Loukko in English

Accessibility details here

Loukko Center of Subcultures is a venue for arts, happenings and meetings in Castréninkatu 7, Helsinki. Loukko operates on the principles of a safer space and aims at accessibility on all levels. We run a non-profit vegan café and soup kitchen lunch and have a licensed bar. 

Loukko’s principles

No discrimination (racism, sexism, homophobia nor cis-sexism)

Don’t presume the gender, background, sexuality, physical or mental abilities of others

Give space and don’t touch others without consent

Give others the chance to speak: pass the mic!

No violence

No body commentary

Take criticism and analyze your behaviour

Don’t photograph or film others without permission

If you encounter harassment, discrimination, threat or other problematic situations or feelings, contact the safe persons at the venue. You can recognize the safe persons by their Loukko-badges

LOUKKO?

Loukko’s venue houses regular clubs and workshops, alternative live music and a low threshold art gallery. We run a vegan cafe and cook cheap vegan lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 12. You do not need to purchase anything to enter Loukko and are welcome to stay for a long as you like. Loukko provides a platform for DIY operations and support for groups and people looking to bring on their own happenings. Most of our operation are all ages and free of charge and necessary charges are kept as low as possible. We are licensed and serve alcohol at the bar, but our events are all ages unless stated differently at the door or in event descriptions.

2559-1024x683-5410751 Part of Team Loukko. Pic: Jetro Stavén

What is Loukko and who is behind it?

Loukko is a center for subcultures in central Helsinki. We house a venue for live music, performing arts, a low treshold art gallery and regular club- and workshop-activities. Our venue opened at Castréninkatu 7 in the spring of 2019.

Loukko follows the principles of a safer space and works towards holistic accessibility. This means we will not tolerate discrimination: no racism, no sexism, no bullshit!

We offer the possibility of producing and arranging events and activities through and / or with Loukko. We appreciate and encourage all ages, no charge events.

Where is Loukko?

We operate at in Kallio, Helsinki at Castréninkatu 7.

What’s so different about Loukko?

Loukko wants to combine good things. We are not directly aimed at any specific groups, but want to make sure our operation is accessible for the groups who are affected by lack of accessibility, physically and socially.

Helsinki has many cultural centers, but our speciality is focusing on subcultures. We want to offer possibilities, space and guidance to people interested and respectful of DIY ethics – and have firm experience on the field of grass root cultural activism. In difference to many temporary and unofficial spaces we want to ensure physical accessibility.

Who is Loukko for?

Loukko is for anyone who wants to see shows, find new bands or art forms, make or see theater or just in general enjoy the diversity of culture and arts. The venue provides a possibility of bringing on self-made events and workshops and our crew will be happy to help with the process. Loukko houses events both all ages and with licensed serving. Our events are free of charge as far as possible, except for some entrance fees to specific events. We don’t want people to be left out because of low income.

Loukko aknowledges the diversity of gender and personal qualities. We will not make assumptions on anyones gender or sexuality and our facilities are gender neutral.

Loukko and anyone who participates will commit to the principles of safer space. We have zero tolerance on discrimination, racism, sexism, violence and any offence to personal space or safety. We as the crew will intervene when needed. Our space is also made physically as accessible as we can so that people with moving aids won’t need to worry about getting around. We are constantly working to make our space even more accessible in all ways.

Who runs Loukko?

We are a group of professional and amateur makers in culture, arts and social work who share a passion for DIY.

Loukko works in co-operations with many partners, people and organisations who share our values. Some of the instances we are or have been working with or who have supported our cause are Oranssi ry, Musiikkikeskus Resonaari, Radio Valo, Tänäänkin Menee Hyvin Productions, Voima, Sarppa Tekee Tatskoi, Vegekauppa, Euphoria Borealis, Kinobox Obscura, Vapaa Taidekoulu, House of Jaahas, Loisto Paja, Ecco-Verde, Kuudes Linja, Bar Loosister, LUSH, Punanaamio and Helsingin Lasipaja Oy.

What can I do?

We are happy to welcome people and groups who respect and share our values to join the project. We could use help in funding, event production, content planning, practical renovation and running workshops or working at events. We also need people who write, take photographs, make illustrations or graphics or create content for out online media LoukkoZine. Or whatever else you’re good at or think would be important. Contact us at events or via e-mail and we’ll talk more: loukko@kulttuuriloukko.fi