Children's Culture

The Arts Council of Finland carried out the children's culture policy programme of the Ministry of Education and Culture for the years 2003-2007. The Arts Council of Finland along with the national and regional arts councils are significant national, regional and local actors in the field of children's culture.

Between 1987 and 2010 the Arts Council of Finland had a subcommittee for children's culture. Towards the end of this period the subcommittee stated its wish to the Ministry of Education and Culture that children's culture policy would focus on larger themes and more visible projects. Since the recession in recent years has exacerbated the problems faced by many families, special efforts should be taken in the future to prevent the exclusion and inequality of children and young people.

The regional arts councils currently allocate approximately 500,000 euros in grants and subsidies for children's culture each year. The aim is to offer children and young people artistically ambitious art produced by professionals. Projects in which children and young people can themselves take part are particularly encouraged.

The national arts councils also allocated a share of the grants and subsidies for children's culture projects, such as for writing children's literature, producing illustrations, preparing theatre and dance performances and composing children's music.

Each year the Arts Council of Finland awards a state prize for actors in the field of children's culture.

Taikalamppu ("Aladdin's Lamp") is a network of regional art centres for children and young people that was established by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2003. The network offers art and cultural services to children and young people throughout Finland.

The ministry also has a children's film development programme that aims to increase the visibility of films for children and young people, as well as film culture in general. Separate funds are reserved for the production of films for children and young people.