From France and the Finnish National Opera to WeeGee

Tytti Vuo has been running Exhibition Centre WeeGee, which is part of Espoo’s Cultural Venues and Services, since April and it has been a very interesting six months for her. Tytti’s unit is responsible for the development of WeeGee, the Mauri Kunnas exhibition, the Futuro house and production of cultural events at WeeGee.

“The best thing about my work community at WeeGee has definitely been the warm and supportive working culture. I also really appreciate the good cooperation with all other actors in the building: The exhibition activities of the Espoo Museum of Modern Art EMMA are at a high international standard, and it’s been inspiring to hear about the development work going on at KAMU Espoo City Museum,” summarises Tytti.

She’s also had time to enjoy other cultural offerings in Espoo, such as Sello Hall, Tapiola Sinfonietta at Espoo Cultural Centre, Espoo Ciné films and summer events in Espoonlahti. Tytti also plans to visit Espoo Theatre in the near future.

There have been challenges as well: administrative processes and decision-making take more time in the public sector because they require very thorough preparation.

“Even though I’m quite a patient person, it took me time to understand some of the processes,” says Tytti with a laugh.

WeeGee’s new production manager has been involved with music since childhood, attending the Espoo Music Institute, Pop & Jazz Conservatory and Sibelius-lukio Upper Secondary School.

“My main instrument was the trombone. At the age of 17, I got a summer job with the Etno-Espa modern folk music festival. This was a turning point, because I realised that being a performer wasn’t the only way I could work in culture.”

Culture studies have led Tytti to a wide range of jobs in the field.

“In terms of education, I’ve completed a Master of Arts degree and trained as a cultural producer. I’ve also completed management studies. During my career, I've had the chance to work in a very diverse range of art forms and cultural fields, such as theatre, cultural export, music, festivals, design, and exhibition production.”

Tytti came to Exhibition Centre WeeGee after spending six years as a producer at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet.

“I was responsible for the two and a half year production process that precedes ballet performances, and I led the cooperation between international artistic working groups from the production perspective.”

Before her job at the National Opera, Tytti worked in Paris as a project manager at the Finnish Institute in France, with responsibility for the large Mobile Home project.

“At that time, the KOTI cottage village installation designed by Linda Bergroth was built at the institute in Paris. The cottages were open for 100 days, during which the general public could hire them for overnight stays. This is still one of my most memorable productions,” says Tytti.

Tytti applied for the production manager position at WeeGee for several different reasons.

“I believe that cultural accessibility is very important, and I want to promote diverse public cultural services that attract new audiences. As WeeGee’s production manager, I feel that I can influence development both strategically and in practice. My new position also gives me a new perspective on the Espoo of my youth. I left Espoo 20 years ago, just when the work to convert WeeGee from a printing house to an exhibition centre was in progress. During this time, the amount, impact and volume of cultural services in the city have increased and diversified dramatically,” explains Tytti.

For first-time visitors, Tytti recommends coming to WeeGee with enough time to explore and enjoy the building properly.

“The building was originally designed by Aarno Ruusuvuori as a printing house, and is worth a visit in its own right – it has 23,000 square metres of space! During the winter season, WeeGee’s architectural jewel – the Futuro house designed by Matti Suuronen – is visible through the windows on the northwest side of WeeGee.“

Tytti encourages people to come and see all the exhibitions:

“The Mauri Kunnas exhibition gives people the chance to learn more about the writer’s books and illustrations by playing and reading with children. In terms of changing exhibitions, I recommend “Passage” by painter Ulla Wiggen, which deals with transitions and can be seen at EMMA until the end of January 2025. I also recommend that visitors take time to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine in the WeeGee restaurant,” adds Tytti. 

Renovation of the yard area at WeeGee will be completed at the end of the year, and during summer 2025 a series of summer events will be piloted in the magnificent new front yard.

“The aim is to increase the appeal of WeeGee and further develop the customer experience. The city’s growth and subsequent need for culture will increase enormously in the future,” says Tytti.

The founding of WeeGee in the early 2000s was an important cultural act for Espoo as a whole, and in two years I get to be part of celebrating WeeGee’s 20th anniversary!

Tytti has been eager to retain some of the customs she adopted in Paris in her daily life.

“I enjoy getting together in six in the evening – aperitif time in France – the critical comparison of croissants served at different bakeries, nurturing informal aesthetics, and a warm and humorous attitude towards everyday life and humanity.”

Tytti maintains her language skills by listening to French radio stations. In addition to nurturing French traditions, you might also see the new manager running on trails with her jogging group!