Environmental Content and Education in Municipal Cultural Services
Environmental aspects in the content of culture—exhibitions, reading lists, performances, events, and environmental education.
Environmental crises such as climate change and biodiversity loss are common themes in the content delivered by municipal cultural services. Depending on the creator and the creative sector, culture can serve as a means to share scientific knowledge, convey experiences and emotions related to environmental phenomena, or offer opportunities for community engagement and skill-building. The perspective taken in this content is not always focused on depicting crises. It may instead aim to foster agency, strengthen connections with nature, inspire hope, highlight the beauty of our environment, reinforce appreciation, or preserve ecologically sustainable intangible cultural heritage.
Through municipal cultural services, environmental themes reach diverse audiences of all ages—sometimes brought directly into local communities, other times through excursions to nearby nature or distant ancient forests.
The examples in this article are drawn from the report Kuntien kulttuuripalveluiden ympäristötyön hyvät käytännöt (Best Practices in the Environmental Work of Municipal Cultural Services). The report offers a broad overview of good practices in Finnish libraries, arts and cultural institutions, cultural centres, basic education in the arts, and general cultural services.
Common Actions for Environmental Content and Education
- Participation in environmental-themed days and weeks.
- Producing content addressing environmental issues and providing environmental education.
Good Practices
Exhibitions and Other Curated Collections
City of Porvoo cultural services • Artificial old-growth forest
In summer 2023, an artificial old-growth forest was constructed along the riverside in the city of Porvoo. The durable nature created by visual artist Pia Sirén’s installation consisted of scaffolding, tarpaulins, ropes, and concrete. The work created a contrast between the built environment and nature, inviting reflection on what a forest looks like and where old-growth forests still exist. The piece was commissioned by the City of Porvoo’s cultural services in collaboration with Kataja Event and was a temporary installation as part of the Porvoo West Bank art programme.
Cultural centre Villa Arttu • Natural colour palette
The 2021 exhibition Luonnonväripaletti (Natural Colour Palette) at the cultural centre Villa Arttu in the city of Hyvinkää explored natural dyes through the lenses of nature conservation, ecological themes, and futures thinking. The exhibition also posed the question of how natural colours and materials can be used in an ecologically sustainable way in artistic work. It was based on 76 works from the international archive of children’s and youth art, created at different times, with recurring themes such as water, light and darkness, forests, insects, fungi, and microbes. The exhibition also featured naturally dyed fabrics and yarns, with the dyeing process presented through video, photography, and dye samples. Visitors were invited to envision sustainable futures.
Espoo Museum of Modern Art EMMA • Climate crisis as a theme in programmes and exhibitions
The Espoo Museum of Modern Art EMMA aims to operate in line with the values of sustainable development and to contribute to the discourse on responsibility. This goal has been reflected in the museum’s programming and exhibition themes. For example, in the year 2020’s exhibition, artist Tacita Dean explored environmental change, the passage of time, and its visibility in our surroundings. Environmental destruction and the climate crisis were also central themes in Nastja Säde Rönkkö’s exhibition that same year. Additionally, the museum organised climate-themed programmes such as panel discussions, art workshops, and event weekends. EMMA also participated in artist Nina Backman’s Miljoonan puun talkoot (Planting Million Trees) project in the same year.
Kauhava Knife and Textile Museum • Craft and the environment
The knife exhibition at the Kauhava Knife Museum presents the origins, history, and makers of the city of Kauhava’s knife industry, as well as the various stages and machinery involved in knife-making. The textile section showcases the history of weaving in Kauhava. The value of craftsmanship is also highlighted from an environmental perspective.
Pieksämäki City Library • Art made from recycled materials
Themes of recycling and the use of recycled materials can also be showcased through art. For example, the Pieksämäki City Library has displayed artworks made from recycled materials from the city’s art collections.
Vantaa Art Museum Artsi • Entangled worlds
The Yhteen kietoutuneet maailmat (Entangled Worlds) exhibition at Vantaa Art Museum Artsi featured artworks that explored nature through fusion, wonder, disappearance, and adventure. The exhibition asked: how can we nurture nature within ourselves and our surroundings? The artists included Satu Autero, Emma Helle, IC-98, Rebecca Louise Law, and Kari Vehosalo. Rebecca Louise Law’s site-specific installation was created in collaboration with local communities, such as pupils from Uomarinne School. The work consisted of plant materials collected by participants and dried by the museum, as well as elements from the artist’s own collection. A workshop was also part of the creation process. The exhibition was open from 2024 to 2025.
Various libraries • Environment-themed reading lists
Many libraries maintain reading lists focused on environmental themes. For example, Vantaa City Library maintains the Toivon kirjahylly (Shelf of Hope), an online reading list featuring works on climate change and biodiversity conservation that offer hope and propose solutions. The Vihreä kirjasto (Green Library) website includes climate reading challenges from several years and other environment-themed reading lists.
