TOSI | Art, Inclusion and Social Innovations

A model for low threshold and inclusive art activities is created in project Art, Inclusion and Social Innovations. Development work is based on co-creation together with participants (youth) and professionals from different sectors. In addition a model for increased employment of artists and creative professionals is built during the course of the project. Both models and other project results are to be implemented in communal and regional service structures in Pirkanmaa region.
Project Art, Inclusion and Social Innovations plans and organizes art interventions together with young unemployed people (NEET and others under 30), art professionals and other cross-sectorial service providers. Participant support is individualized and activities happen both in real life as well as digitally. As a result the young participants’ well-being, inclusion and working and functional capability are enhanced. New routes towards personal empowerment, employment, studies and further paths are created. Expected number of participants in the project is around 250 young persons.
Collaboration with employers from various fields is an important part of the project´s aim to increase supply of work for artists. A network of companies is to offer new working opportunities within the field of social, well-being and employment services for professional artists and creative workers.
The project is divided into three phases, first phase being the piloting of the operating models. The models and best practices will then be re-tested, expanded and later embedded in the art, culture and well-being services for the young unemployed persons in Pirkanmaa region.
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare is the coordinator in the project and provides the project structure with the knowledge on inclusion of the unemployed and other vulnerable groups. The Cultural Centre PiiPoo and City of Tampere are the partnering organizations and executing expert bodies of the project. The project is funded from the European Social Fund’s priority axis of social inclusion.