Five good reasons to get involved in culture
Park piano in Tapiola, Espoo
In an ever-changing world, where technology all too often distracts us from the present, art and culture have a grounding and life-enhancing effect. For many of us, culture is more than a hobby - it is a way of life.
A recent study by the Study Centre Citizens' Forum on the perceived impact of cultural activities shows that immersion in creative activities can enrich lives in more ways than just providing enjoyment.
Cultural activities such as writing, painting, theatre or music have proven to be effective tools in combating loneliness and promoting joy and learning at all ages.
After reading this blog post, you'll know why cultural activity is not just a pastime, but an essential pathway to self-discovery, connection and growth - especially at life's turning points.
1. Cultural activities bring people together and reduce loneliness
Loneliness is a universal problem that affects people at different stages of their lives. In Finland, loneliness is one of the biggest social problems.
According to the 2021 national school health survey, just over a fifth of girls and one in ten boys felt lonely. The peak period also increased loneliness among adults. According to the Finnish Red Cross Loneliness Barometer 2024, more and more Finns are experiencing loneliness and feelings of being left out.
Without peer support, the experience of loneliness can be particularly overwhelming, especially at life's turning points - whether it's motherhood, menopause, retirement or bereavement.
Key to reducing loneliness is strengthening interpersonal and emotional skills, and supporting self-esteem and self-confidence building - the very things that cultural activities can enable. The Civic Forum survey offers hope for lonely people: it shows that participation in cultural activities significantly reduces loneliness in all age groups.
The most significant finding was a reduction in loneliness and social isolation: up to 97.7% of respondents said they had made new friends through cultural activities.
"97.7% of respondents said they had made new friends through cultural activities."
When people come together around music, dance or storytelling, for example, a bond forms almost naturally. Creating together helps participants to feel seen, understood and valued. According to the survey, people who regularly engage in cultural activities report a strong sense of belonging.
This is an important insight also from the point of view of literary therapy. Writing in a group provides both a mirror and a window: participants see themselves reflected in the stories of others and gain new perspectives on their own lives through the experiences of their peers.
2. The joy of learning is alive and well in cultural activities
Learning doesn't stop when school ends, it continues throughout your life. As well as relieving loneliness, cultural activities stimulate curiosity and a love of learning.
In the Civic Forum survey, 97.3% of respondents said that having a hobby had increased their desire to learn more, which is crucial for maintaining mental capacity and emotional resilience.
In addition, 90.9% feel that they can use the skills they learn in their hobbies in other contexts - for example, in their studies or working life.
Hobbies open doors to new ideas, perspectives and skills and encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. At life's crossroads, creative pursuits can reawaken dormant interests or help to create new ones.
I can tell you from my own experience that for someone who suffers from performance anxiety, the improvisation and lavarunoust workshops, for example, were very energising, inspiring and joyful experiences, despite a little nervousness at the beginning.
3. Being creative helps you discover your strengths
At life's turning points and pain points, cultural activities provide a grounding and empowering experience.
The Civic Forum report stresses that participation in creative activities promotes agency and self-confidence, improves self-esteem and increases a sense of self-reliance. Writing, painting or even performing on stage becomes a mirror through which people can better understand themselves, face their emotions and recognise their strengths.
Up to 98.4% of respondents feel that they find suitable challenges in their hobby that make them feel good. In addition, 96.1% of respondents have learned something new about themselves through their hobby.
In my work as a literacy therapist, I have seen how nurturing reading and writing help my clients deal with complex emotions and pave the way for healing and personal insights.
The findings of the survey support this, with many participants saying that cultural activities deepened their sense of self and gave them the resilience to deal with life's challenges.
4. Cultural activities build links between different age groups
One of the most encouraging findings of the survey is how cultural activities bring people of all ages together. In a world that often seems divided into generational silos, art acts as a bridge between different age groups. This in turn develops empathy and broadens participants' perspectives.
This kind of intergenerational learning is particularly enriching for the participants. Younger enthusiasts can draw on the life wisdom and diverse experiences of older participants, while older enthusiasts are energised by the fresh ideas and enthusiasm of younger creatives.
Such experiences remind us that, whatever our age, we all have something valuable to share and something new to learn.
5. Cultural activities improve self-confidence
Many of us turn to creative pursuits at life transitions as a way to restore self-confidence and boost self-esteem.
The Civic Forum report highlights that cultural practitioners experience such moments of empowerment in their daily lives. The reason is simple: creative activities provide an opportunity for free self-expression and help people to discover new strengths and interests.
At major life transitions, creative activities and cultural hobbies provide a safe space to explore one's identity and find a new direction.
Whether it's a creative writing group, a visual arts workshop or choir practice, it helps to deepen self-awareness, makes it easier to find your own voice and guides you along the path to becoming yourself.
Practical tips for starting a cultural hobby
If you're excited to start your own creative journey, these tips will help you get started:
Start small: try a light writing exercise, pick up a pen and start sketching, or sing along to your favourite music. Even small steps can lead to big changes.
Find your community: join a hobby group or take part in a course or workshop. Community support brings depth to what you do and creates meaningful connections.
Make time for creativity: set aside time in your week for creative expression. Regular practice not only develops skills but also deepens your connection with your art.
Try something new: Expanding your creative comfort zone can be liberating and open up new possibilities for expression. If you're a dancer, pick up a paintbrush for a change, or if you usually write poetry, join a comic workshop.
Enjoy the process: remember it's a journey, not a destination. Give yourself permission to experiment with different hobbies and forms of expression freely, without the pressure of perfection. Experience how liberating it is to be bad with abandon sometimes!