Jazz-Espa was opened with a panel discussion to envision the future of Helsinki as a jazz city. The panel included a group of professionals of jazz musicians, event producers, orchestras and city politics. Since City of Helsinki is now working on their own vision of art and culture for 2020 to 2030, the jazz scene is challenged to create a vision of their own. In your boldest visions, what would jazz city of Helsinki look like in 2030?
The discussion covered the viewpoints of jazz operators, musicians and the audience, all which constitute the form of jazz scene in Helsinki. Jazz scene in Helsinki was envisioned as international, diverse, equal and accessibile. There are now quite a versatile jazz scene in Helsinki in terms of different styles, sizes and conventions of jazz operators. The dream of one big internationally attractive jazz club was brought up, as well as a vision of a new jazz festival organised together with all of the jazz operators in Helsinki.
Helsinki has an active jazz audience. Panelists envisioned a jazz culture that would be present in the everyday life and accessible for everyone, in terms of location and ticket prizes. It’s important to figure out what kind of events audiences wish for. It was mentioned that collaborating beyond the jazz genre and challenging the old ways could bring jazz culture something new and interesting.
From the musicians´ viewpoint it is essential to have audience who is interested, places to perform and get paid for it. Jazz was developed by musicians who came together to play and learn from each other – therefore also today the music education, jam sessions, concerts and jazz festivals are essential part of keeping the jazz culture alive. The opportunity to be a jazz musician have to be open equally for everyone. Female jazz instrumentalists have come up to the Finnish jazz scene quite slowly, but luckily we are moving forward in that. Jazz scene must take responsibility to make art equal for everybody.
Summary of the panel discussion report – full report only in Finnish.
The panel consisted of Aleksi Malmberg (HKO & Helsinki Arts and Culture Vision work group), Jari Perkiömäki (University of Arts in Helsinki), Stuba Nikula (Helsinki Events Foundation), Päivi Loponen-Kyrönseppä (Savoy theatre), Katariina Uusitupa (We Jazz), Eeva Pirkkala (UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra), Jaska Lukkarinen (Jazzmuusikot ry). The discussion was moderated by Kati Laakso (Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux). Take part of the Helsinki Arts and Culture Vision work at taidejakulttuurivisio2030.fi.
Text by: Jenni Köykkä