Breakout-sessioner
- VÄRM UPP – LÄMMITTELE – WARM UP
- Torsdags- & fredagsmorgon
- VETENSKAP & FORSKNING – TIEDE & TUTKIMUS – RESEARCH & SCIENCE
- KONST & KULTUR – TAIDE & KULTTUURI – ARTS & CULTURE
- Torsdag
- Fredag
- Visit to Globe Art Point & Survival Strategies for International Creatives
- Art Education for Children and Youth in Preventing Polarization & Visit to Kirpilä Art Collection
- Visit to Musiikkitalo & What Role Can Art Play in Bridging Divides in a World Marked by Growing Polarisation?
- Understanding Contemporary and Future Questions of Minority Cultures – a Timeout Dialogue
- BARN, UNGA & FAMILJER – LAPSET, NUORET & PERHEET – CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
- MILJÖFRÅGOR – YMPÄRISTÖ – THE ENVIRONMENT
- MEDIA, DEMOKRATI & ANDRA TEMAN – MEDIA, DEMOKRATIA & MUUT AIHEET – MEDIA, DEMOCRACY & OTHER TOPICS
Konferensens breakout-sessioner organiseras för dig av olika nordiska stiftelser. Fler sessioner och mer information kommer att meddelas närmare konferensen. Anmälan till sessionerna öppnar i slutet av augusti, så då kan du reservera plats i dem som intresserar dig mest. På torsdag och fredag är det olika sessioner. Schemat publiceras när sessionanmälnan öppnar. Sessionerna har ett huvudspråk, men välkomnar varmt en blandning av olika språk i samtalen.
VÄRM UPP – LÄMMITTELE – WARM UP
TORSDAGS- & FREDAGSMORGON
JOGGINGTUR ELLER MORGONPROMENAD MED STIFTELSEKOLLEGOR
Jogging tour or morning walk with foundation colleagues
Stiftelsen Brita Maria Renlunds minne
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: glädje, sport & motion, partnerskap /
ilo, urheilu ja liikunta, yhteistyö / joy, sports & exercise, collaboration
Huvudspråken / pääkielet / main languages: skandinaviska & English
Inled morgonen med en gemensam joggingtur eller en rask morgonpromenad tillsammans med andra deltagare. Njut av Helsingfors på det bästa sättet som finns – till fots. Dessutom erbjuds trevligt sällskap och en inblick i vad som är på gång i Helsingfors och Finland just nu.
Joggingtur/morgonpromenad, fredag 26 september, start kl. 08.00
The jog and the morning walk (45–60 min) are organized in parallel. Both groups start at the entrance to the Kulttuurikasarmi:
Thursday 25 september, start at 08:30
Friday 26 september, start at 08:00
VETENSKAP & FORSKNING – TIEDE & TUTKIMUS – RESEARCH & SCIENCE
TORSDAG 13.30–15.00
BUSINESS–ACADEMIA COLLABORATION AND FUNDING IN AND ACROSS NORDIC COUNTRIES
The Finnish Research Impact Foundation, Foundation for Economic Education & The Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation
Samarbetsfrämjande - yhteistyön virittämistä - fostering collaboration
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: vetenskap, forskningsfinansiering, samarbete, stiftelsepraxis /
tiede, tutkimusrahoitus, yhteistyö, säätiöiden käytännöt /
science, research funding, collaboration, foundation practices
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: 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. People interested, for example, in cross-border research funding, innovation, and business–academia collaboration models are warmly welcome!
FREDAG 10.00–11.30
Svenska litteratursällskapet i Finland, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Familjen Kamprads stiftelse, Stiftelsen Brita Maria Renlunds minne & Svenska kulturfonden
Samarbetsfrämjande - yhteistyön virittämistä - fostering collaboration
Nyckelord / avainsanat / keywords: vetenskap, forskningsfinansiering, samarbete, stiftelsepraxis /
tiede, tutkimusrahoitus, yhteistyö, säätiöiden käytännöt /
science, research funding, collaboration, foundation practices
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: skandinaviska
Hur uppstod forskningsprogrammet Future Nordics (futurenordics.org) och hur har vi samarbetat för att gemensamt finansiera elva internationella topprojekt? Hur 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.