Vekarateatteri • Environmental art
In the fifth year of basic art education at children’s theatre school Vekarateatteri, the theme is performance art. Student works often include environmental themes, and some have even ventured into environmental art. Some of these works remain on display in the theatre’s outdoor area.
Environment-themed Shelves and Book Exhibition in Libraries
Many libraries have curated environment-themed shelves and book exhibitions. These displays may relate to various environmental issues and events, as well as the themes of environmental days or weeks. For example, during the Vegan Challenge, Kerava City Library featured a book exhibition on plant-based food.
The city of Helsinki’s libraries are particularly active in maintaining themed shelves: over 30 libraries in Helsinki have an eco-shelf. These shelves include fiction and non-fiction about nature, the environment, and climate, especially focusing on human impact on other species and the wellbeing of our shared planet. The aim is to promote environmental awareness and literacy. Eco-shelves are marked with spine stickers, printed guides, and digital display images. Libraries also have materials for social media posts and visuals of the eco-shelf for use in posters and displays.
Performances
Dance School Vinha • Shared environment
The theme of Dance School Vinha’s spring 2022 performances was Yhteinen ympäristö (Shared Environment). Under the guidance of their teacher, students had the opportunity to co-create choreography while discussing different habitats, the animals that live in them, natural phenomena, and topics such as recycling. In addition to the choreographies, the environmental theme was reflected in a charity ticket initiative. When purchasing a ticket, audience members could donate to a conservation cause chosen by the students—namely, the protection of the Saimaa ringed seal.
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra • TRASH
The Turku Philharmonic Orchestra has organised various environment-themed concerts and public events. For example, in the children’s concert TRASH, music is played using bins and homemade instruments. Alongside the concerts, circular economy-themed side events have been held. The orchestra and the Turku Concert Hall have also hosted events focused on nature conservation and biodiversity.
Vaasa City Orchestra • Art testers
The theme of the Vaasa City Orchestra’s Taidetestaajat (Art Testers) concert was Aatteleppa Ite! (Think for Yourself!). The concert highlighted individual responsibility in making everyday choices that protect the environment. Some of the pieces addressed, for example, marine conservation.
Environmental themes are a popular theme in contemporary music, and our orchestra performs them every season.
– Sanni Ala-Heikkilä, Stage Manager, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
Events, Campaigns and Initiatives
City events Espoo • Lively Espoo
Eloisa Espoo (Lively Espoo) is a project aiming to carry out meadow restoration and creation, tree planting, and forest projects across the city of Espoo during 2024 and 2025, with active resident participation. The activities include immersive environmental events, art, nature actions, and educational content. In its launch year, several pilot projects were implemented, such as open public events and volunteer days, tree planting, and insect hotels. The project also experimented with modular green seating areas in urban spaces and used the Crowdsorsa app to combat invasive species.
Helsinki libraries • Borrowable gift package
Eloisa Espoo on hanke, jonka tavoitteena on toteuttaa vuosien 2024 ja 2025 aikana Espoon alueella niittyjen ennallistamis- ja perustamistoimenpiteitä, puiden istutuksia sekä metsäprojekteja asukkaita osallistaen. Toiminta sisältää elämyksellisiä ympäristötapahtumia, taidetta, luontotekoja ja tietoa. Hankkeen käynnistysvuonna toteutettiin useita pilottihankkeita, kuten esimerkiksi kaikille avoimia tapahtumia ja talkoita, puiden istutusta ja hyönteishotelleja. Lisäksi kokeiltiin modulaaristen viheristuinalueiden hyödyntämistä kaupunkitilassa sekä torjuttiin vieraslajeja Crowdsorsa-sovelluksella.In December 2024, twelve libraries across the city of Helsinki took part in an annual feel-good Christmas initiative. Library staff wrapped borrowable books into ready-made gift packages, each accompanied by a short description. The recipient—whether for oneself or a loved one—chose a gift based on the description, while the book itself remained a surprise. Staff also offered tips for book gifts and cosy holiday reading moments.
Municipality of Lempäälä cultural services • Sustainable Lempäälä
In March 2024, the main library in the municipality of Lempäälä hosted the Kestävä Lempäälä – arjen teoilla yhdessä -ympäristötapahtuma (Sustainable Lempäälä – Together Through Everyday Actions) environmental event. The programme included a climate-themed expert panel and information stands from local environmental organisations. Topics covered included reducing food waste at home, enhancing biodiversity in one’s own garden, and the role of citizens in climate action.
Ragvalds Museum Area • Friends of the garden
At the Ragvalds Museum Area in the municipality of Kirkkonummi, the Kasvitarhan ystävät (Friends of the Garden) programme offers activities for both young people and adults. Participants can explore traditional landscape vegetation, plant uses, and identification with the help of experts. The group also organises spring volunteer days, where participants can take home edible wild plants. Ragvalds is a traditional farmstead with a courtyard, and in addition to its permanent exhibitions, visitors can explore the heritage landscape, nature trail, and garden. The museum area and the Friends of the Garden programme are run by Kirkkonummi’s cultural services.
