ABSTRACT
Helsinki was one of nine European Capitals of Culture in the year 2000, and since then culture has been in focus on city agenda. This chapter presents some aspects and examples of cultural networking and arts education. The main task for Helsinki's Cultural Office is to promote arts, culture and creativity. The new cultural strategy for the city of Helsinki emphasises a broad and dynamic approach to culture in the city and has raised a lot of interest in cultural projects of many kinds. Annantalo offers tailor-made cultural courses for teenagers aged 13-15, where a class can combine art and culture of a certain theme with their normal school work for a period of six weeks. Art and culture promotes both hope and wellbeing. Arts education should be offered to children at an early stage. Cultural programmes for babies are popular, and they are important if they can enable parents to develop and diversify their communication skills with their children.
