The most important and visible part of the Capital of Culture is the Turku 2011 programme. In addition to a wide variety of high-quality programme in the Capital of Culture year, Turku 2011 is involved in developing the operating conditions for culture. All activities are aimed at long-term effects.

The basis of the Turku 2011 strategy is formed by a broad definition of culture according to which culture means continuity of doing, learning and thinking. The main goals of Turku 2011 are internationality, creative economy and well-being. Capital of Culture Turku is more than one year. It is a process as a result of which in 2016 Turku will be a pioneer, creative centre of co-operation on the Baltic Sea, and a provider and forwarder of art and science.

Thousands of different actors from Turku and all over Finland will participate in the implementation of the Capital of Culture. In addition to local and regional actors, Turku 2011 will conduct extensive national and international co-operation especially in the Baltic Sea region.

The Capital of Culture is a project for the whole of Finland and will showcase Finnish expertise and welfare society. The year 2011 will turn the eyes to the Baltic Sea region, because the other Capital of Culture for the year is Tallinn. Turku and Tallinn will implement the Capital of Culture year in close co-operation.