The Finnish Jazz Scene Is More Accessible Than Its Size Suggest

Accessibility is a key theme in cultural policy, and the Finnish jazz field has many interesting starting points in this regard. For instance, jam sessions are an inherent form of participation in jazz, and jazz concerts are traditionally organized in venues that reach diverse audiences. On the other hand, jazz is often perceived as a “difficult-to-understand” art form, and consuming it can be a way for people to distinguish themselves from others. Increasing the accessibility of jazz music is one of the main objectives of the Jazz Federation’s strategy (2021–2026), and to advance this goal, the Jazz Federation is set to publish its accessibility action plan.

Measures to improve accessibility respond to the diversity of the population and aim to increase the participation of various groups in a given service or content. The goal is to promote equality. Accessibility has influenced European cultural policy in some form since at least the early 20th century, and it has been used as a justification for establishing many cultural institutions. The importance of accessibility has especially grown since the 1990s, making it one of the central concepts in contemporary cultural policy. In Finland, cultural actors have argued against the state’s recent cultural budget cuts by highlighting, for instance, the diminished regional availability of culture.

Improving the accessibility of jazz music is one of the main objectives of the Finnish Jazz Federation’s strategy (2021–2026). To systematically advance this goal, the Jazz Federation conducted a baseline survey on the current state of jazz accessibility in Finland in 2022. Based on this, a jazz accessibility action plan will be published in early November 2024.

According to the Current State of Jazz Accessibility in Finland report, which I prepared for the Jazz Federation, accessibility in the Finnish jazz field is fairly good and aligns with that of other cultural sectors. This can be considered a significant achievement, especially when considering the relatively small size of the field and its modest financial resources. Jazz actors are generally positive about promoting accessibility, and there are inherent and exemplary forms of promoting accessibility within the field – such as jam sessions – where the boundary between audience and performer becomes blurred, allowing musicians of different levels to learn from and inspire one another.

The most significant challenges in promoting accessibility in the jazz field, in addition to limited resources, include limited opportunities to influence the physical accessibility of venues, as few actors manage or own the spaces where performances take place. On the other hand, the absence of venues solely dedicated to jazz has led to concert activities being organized in places that reach diverse audiences, such as museums, libraries, churches, retirement homes, schools, parks, and restaurants.

The Finnish jazz field is, in fact, inherently accessible and inclusive in many ways. The sector involves a great deal of volunteer work, which offers deep participation in the culture. Volunteering is not limited to assisting roles at festivals but, in some cases, encompasses all responsibilities, including artistic planning. My own career choice was sealed through volunteering at a jazz festival, and as a young person, it felt special to be able to write concert reviews for jazz media without prior experience; my art experience could have a broader impact.

One key area for development within the jazz scene is increasing diversity among performers and event organizers. The Jazz Federation supports this through low-threshold music camps specifically aimed at girls and those who identify as girls, as well as through other diversity-promoting initiatives aligned with the Federation’s sustainability program.

Improving accessibility can also promote environmental responsibility, and in this area, the jazz field has taken significant steps. The nationwide tour activities maintained by the Jazz Federation, which have been established for decades, support the realization of cultural rights and are more eco-friendly than single-event performances. On these tours, concerts are sometimes accompanied by community engagement activities that enhance social accessibility, such as jam sessions, performances by music school bands, discussion events, and instrument clinics. This way, the same carbon footprint can achieve a larger social impact.

Music itself brings an interesting dimension to the discussion of jazz accessibility. Jazz is often seen as “difficult to understand,” and this perception is also reflected in research, such as the findings presented in Suomalainen maku – Kulttuuripääoma, kulutus ja elämäntyylien sosiaalinen eriytyminen (Gaudeamus, 2014). The study shows that Finns classify jazz music as high culture, and consuming it is seen as a strong means of social distinction. This creates significant invisible barriers to participating in the art form, while also adding to its appeal among certain demographic groups. It is important for the jazz field to pay particular attention to supporting the understanding of new audiences.

Since the Finnish jazz field is in many ways – and in certain respects even exemplary – accessible, I believe the field could better highlight this to improve its societal position. The Jazz Federation’s accessibility survey and action plan aim to contribute to this: by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the jazz field in terms of accessibility, the sector can be developed based on knowledge, and actions can be directed where the biggest challenges lie.

Valtteri Pokela
Communications and Production Coordinator
Finnish Jazz Federation