Cut the Cuts! -campaign begins

Unprecedented cuts to cultural funding are now being proposed, threatening to erode the very foundations of cultural life. Cut the cuts! is a joint cry for art and culture from creators and the public. The campaign consists of the Great Culture Petition and a demonstration, during which the signed petition will be handed in to Finland’s decision-makers.

Culture and the arts have played a central role in nation-building. They are a fundamental right of citizens and cannot be cut without radical consequences. The government’s short-sighted cuts put the entire cultural sector at risk. Culture and art professionals, organizations, and audiences are now joining forces to call for the cuts to be reversed through the Great Culture Petition.

A common concern unites Finnish cultural organizations, businesses, associations, groups, and diverse audiences on a broad front. Organisations are invited to share the petition and everyone, creators and audiences alike, are asked to sign it.

The campaign continues until the Independence Day eve

The campaign begins on the national day of citizen advocacy on 1 October, and signatures will be collected in the online portal adressit.com until 4 December. People will be encouraged to sign the petition at live cultural events and gatherings throughout Finland during the collection period. The Great Culture Petition will be handed in to lawmakers on 5 December, the eve of Finland’s Independence Day, at the Citizens’ Square in Helsinki. The delivery of the petition is a public demonstration by a vast group of activist attendees. Details of the demonstration will be announced later.

The petition is also available in Swedish, English, and Northern Sámi. It will be shared on social media using the hashtags #SaksetSeis (#CutTheCuts) and #SuuriKulttuuriadressi (#GreatCulturePetition). The Cut the Cuts campaign is organized by Forum Artis and the We’ve Had Enough working group.

Sign the petition at Adressit.com