The Cultural Companion programme opened the door to concerts for those who would not have had the confidence to attend alone
Launched last autumn, the Cultural Companion programme has brought people to Tampere Hall who would otherwise not have been able to attend concerts. Feedback from participants repeatedly highlighted gratitude, increased confidence, and the sense that attending alone would not have happened.
One elderly participant shared that they had never attended a similar concert in their life. Several noted that their financial situation would not have allowed them to purchase a ticket. For many, the decisive factor was the opportunity to attend together with another person.
The Cultural Companion programme offers TampereMissio’s clients the opportunity to attend events together with a volunteer companion. During the autumn season, the programme covered 12 events, with a further 11 concerts included in spring 2026. In total, more than 200 complimentary cultural visits are provided through the programme.
“The Cultural Companion programme has encouraged people to take part in situations they would not have dared to face alone. For many, having another person alongside them has been just as important as the event itself. At the same time, the programme has attracted new volunteers and offered them a new way to connect with people,” says Matti Helin, Executive Director of TampereMissio.
“We wanted to find a concrete way to reach those who are easily excluded from cultural participation. TampereMissio’s expertise in addressing loneliness, together with the support of LähiTapiola Pirkanmaa, made it possible to launch the programme and continue it into the spring,” says Paulina Ahokas, CEO of Tampere-talo Group.
“As a local insurance company, it is important for us to support everyday life in our community. It is meaningful to enable situations where people can experience something that would otherwise remain out of reach,” says Minna Metsälä, CEO of LähiTapiola Pirkanmaa.
Participants in the Cultural Companion programme are selected through TampereMissio’s client base to ensure that the programme reaches those who would otherwise not have access to cultural activities. The impact extends beyond the programme itself: at least two participants have already arranged to attend the theatre together independently.
