended," Innilä continues.

One of the most significant achievements this year has been the introduction and launch of Logomo. Logomo also serves as a concrete example of the long-term impact of the year.

"Logomo has taken its place as the main arena for the Capital of Culture year and as a permanently attractive location. Its mission is to take the methods created from the experiences gained during the Capital of Culture year, and advance and develop them into permanent operations," says Aleksi Randell, Mayor of Turku.

So far, exhibitions and performances at Logomo have already attracted 234,000 visitors, and that number should rise by a few thousand, as the exhibitions are free on the last weekend (17th - 18th December). On 17th December, the city residents are also being treated to the Teatterisilta Bridge light installation and Varvintori Square event.

Good results in media and tourism

The media in Finland, Europe and the rest of the world took notice of Turku more than ever before. The value of media visibility has been estimated at €33 million in Finland (11/2010-10/2011) and €19.7 million abroad (2008-10/2011). Turku’s year as the European Capital of Culture was covered by The New York Times, The Guardian, The Independent and Der Spiegel, among others. USA Today listed Turku as a top tourist destination in 2011, joining destinations like New York and Iceland, for example.

During the year, Turku became the second most popular tourist destination in Finland, increasing the amount of hotel visits by 7% during the first nine months of the year. The amount exceeded the national average growth, which stood at 4%.

Researching and reporting continues

The Turku 2011 continuation working group will publish its report on 19th December 2011, while also submitting its procedure proposal to the Turku 2011 Foundation Board.

The last national survey by Taloustutkimus, which has already been carried out four times before, will be completed in February 2012.

The final report will be completed in May, and at that point we will also know the immediate effects on the regional economy. The Turku 2011 Evaluation Programme will continue to monitor the impact of the Capital of Culture year until 2016.

Further information

• Cay Sevón
  CEO
  Turku 2011 Foundation
  Tel. +358 40 764 9541
  cay.sevon(a)turku2011.fi
  
  
• Aleksi Randell
  Mayor, City of Turku
  City of Turku
  Tel. +358 400 500 822
  aleksi.randell(a)turku.fi
  
  
• Suvi Innilä
  Programme Director
  Turku 2011 Foundation
  tel. +358 50 559 0186
  suvi.innila(a)turku2011.fi
  
  
• Jukka Saukkolin
  Research and Development Manager
  Turku 2011 Foundation
  tel. +358 50 559 0602
  jukka.saukkolin(a)turku2011.fi
  
  
• Saara Malila
  Communications Manager
  Turku 2011 Foundation
  tel. +358 44 907 5710
  saara.malila(a)turku2011.fi