Pori Jazz festival plans future through limited company amid financial difficulties

Facing financial difficulties, the Pori Jazz festival has announced plans to secure its future through a newly established limited company. Reports previously indicated that ownership stakes in Pori Jazz Festival Ltd. would be equally held by the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Pori (SKiB), Satakunta Cooperative Society, and the Korsi Foundation. These stakeholders shared further details about their plans on Monday.

According to the proposal, the rights to the Pori Jazz name and associated intellectual property would remain with Pori Jazz 66 ry, with a long-term licensing agreement allowing the new company to use the brand. As part of the agreement, the association retains the right to appoint one member to the new company’s board. Additionally, the employees of the association, which currently has four staff members, will transition to the new company with their existing employment terms.

The association is set to discuss the proposal at its meeting next Monday. Timo Santavuo, chairman of the Pori Jazz 66 association, acknowledged that the association model has reached its limits in managing a festival of such scale. He emphasized that revenue from intellectual property rights could be redirected to support Finnish jazz music’s future through scholarships.

Santavuo expressed optimism about the local partners involved, noting that all three stakeholders are local entities focused on ensuring the festival’s growth and long-term presence in Pori rather than pursuing profits. Oskar Björndahl, chairman of the SKiB foundation, confirmed that their primary motivation for joining the partnership is to support cultural activities in Pori and the surrounding areas, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining local brands like Pori Jazz. The SKiB foundation primarily supports Swedish-speaking culture in the region but has no content-related requirements for the partnership.