Meanwhile Use Spaces for culture and arts
Open call for Meanwhile use spaces is now closed!
The seventh open call for cultural interim spaces was held in Tampere from November 3 to 23, 2025. A total of 33 applications were received. New interim space operators will be selected before Christmas. The decision will be made by Marianna Lehtinen, Head of Cultural Services.
The concept of Meanwhile Use Spaces
The Meanwhile Use Spaces concept (Välitilamalli) is an operating model developed by the City of Tampere, where empty spaces are temporarily made available for cultural activities.
There are always various temporarily vacant spaces in the city, and the city aims to put these spaces to good use. The interim model supports experimental, temporary, and pop-up activities, and does not aim to solve the broader and longer-term challenge of cultural spaces. The need for longer-term cultural spaces is being addressed by, among other things, the cultural center being built at Nekala School and the Hiedanranta development project. The interim space search is usually conducted twice a year, and the search is for interesting cultural and art concepts for vacant spaces.
The search for temporary spaces is usually conducted twice a year, and the aim is to find interesting cultural and artistic concepts for empty spaces. The spaces are made available to operators on a temporary basis, which enables pop-up and experimental activities.
The spaces can be used for working, creating, producing and presenting works, carrying out projects, exhibitions or other open and collaborative creative activities. When making choices, the City of Tampere values concepts that are appropriate to the space and its surroundings, that take into account the temporary nature of the activity.
The Meanwhile Use Spaces are released free of charge for use by cultural and art operators. Cultural activities (such as workshops, exhibitions and events) must be arranged for city residents in the space or as a result of its use. The sale of works, ancillary products, and refreshments is allowed as long as it is closely linked to the activities conducted in the space.
The operator is responsible for all permits, insurances and security of the premises. Operators may apply for Project Grants for Culture for costs related to the events.
When making selections, City of Tampere values:
- the suitability of a concept to the space
- time and place specificity
- increasing employment and earning opportunities for artists and other cultural operators
- applicants from Pirkanmaa
- interesting and/or unusual content
- the applicant’s values regarding equality and sustainability
- the added value for residents (in the space or resulting indirectly from its use).
Applications will also be assessed on the basis of the balance between different art forms and artistic disciplines.
Different kinds of collectives can also apply for the spaces, but they must have one main applicant responsible for the application. The requested period can also be shorter than the full usable time given in the space description. The representatives of the City of Tampere may also propose the joint use or sharing of premises between different applicants.
Applications for premises are made using an electronic form. You can also apply for more than one space. However, please fill in a new form for each space you are applying for. The location cards include information on accessibility in the available spaces.
Premises included in November 2025 call
Business premises in Pyynikki swimming pool building
Pirkankatu 10, business premises No. 3
1.2.–31.8.2026
The traditional street-level premises and basement provide opportunities for many kinds of pop-up activities. The trams sliding by the windows provide easy transport to the site.
An open day to visit the premises will not be arranged, but applicants can view the space at the street level through the window facing Pirkankatu, and there is a windowless room of the same size in the basement.
Kaupin virkatalo
Parantolankatu 5, Tampere
1.2.–31.8.2026
The new Meanwhile Use Space is Kaupin Virkatalo, located in the Petsamo district in an old hospital environment amidst the forest. There are 425.5 m2 of space available. The space may be allocated entirely to one operator, or it may be shared between several applicants. The building was completed in the year 1955 as the official residence of the municipal manager. Most recently, the house was used during the COVID-19 pandemic as additional capacity for the Finnish Red Cross reception center.
The premises are handed over in their current condition and must be returned in the same usable condition. The use of the space involves restrictions due to its historical nature, such as taking care of the parquet floors.
An open viewing of the house will be held on Wednesday, November 5, from 3 to 4 p.m.
Kaleva hall (Kalevan halli), 3 spaces
Sarvijaakonkatu 28, Tampere
1.2.–31.8.2025
In this call, three smaller spaces are offered for rent in Kaleva Hall. Other community activities are also planned in the area around Kaleva Hall for the coming year, so an interest in working together will be considered an asset. The space is an industrial hall and was previously used as a car repair shop. In addition, there are office and social facilities. The social facilities are shared with other operators. The workshop's large hall and other premises are used for other activities and transit traffic and can be used for workshops, for example, by agreement with other operators.
Further information
The short address for this page is tampere.fi/en/meanwhileuse