The Arts Equal research initiative, coordinated by the University of the Arts Helsinki, examined, in collaboration and interaction with more than 50 partners, how the arts as public service can increase equality and well-being in Finland and meet the social challenges of the 2020s.

This policy briefing is meant for decision makers, public authorities, the media and anyone interested in cultural rights as part of Finland’s ongoing social and health care reform.

In the context of the plans to reform Finland’s social and healthcare (known as sote-reform), which will transfer the responsibility of social welfare and healthcare services to the provinces, this briefing proposes key measures for the provinces, in order to secure people’s cultural rights and cultural wellbeing.

Lehikoinen K., Rautiainen P. (2016). Cultural rights as a legitimate part of social and health care services. Helsinki: Arts Equal.