Tiina Kuusisto, who served as Executive Director of Tampere Region Festivals for nearly seven years, transitioned to a new position in May as the Public Relations Manager for the City of Tampere. The festival network’s operations now continue with a new team, and both familiar and new faces will be working in the association during the autumn and winter seasons. The team is also settling into the new office premises.
The Team Is Strengthened with Fresh Expertise in Event Production
Susanna Koskimaa, who has worked as the association’s PR Officer since 2018, is temporarily serving as Executive Director. A more permanent staffing solution will be considered towards the end of 2025, with a new Executive Director scheduled to be appointed starting April 1, 2026.
Sampsa Suokas has been appointed as the new PR Officer and Project Coordinator for the Capable and Inclusive Event project, selected through an open recruitment process. Recently graduated as a cultural producer, Suokas brings experience in event production and in marketing and communication roles from Tampereen Kulttuurikamari Ltd, where he has contributed to developing new event concepts for Tavara-asema. Suokas is looking forward to his work at Tampere Region Festivals with enthusiasm:
“It is a pleasure and an honor to contribute to the well-being of Pirkanmaa’s cultural scene. The first few weeks as part of the association have already demonstrated the diversity and significance of the events produced by our member organizations for the region. The dedication with which events of all sizes are organized is something that personally inspires me as well. I aim to strengthen the region’s event field through effective communication, highlighting its diversity to the public.”
Additionally, the Tampere Region Festivals team includes cultural producer intern Mari Törhönen, who supports the Capable and Inclusive Event project as a Project Assistant and assists in other tasks for the association. All staff members are employed on fixed-term contracts until the end of the project period on March 31, 2026.
You can find the association’s contact information and board members on our website: Contact Information.
Moving to a New Office
In addition to staffing changes, the association has also updated its office location. The new office of Tampere Region Festivals is located in Culture House Laikku, at Keskustori 4, 33100 Tampere. Being situated in the heart of Tampere, alongside other cultural actors, offers excellent opportunities for networking and strengthening collaboration.
“The past few months have brought many changes, and we are especially grateful for the flexibility and support of our members, board, and partners. At the office at Kelloportinkatu, we were able to advance many interesting projects, for example with Visit Tampere, and we will of course continue to nurture that collaboration. The new location brings new opportunities, and we are excited to see what connections our time at Laikku will bring,” comments Executive Director (interim) Susanna Koskimaa.
“We are also especially enjoying the luxury of having our own office space. You’re warmly welcome to visit!”
