Central Finland is characterised by cultural activities that are both lively and wide-ranging. Here music and drama are pursued ambitiously by professionals and amateurs alike; cultural festivals and symposia have long traditions; the visual arts, especially printmaking, thrive; sport and culture have struck a vein of interaction; and dance will go far. Crafts and design have taken off as modern trades. To complement the regional emphasis on culture, studies in the arts are conducted at the University of Jyväskylä.

The Arts Council of Central Finland actively seeks opportunities for cooperation. We have pooled resources with the Regional Council of Central Finland, the University of Jyväskylä and other educational institutions, the various municipalities in the area, business and commerce, the local Employment and Economic Development Centre, and the travel industry. We enthusiastically promote interaction within a network comprising cultural institutions and organizations in our given area, as well as the arts councils in the provinces of Western and Eastern Finland. Conducting research to develop cultural life, we frequently team up with the Cultural Management unit at the University of Jyväskylä.

The site Lakes Woods Artists introduces artists (visual arts, performing arts, music etc.) from Central Finland in English. Site will be updated each month with more artists. The site is produced by The Arts Council of Central Finland. Texts are written by Teija Isohauta and Maija-Liisa Westman and layout and site design is by Päivi Hintsanen.
» www.kstaide.net/artists