PARTICIPATION IN THE ARTS: INEQUALITIES AND POLARIZATION IN THE NORDICS?

ART AS A DRIVER FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION

Djupdykning arrangerad av Bikubenfonden, Nordisk Kulturfond and Kone Foundation
Nyckelord: konst, polarisering, inkludering, rättvisa, demokrati, stiftelsepraxis
Huvudspråket är engelska.

How can foundations support citizen participation in the arts while addressing the cultural, social, and economic inequalities — and existing hierarchies — that risk excluding individuals and groups? Why is this important in societies where social trust and equality are being undermined by uncertain futures and growing polarization? How do we support a sustainable and free art scene while mobilizing its great potential for social innovation?

These questions will be explored by Bikubenfonden, Nordisk Kulturfond, Kone Foundation and participants from other foundations and contexts, drawing on experiments, programs, and cases. The purpose is to exchange insights on different philanthropic approaches by exploring the topics together. We'll include the arts to expand our thinking around possible actions for creating better futures.

UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE QUESTIONS OF ROMA CULTURE — A TIMEOUT DIALOGUE

A deep dive hosted by Timeout Foundation (Erätaukosäätiö), Suomen Kulttuurirahasto and Svenska kulturfonden
Keywords: Culture, minorities, equity, inclusion, dialogue
The main language of the session is Skandinaviska. 

This dialogue invites participants into an open and respectful space to deepen understanding of Roma culture in today's world and as it evolves into the future. Rather than seeking definitive answers, the dialogue encourages shared reflection, curiosity, and meaningful exchange across perspectives.

The conversation follows the principles of the Timeout dialogue method (Erätauko). It’s a Finnish approach that creates space for genuine listening, equal participation, in-depth understanding, and building trust. The aim is to make it possible for everyone to participate and to learn both from one another and from the topic itself. By coming together in this way, we create room for connection, understanding, and the possibility of more inclusive futures. 

Further information about the Timeout dialogue method is available at www.timeoutdialogue.fi

SCIENCE & RESEARCH FUNDING

FUTURE NORDICS: ERFARENHETER FRÅN ETT FRAMGÅNGSRIKT NORDISKT FORSKNINGSPROGRAM OCH NYA INITIATIV FÖR FRAMTIDA SAMARBETEN

Fostering collaboration hosted by Svenska litteratursällskapet i Finland, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Familjen Kamprads stiftelse, Stiftelsen Brita Maria Renlunds minne and Svenska kulturfonden
Keywords: Science, research funding, collaboration, foundation practices
The main language of the session is Skandinaviska.

Hur uppstod forskningsprogrammet Future Nordics och hur har vi samarbetat för att gemensamt finansiera elva internationella topprojekt? Lyckas vi nå vårt mål att skapa tillgänglig forskningskunskap för medborgare och beslutsfattare i Norden inför dagens samhällsutmaningar?

Istället för att bara tala om vikten av nordiskt samarbete handlar denna session om hur det faktiskt kan förverkligas och vad vi har lärt oss. Vi välkomnar alla som är intresserade av nordiskt forskningssamarbete att delta i session för att dela idéer och diskutera möjligheter – och framförallt börja bygga konkreta planer för framtida banbrytande initiativ och gemensamma satsningar inom nordisk forskningsfinansiering.

BUSINESS–ACADEMIA COLLABORATION AND FUNDING IN AND ACROSS NORDIC COUNTRIES 

Fostering collaboration hosted by The Finnish Research Impact Foundation, Foundation for Economic Education and The Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation
Keywords: Science, research funding, collaboration, foundation practices
The main language of the session is English.

How can foundations strengthen researcher mobility within the Nordic region? This session explores how Nordic foundations can support cross-border collaboration between academia and business. Through case examples and interactive discussion, participants will share experiences and generate ideas for funding models that enhance researcher mobility and industry engagement.

The session is especially useful for foundation professionals interested in innovation funding, offering insights, peer learning, and opportunities for future collaboration. Representatives from foundations interested, for example, in cross-border research funding, innovation, and business–academia collaboration models are warmly welcome!

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

TACKLING SEGREGATION AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND INNOVATION

A site visit and fostering collaboration hosted by Me-säätiö (We Foundation) 
Keywords: Segregation, inclusion, equity, minorities, children & youth, families, collaboration
The main language of the session is English.

Join us to explore how foundations can work with cities to combat segregation, especially among children, youth, and families. You’ll visit Meltsi — an innovative house for children and families — in the world’s northernmost metro station, see our work in action, and gain insights into building social inclusion through place-based work.

Learn how we use data, targeted methods, and long-term commitment to shape impactful solutions in disadvantaged areas. The site visit is especially valuable for those working at the intersection of social impact and city collaboration but will be interesting and inspiring to everyone.
 

WHAT WORKS? DIFFERENT MODELS FOR SUPPORTING SOCIAL INNOVATIONS FOR THE WELL-BEING OF FAMILIES

A deep dive hosted by A deep dive hosted by Alli Paasikivi Foundation, Rockwool Foundation and Itla Children’s Foundation
Keywords: children, youth, families, social innovation, foundation practices
The main language of the session is English. 

In order for the foundations to remain relevant in the rapidly changing society, and to fight polarization, they need to constantly re-evaluate their practices, and this discussion aims to give food for thought for all foundations working towards similar aims. In this session, representatives from three very different foundations in Denmark and Finland present their own models for supporting positive social change for children, young people and families via social innovations and research.

The Itla Children’s Foundation utilizes multiple models, such as refining and disseminating child-focused knowledge to support decision-making and practical development and accelerating the renewal of child and family services locally, regionally, and nationally through collaboration, co-development, and support for local innovations. Alli Paasikivi Foundation is an example of a smaller grant-making foundation, supporting researchers as well as NGOs social development projects. The Rockwool Foundation has created an in-house unit for social research and hired their own researchers as well as funds external researchers. Presenters include Sinikka Aapola-Kari, Docent, Executive Director, Alli Paasikivi Foundation, Finland, Jeanette Østergaard, Research Professor, Head of Development, Rockwool Foundation, Denmark and Katri Vataja, Chief Executive Officer, Itla Children’s Foundation, Finland.

In a dialogic discussion between the presenters and the participants, we juxtapose different models and weigh their pros and cons in supporting social change. The organizers also wish to create a network for Nordic foundations working for children, young people and families!
 

THE ENVIRONMENT