The Mikkeli Cultural and Welfare Service Area will implement the Mikkeli Cultural Dream Year project for 2022. The project has started as part of the Saimaa 2026 Capital of Culture Years shared among the central cities of Saimaa. Mikkeli would be the first Capital of Culture in Saimaa, in 2022. The goal of the Dream Year of Culture is to improve the accessibility of culture in Mikkeli and to raise its visibility to a new level. The aim is to activate actors in the region as well as cultural enthusiasts and consumers. The aim of the project is to find new cross-sector cooperation models that can be rooted in the cultural field of Mikkeli. The project supports the City of Mikkeli’s strategic goal of Mikkeli, where the focus is on communality and active and well-being everyday life. Active participation in cultural activities increases communality, inclusiveness, permissibility and strengthens confidence in oneself and life. The project will take place between 1 January 2021 and 30 March 2023. In the first year (2021), residents and operators will be strongly involved in content design. The target group is of all ages. We want to bring culture to the centre of everyday life so that you don't always have to go to culture. Culture can surprise its experienced people from anywhere, anytime, and even completely unnoticed. Programming will take into account all aspects of culture and art: performing arts, audiovisual culture, literature, design and architecture, visual arts, handicrafts, museums and cultural heritage, cultural events and the cuisine of the region. In addition to local actors, the project will bring cultural experiences of national significance to Mikkeli and the Saimaa phenomenon2026 through cooperation with international and provincial activities. The project’s operating year 2022 starts with the New Year’s Eve 2021, ending at the turn of the following year. The year of operation is structured around four seasons, which include the themes of forests, food and water in accordance with the South Savo regional strategy. The main objectives of Mikkeli’s cultural dream year are to strengthen culture, employment in culture, art and events, and to increase well-being in the region. The aim is to create a new, workable model that will serve as an example for other cities. The project contributes comprehensively to social and cultural sustainability, equality and financial sustainability through intangible products and services. The results of the project will be measured quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative results are measured by looking at visitors, events and actors involved. The qualitative results are based on the feedback provided by the participants. The aim is to emphasise the importance of meaningful participation and to rely on the participants’ own experiences and observations.