In Conversation with the Finnish Institutes

In Conversation with The Finnish Institutes is a 7-part discussion series hosted by the Finnish Cultural and Academic Institutes (Benelux, Berlin, Middle East, New York, Oslo, Paris, and the UK + Ireland). Each of the 7 discussions, taking place online from October 2021 until spring 2022, focus on different subject matters ranging from decolonization to Sámi arts and culture. 

The conversation series invites professionals from the arts, culture, and science spheres to ponder and discuss modern perspectives on ways of creating and being. The discussions use a collection of antiracist, decolonial, and intersectional tools to bring critical perspectives to mainstream narratives. The series is curated and moderated by Monica Gathuo.

IN CONVERSATION WITH THE FINNISH INSTITUTES 3/7: 
DREAMING OF BLACK FUTURES

November 24, 2021
Hosted by the Finnish Culture Institute in New York

In the third session, our guests are writer, editor, and podcast producer Jess Myers, and scholar-activist, and Ph.D. candidate Jasmine Kelekay. In the discussion, we will be imagining what kind of Blackness awaits beyond tomorrow and how it presents itself. We will be pondering on how freedom and joy are intertwined in the future Black creativity and what we can already see happening.

They are joined by Elina Suoyrjö, the Director of Programmes from the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York.

IN CONVERSATION WITH THE FINNISH INSTITUTES 2/7: 
CREATING SAFER SPACES

November 3, 2021
Hosted by the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux

In the second session, we discuss safer spaces together with one of the founders of the participatory urban planning agency FEMMA Planning, Efe Ogbeide, and Brussels-based cultural organizer Isabelle N’diaye. We examine ways in which institutions, cities, and public spaces can become safer for minoritized groups and individuals. 

They are joined by Malin Bergström from the Finnish Institute for the Benelux. 

IN CONVERSATION WITH THE FINNISH INSTITUTES 1/7: 
DECOLONISATION IN THE ARTS AND CULTURAL FIELDS

October 13, 2021
Hosted by The Finnish Institute of UK + Ireland

For the first episode, we invite Dr. Carol Ann Dixon and Ali Akbar Mehta accompanied by Neicia Marsh from the Finnish Institute of UK + Ireland to discuss the concept of decolonization in art and culture institutions. This discussion will concentrate on new perspectives of building cultural meaning and creating new narratives – breaking the norms ruling the traditional culture and arts institutions in the Western hemisphere. We will be pondering on ways to deconstruct institutions and rebuild entities, identities, and belongings in the creative work.