Scientists At Risk Nordic (SAR networks of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden)
KONST & KULTUR – TAIDE & KULTTUURI – ARTS & CULTURE
TORSDAG 13.30–15.00
ART AS A DRIVER FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION
Bikubenfonden, Nordisk Kulturfond & Konestiftelsen
Djupdykning - syväsukellus - deep dive
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: konst, polarisering, inkludering, rättvisa, demokrati, stiftelsepraxis /
taide, polarisaatio, inkluusio, yhdenvertaisuus, demokratia, säätiöiden käytännöt /
art, polarisation, inlusion, justice, democracy, foundation practices
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
In a time of both geopolitical and national polarization, 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? How do we support a sustainable and free art scene while mobilizing its great potential for social innovation and cohesion?
Asking these questions in a Nordic context, we will draw on knowledge from Camilla Mordhorst, CEO, Danish Cultural Institute, and her vast experience of fostering international cultural relations for the benefit of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, trust, and dialogue, among others in the Baltics, in Eastern Europe and the global south will guide us.
We will explore these questions together, with participants from various foundations and contexts, drawing on experiments, programs, and cases. The purpose is to exchange insights on different philanthropic approaches to current and future challenges.
TORSDAG 13.30–15.00
ART AND CULTURE AS BRIDGE BUILDERS BETWEEN NORDIC AND AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Svenska kulturfonden, Konstsamfundet, Puistokatu 4 & Lääketieteen säätiö
Samarbetsfrämjande - yhteistyön virittämistä - fostering collaboration
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words:
kultur, konst, vetenskap, inkludering, rättvisa, klimat, miljö, stiftelsepraxis, samarbete, systemtänkande, glädje /
kulttuuri, taide, tiede, inkluusio, yhdenvertaisuus, ilmasto, ympäristö, säätiöiden käytännöt, yhteistyö, systeemiajattelu, ilo /
culture, art, science, inclusion, equity, climate, environment, foundation practices, collaboration, systems thinking, joy
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
This session sparks a conversation on how we can build a listening and equal dialogue with Africa — a rising continent that is already an integral part of our present, whether we acknowledge it or not.
Some of the pressing themes of our time include decolonization, the concept of progress (and its critique), humanity’s relationship with nature, the dialogue between tradition and modernity, as well as community, otherness, and ways of seeing. All these themes take on a completely new perspective when viewed from Africa. By fostering the expansion and enrichment of the arts and cultural field through dialogue with African countries, we also enable fresh thinking and solutions to drive social change in the Nordic countries.
We invite Nordic foundations to hear concrete examples of building bridges in art and culture between the Nordic and African countries and to discuss how they see Africa as part of their activities. What new partnerships are needed? Could the foundation sector take the lead in promoting bridge-building initiatives? The conversation is ignited by Marcia Harvey Isaksson, Founder and Director of Southnord; Liisa Laakso, Senior Researcher, Nordic Africa Institute; Julia Ojanen, Executive Director, Finnish West Africa Cultural Institute Villa Karo; and Johanna Ruohonen, Development director, Suomen kulttuurirahasto (The Finnish Cultural Foundation).
FREDAG 8.30–11.00
VISIT TO GLOBE ART POINT & SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR INTERNATIONAL CREATIVES
Svenska kulturfonden & Globe Art Point
Platsbesök & djupdykning - kenttävierailu & syväsukellus - site visit & deep dive
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: culture, art, activism, polarisation, segregation, inclusion, equity, minorities, democracy /
kultur, konst, aktivism, polarisering, segregation, inkludering, rättvisa, minoriteter /
kulttuuri, taide, aktivismi, polarisaatio, eriytyminen, inkluusio, yhdenvertaisuus, vähemmistöt, demokratia
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
The session invites participants to step into the shoes of international creatives who have recently relocated to a new country. Through real-life examples and reflective discussion, it offers a glimpse into the complex realities they face navigating unfamiliar systems, dealing with cultural and language barriers, and often struggling to access funding opportunities. By exploring these challenges, the session aims to build deeper understanding and empathy, while sparking dialogue on how institutions, communities, and funding bodies can create more equitable and accessible support structures.
Participants can expect an interactive session combining peer exchange and critical reflection. They'll hear about real success and failure cases from Globe Art Point’s work, engage in group discussions, share their own insights and create possible solutions. The session creates space to reflect on the current funding landscape in the arts and culture and consider how to make funding systems more inclusive. The visit is especially useful for those seeking to understand and improve support structures for migrant creatives but suits everyone interested in more inclusive and equal societies and culture.
