The challenge
Circular economy can feel distant from daily life. Residents may hear the term in policy, climate strategies or public information campaigns, but still miss the connection with food, repair, sharing, art, neighbourhood spaces and household habits.
Turku looked for a way to make circularity local, emotional and easy to join. The format focused on reaching people at neighbourhood level and giving local organisations an active role in shaping the programme.
The format
ReTurku worked as an umbrella for many small, practical events. Local residents, associations, municipal units, artists and circular economy actors organised activities under one shared Carnival identity.
The programme included flea markets, toy and plant swaps, food waste brunches, repair cafes, recycled art projects, workshops and installations. Valonia coordinated the pilot with the City of Turku and Humak, while local action groups helped shape the programme in Halinen and Runosmäki.
What happened
The pilot produced more than 30 events across two neighbourhoods and reached around 1,000 visitors. More than 30 organisations and community groups joined planning and delivery.
Post-event feedback showed that more than 80 percent of participants gained new ideas for sustainable everyday action. The Carnival also strengthened collaboration between municipal departments, local associations, artists and residents. Local media and campaign activity generated around 300,000 communication impressions in the Turku region.
What other cities can reuse
Start partner outreach early. Build the programme around existing local strengths. Give residents and organisations co-production roles. Use shared branding so many small events feel like one public moment.
Art and culture helped make circular economy visible, social and enjoyable. The city acted as an enabler: opening spaces, connecting departments, supporting communication and giving local actors a shared frame.
Budget and model
The pilot used a modest budget because the umbrella model connected activities that partners could already organise or adapt. The estimated pilot budget was 11,000 EUR, funded by the CCC Project through Interreg Baltic Sea Region.
Main costs covered artist commissions, facilitation, marketing and communication materials. The model can travel because it relies more on collaboration, shared identity and existing neighbourhood networks than on large production budgets.
Use the ReTurku Carnival model in your city
The framework can be adapted to different neighbourhoods, communities and municipal teams.
