Artist grant for 2026 awarded to circus artist Kalle Nio

Based on the City Council’s budget decision , a 3–4% increase in operating grants will be awarded to 14 professional art and cultural communities. Operating grants for providers of basic education in the arts will remain at the 2025 level. Professional art and cultural communities and providers of basic education in the arts will be granted additional appropriations for essential premises-related costs in 2026, as property costs and the number of premises have continued to rise significantly. 

Espoo has an active civil society sector. Annual grants will be awarded to 103 local heritage associations and art and cultural associations operating across the city.

The Culture and Youth Committee also decided to award regional organisation grants (including possible special-purpose grants) to seven Espoo-based regional youth organisations.

In addition, at its December meeting, the Culture and Youth Committee approved the updated Helmet library rules, effective as of 1 January 2026.

The Culture and Youth Committee selected circus artist Kalle Nio as the recipient of the one-year artist grant. He is the tenth recipient of the grant and the first circus artist to be awarded the grant.

A total of 46 artists applied for the grant. The number of applicants increased significantly compared to the previous year, when 26 artists applied. The one-year grant is awarded to one artist at a time. The grant is intended for professional artists based in Espoo. As of 1 January 2026, the artist grant is EUR 2,249.02 per month and is paid monthly.  

• The committee decided on other matters in accordance with the agenda(external link, opens in a new window).
• Members of the committee: Culture and Youth Committee | City of Espoo