cultural activities
13
finnish cultural foundation
annual report 2012–2013
“The Designed Solutions programme succeeded in producing both
genuine new insights and practical results. Seeking innovative
solutions to economic, cultural and practical issues is an excellent
way of implementing the Cultural Foundation’s objectives.”
–Timo Viherkenttä, Chairman of the Finnish Cultural Foundation Board
was felt by all to be the programme’s big-
gest challenge.
“As far as the Cultural Foundation was
concerned, this nevertheless proved that
we can if necessary be quick off the mark
so long as a project arouses sufficient con-
viction and support. Speed and flexibili-
ty are in general necessary in the cultural
field, and this is precisely what private
sponsors can, ideally, provide,” says Ira
Westergård.
According to Päivi Hietanen, the best
thing about the project was the human
capital accumulated by all those taking
part. “People will pass this experience on
in their own networks. And at the same
time the message of design’s potential will
also spread.”
The Designed Solutions 2012 projects:
A police patrol van as a mobile workplace
A National Police Board project designing a practical patrol van for officers and their
clients. Design grant EUR 45,000
Loft Helsinki
A City of Helsinki, Office of Economic Development project designing flexible, adaptable
workspaces for start-up entrepreneurs. Design grant EUR 40,000
School dinners rock
A City of Vantaa project aiming to develop, with pupil participation, every aspect of
school meals. Design grant EUR 40,000
Forgotten places
A Satakunta University of Applied Sciences project seeking a novel identity and new uses
for local cultural sites to give them new significance in the eyes of local youngsters.
Design grant EUR 25,000
A courtyard Path of Joy
A participatory project run by two NGOs to design a courtyard that will help empower
nursing home residents. Design grant EUR 20,000
Kaarle Mänty, Jaakko Wäänänen,
Päivi Raivio, Nikolai Ruola and
Pekka Toivanen were the project leaders
and Päivi Hietanen (second from the left)
was the Project Manager.