Various libraries • Climate book club
The national Ilmastolukupiiri (Climate Book Club) challenge in Finland encouraged the formation of climate-themed reading groups across Finland in spring 2021. A total of 97 book clubs from 45 municipalities joined. For example, a group of eight people, formed through a collaboration between Mäntsälä municipal library and the local nature conservation association, met monthly via Teams to discuss climate change and biodiversity through different books. The challenge was organised by Greenpeace in collaboration with various Finnish organisations.
Various municipalities • Flea markets and recycling events
Many municipalities’ cultural or city event services organise flea markets. For example, in summer 2024, the city of Kerava hosted open-air summer flea markets in front of the library about once a week from May to August. In the city of Kauniainen, indoor flea markets have also been held at the town hall during the autumn. Both events offered free sales tables.
In general, studying and playing music are very environmentally friendly hobbies. Music is sound—intangible and invisible. It is a form of mental capital.
– Ilari Iivonen, Principal, Avonia Music Institute
Environmental Education
City of Kouvola cultural services and education • Environmental education day
The city of Kouvola’s cultural services organise an annual environmental education day for pupils in small and special needs groups in basic education. The day involves Kouvola’s art institutions, the Sustainable Development Working Group, and students from the nature and environment study track.
Vantaa Art School • Local nature as a place of learning
At Vantaa Art School, local nature and surroundings have been used as a place of learning, inspiration, and observation. Students have carried out environmental art projects, explored their nearby environment through different senses, and depicted it through painting, photography, and drawing.
Vantaa children’s cultural centres • Into nature on bat’s wings
Lepakon siivillä luontoon (Into Nature on Bat’s Wings) is an environmental art education programme and method guide designed by Rebekka Harju for the Vantaa Children’s Cultural Centre Pyykkitupa. The guide includes various art tasks, methods, activity and reading tips, and facts about the Håkansböle manor area and bats. Through the programme, children explore the spirit of the place, cultural history, nature, and local wildlife using multidisciplinary artistic methods. Participants create art, produce knowledge, and make new discoveries. The programme is aimed at children aged 3 to 9.
Various libraries • Activism diploma
The Aktivismidiplomi (Activism Diploma) is an environmental challenge concept used in libraries as part of their environmental education and democracy work. The diploma includes ten challenge tasks that can be completed in any order and in a way that suits the participant. For example, it might challenge someone to read or listen to an environmental-themed fiction or non-fiction book, to ask an MP or local councillor what they plan to do to prevent biodiversity loss, or to enjoy time in the forest. A junior version of the diploma is also available. The diploma also serves as a tool for planning environmental work and activities in libraries. It was developed in spring 2023 through the Helmet library network.
Vuotalo Cultural Centre • Art education tasks and learning materials
The Vuotalo Cultural Centre in the city of Helsinki has compiled a collection of tasks and learning materials from its art education events over the years. The website includes, for example, the Kaupunkipuutarhan tehtäväkirja (Urban Garden Activity Book) and design educators’ video tips Roskasta leikkiä and Roskasta musiikkia (From rubbish to play and From rubbish to music). The activity book, aimed at schoolchildren and preschoolers, includes nature-related drawing, listening, observing, searching, and singing tasks to be carried out in Vuotori’s pocket park. The video tips, created in collaboration between the Design Association SUOMU and Vuotalo, encourage children to see their environment with fresh eyes and to create toys and instruments from found rubbish.
Reading nature – Encounters between people, other species and nature
Basic art education institutions can use art and environmental education to support children and young people in becoming responsible members of their communities and groups. These approaches help strengthen thinking skills and empathy by offering opportunities for diverse encounters between people, other species, and nature. They also provide a way to explore how art can be a tool for social influence. All of this was the aim of the Luonnon luentaa (Reading Nature) project, funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The project was coordinated by Hyvinkää Art School, with partners including Aimokoulu (Hämeenlinna), Rovaniemi Art School, and Riihimäki Youth Theatre.
During the project, participants visited places such as the Tuulispää Animal Sanctuary and Renko forest, where they explored clear-cut forest areas and a forest protected by the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation. In Rengo, biologist Iris Kalliola guided participants in noticing differences in forest soundscapes. Older students attended a camp school at the Mustarinda art house in Hyrynsalmi, on the edge of the Paljakka Nature Park. There, they hiked in old-growth forests and explored peatland biotopes. Students engaged with their surroundings and expressed their experiences through dance and visual art. The project’s methods were also adopted in basic education, for example by encouraging outdoor learning and organising excursions to nearby nature. The project concluded with an exhibition at Villa Arttu in Hyvinkää.
Municipal Cultural Services
In Finland, municipal cultural services refer to activities through which a municipality promotes the creation, participation, accessibility, and use of culture and the arts. This includes arts and cultural education as well as the preservation of cultural heritage.
Environmental Work
An organisation’s goal-oriented and systematic efforts to achieve ecological sustainability. Environmental work may include actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or biodiversity loss.