Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2012 | Page 61
T
he main goals of the special year were
well-being, internationalism and the
commercial export of creative enterprise and culture. The activities were based
on a rather wide definition of culture –
with events ranging from multicultural encounters to culinary arts – and the audience
found the diverse offering very appealing:
well over two million people took part in
the festivities.
Jouko Turto, Director of Turku Municipal Property Corporation, says that this
party is just getting started. Instead of just
one year on a cultural rollercoaster, Turku
wants to make culture a permanent part of
culture, too, in the sense that Turku wants
to harness all the creative forces of the community, regardless of the sector.
“We feel that when right people get together, good things will happen. Once you
have the talent and the networks necessary
to go out there and try something new, the
City of Turku can help you find a setting
that works for you and your company,” Turto lays down the strategy.
Full Steam Ahead
Turto points out that it is the task of the City
to serve as a kind of enabler, offering e.g.
cluster conveniences and synergies. The
old saying “nothing attracts a crowd like a
crowd” holds true here – once the legions
of the Creative Class get going, they often
make their nests in close proximity to likeminded people.
A good example of the City’s commitment to turn the special year into a permanent thing is Logomo, an ancient engineering workshop located just off the railway
station. Logomo found a new lease on life
as a cultural centre which will host major
concerts and exhibitions – and has already
charmed its way into the hearts of both locals and tourists.
Logomo was visited by 230,000 people during the year – while our target was
set at 150,000 patrons, says Anna Kivinen
from Turku Region Development Centre.
With all the activity and plenty of people, one would not guess that Logomo is still
a very much a work in progress. The main
hall of the complex only opened in November, and the construction will continue for
some time to come.
“The renovation work will be complete
in 2013–1 Ё