Linnanniemi will become a maritime art district

The joint passenger terminal in the Port of Turku is due for completion in 2027. After that the former port area including outdoor field areas will be released, and the construction of the new maritime residential district of Linnanniemi can begin.

In accordance with the programme for public art approved by the City Council, Linnanniemi will be made the first art district in Turku.

“Art district is an area where art is a visible part of the environment. In Linnanniemi it means both public works of art and events. Art is planned to show up diversely in the area, for example as sculptures, murals or green art. Linnanniemi is a pilot area where art will be taken into account in both planning and implementation”, Project Manager Julia Chir describes.

In Helsinki, there are the art districts of Arabianranta and Kalasatama, and art and culture are also important elements in the development of Hiedanranta district in Tampere.

Art plays many roles

The art programme for Linnanniemi was completed in the spring and was approved by the City Council on 5 June 2023. It determines proximity to the sea, history of the area and ecological aspects as the themes for the art and events in the area.

“It is impossible to say what kind of works there will be in the area concretely, because the artists will interpret the themes. I believe that the maritime aspect and proximity to the port will be visible in the art. Some old port structures may also be left in the area, especially if they can be used as parts for works of art – it would also be ecological.”

Art is also used to emphasise the places for arrival and departure as well as routes, encounters and hanging out.

“Such places include, for example, the square outside the new joint terminal, the expanding Linnanpuisto area, Linnankatu street, and the Länsikärki area with plans for a work of art in contact with the sea.”

Linnanniemi will also house, for example, the Museum of History and the Future for which an international architecture competition was announced in September. The museum square is intended to act as a venue for events, but works of art may also be placed there.

As the Linnanniemi district is building up over a long period of time, there will also be temporary works of art.

“A little while ago in September, the Viking Line terminal served as the venue for Anastasia Khodyreva’s performance lecture Terminal Socialities, and Suvi Tuominen’s performance called Tuleva menneisyys Linnanniemessä was seen in Tallink Silja’s obsolete passenger corridor. The plans for the next year include e.g. green elements, a mural, and designing of own concrete road barriers of the area.”

Art for the inhabitants and those arriving in Turku

Turku is investing in the art in Linnanniemi, and those that buy or lease a plot of land in the area will participate in the art purchases with a sum that equals 3 per cent of the capital value of the plot.

It is estimated that the Linnanniemi district might be completed in its entirety in 2045–2050.

“Linnanniemi will provide the inhabitants of the city with a pleasant and open area where they can enjoy the sea as well as encounters and surprises, round-the-year urban culture, and various activities. For those coming to Turku it tells that the traveller has arrived in a European culture city with maritime atmosphere”, Ms Chir says.

Text: Matti Välimäki
Photo: Ilari Välimäki