Finnish actor Vesa Vierikko expresses concern about the current state of the cultural industry, highlighting job shortages for actors and significant government cuts to culture funding.
Vesa Vierikko, a 69-year-old Finnish actor, is worried about the challenging situation facing the cultural sector, particularly for actors and others working in the industry due to a lack of available jobs. He criticizes the government for making significant budget cuts that impact cultural funding, asserting that such measures ignore the economic benefits that culture brings to various sectors, including hospitality and transport. During a press event for the drama series 'Sori siitä 2', Vierikko emphasized the negative impact of the government's stance on the arts.
He also raised concerns about the employment situation for young people, noting that he believes it is unprecedented during his lifetime. Vierikko pointed out a significant mistake by Yleisradio in ceasing production of fictional content, which he views as detrimental to the industry and the creative landscape in Finland. While acknowledging the difficulties, he refuses to succumb to despair and intends to embrace life positively as he approaches his 70th birthday.
Vierikko's remarks reflect a broader anxiety within the Finnish cultural community regarding job security, government support, and the overall health of the arts sector. His comments may serve as a rallying cry for advocates of the arts to push for greater recognition and funding as Finland navigates these challenging economic times.
