The City of Vaasa has awarded cultural grants for 2026

This year, the board allocated a total of €196,400 in cultural grants. Over €22,000 in rent subsidies for the use of Funkkis premises were also distributed to artists and associations, as well as €4,000 in grants to promote twin town activities.

– The number of cultural operators working at Funkkis has grown each year, and this year rent subsidies were granted to 22 recipients, says Sanna Bondas, Director of Culture and Library Services.

Targeted cultural grants are awarded to various actors for individual projects, while operating grants are intended to support the regular activities of arts and cultural associations. Compared with last year, there were more applicants and the amount requested was significantly higher.

– While the number of applications increased slightly, the total amount requested rose significantly. This is mainly due to applications for operating grants. Targeted grants were awarded, for example, to a few artists for their creative work, to music projects, a children’s theatre production, and the Vähäkyrö Youth Art Workshop, says Bondas.

A total of 81 grant applications were received, of which 39 were for targeted grants and 42 for operating grants. A three-year operating grant, or its extension, was awarded to four applicants. The total amount requested was €460,897, which is 37% higher than last year. Applications for the grants were accepted throughout November 2025 via the electronic application system.