Espoo invites families with babies to cultural events
CultureEspoo will distribute an information card to approximately 3,000 families with babies attending their six-month check-up at the maternity and child health clinic. The aim is to encourage families to introduce their children to culture from an early age.
Distribution of the information cards will begin at maternity and child health clinics around Baby Day on 25 September. The initiative is one of several ways of reaching families with children. The idea of distributing the information in connection with the six-month check-up came from the maternity and child health clinics. The target group, however, is not limited to six-month-old babies, but families with babies and toddlers more broadly.
Espoo’s Cultural Director Susanna Tommila emphasises that children also have the right to art and culture.
“Art supports children’s development, encourages thinking and curiosity and provides tools for processing emotions. Experiencing art together is enjoyable and safe. Shared artistic experiences foster a sense of community and help children develop an understanding of the world around them.”
Nursery rhymes, concert recordings and cultural tips
The culture card directs families to the espoo.fi/lastenkulttuuri website, which offers a wide range of cultural activities for the whole family. The site has a special section for families with babies, where parents can find tips for fun things to do together at home with their baby, including listening to concert recordings by Tapiola Sinfonietta, activity ideas from Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora, and nursery rhyme sessions at the library. The espoo.fi/lastenkulttuuri website also offers information about children’s cultural venues in Espoo, ideas for hobbies and activities, and events for children.
In the future, the campaign may also be extended to other age groups. Children are the focus of this campaign because a key priority in the new Espoo Story (the city’s strategy) is supporting the opportunities and everyday lives of children and young people.
According to Johanna Kallioaho, Production Manager at Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora, parents of young children may find themselves in a new situation during their baby’s first year.
“Culture is a factor that contributes to a sense of community and wellbeing and can help bring together families in similar life situations, for example at meeting places in libraries and children’s cultural venues.”
Espoo offers a wide range of activities for babies and toddlers. For example, Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora in Järvenperä organises performances, music sessions, and colour and light experiences for children under 18 months. Baby-friendly performances engage young audiences through movement and sound. Libraries invite families to read together, enjoy nursery rhymes, and take part in a variety of events. Tapiola Sinfonietta organises concerts for babies aged 0–1 at cultural venues across Espoo.