FREDAG 8.30–11.00 (8.15 joint departure from Kulttuurikasarmi to Kirpilä)
ART EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN PREVENTING POLARISATION – KONSTUNDERVISNING FÖR BARN OCH UNGA SOM MOTKRAFT TILL POLARISERING & VISIT TO THE KIRPILÄ ART COLLECTION
The Finnish Cultural Foundation (FI), The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland (FI), Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation (FI)
Platsbesök & djupdykning - kenttävierailu & syväsukellus - site visit & deep dive
Nyckelord / avainsanat / keywords: culture, art, polarization, segregation, inclusion, equity, children & youth, democracy, art education, joy, accessibility
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: The guiding and the presentations will be held in English. In the following dialogue the participants can use English or Scandinavian languages.
The session begins with a short guided introduction to the Kirpilä Art Collection. This is followed by three short, inspiring presentations of foundation-funded projects that focus on making art experiences and art education accessible to children and young people in Finland.
After the presentations, participants will engage in a discussion based on the Finnish Timeout method (Dialogpausmetoden). During the dialogue, we will explore the question: How can art education for children and young people help counter polarization in society?
The session is particularly relevant for representatives of foundations working with children and young people, education, accessibility, equality, art, and culture.
Programme:
8:15 Meeting at Kulttuurikasarmi outside the main entrance to walk together to Kirpilä
8:30 Guiding tour at Kirpilä
8:45 Art Education for Children and Youth in Preventing Polarisation:
- Presentation of three art education intitiatives by three foundation
- A Dialogue with Time Out Method on Art Education for Children and Youth in Preventing Polarisation
11:00 Walk back to Kulttuurikasarmi where programme continues 11:30
FREDAG 8.30–11.00
VISIT TO MUSIIKKITALO & WHAT ROLE CAN ART PLAY IN BRIDGING DIVIDES IN A WORLD MARKED BY GROWING POLARIZATION?
Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation & Sibelius Academy of the University of Arts (FI)
Platsbesök & djupdykning – kenttävierailu & syväsukellus – site visit & deep dive
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: kultur, konst, polarisering, inkludering, rättvis /
kulttuuri, taide, tiede, inkluusio, yhdenvertaisuus /
culture, art, inclusion, equity, climate, environment, foundation practices, collaboration, systems thinking, joy
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
This interactive session invites participants to explore how the arts can respond to polarization, support diversity, and engage with pressing societal questions. Through a combination of live music, facilitated small-group discussions, and collective reflection, we’ll examine how art not only mirrors society, but can also shape it.
Together, we’ll discuss:
- How is polarization visible in the arts?
- Can art build bridges where dialogue has broken down?
- What responsibilities do artists, educators, and funders carry?
- What would society look like without the unifying presence of art?
Participants will engage in themed discussions guided by facilitators from the Sibelius Academy’s Voice and Justice project, which explores the societal role of music through education, history, and practice.
No background in the arts is needed, every experience and viewpoint adds value. This is a space for open dialogue, fresh perspectives, and shared insight into how art can help us navigate complexity and difference.
Let’s imagine together what a more connected, empathetic society could look like — with the arts at its heart.
Read more about the program in the article produced by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation: Tempo Brings Musicians Together - Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation
FREDAG 10.00–11.30
UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE QUESTIONS OF MINORITY CULTURES — A TIMEOUT DIALOGUE
Stiftelsen Dialogpaus (Erätaukosäätiö), Finska kulturfonden & Svenska kulturfonden i Finland
Djupdykning - syväsukellus - deep dive
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: kultur, minoriteter, rättvisa, inkludering, dialog /
kulttuuri, vähemmistöt, yhdenvertaisuus, inkluusio, dialogi /
culture, minorities, equity, inclusion, dialogue
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: skandinaviska
This dialogue invites participants into an open and respectful space to deepen understanding of contemporary topics and questions regarding different minorities 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 (in English) or www.dialogpaus.fi (på svenska).
BARN, UNGA & FAMILJER – LAPSET, NUORET & PERHEET – CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
TORSDAG 13.30–15.00
WHAT WORKS? DIFFERENT MODELS FOR SUPPORTING SOCIAL INNOVATIONS FOR THE WELL-BEING OF FAMILIES
Alli Paasikivi Stiftlesen & Itla
Djupdykning & samarbetsfrämjande - syväsukellus & yhteistyön virittämistä - deep dive & fostering collaboration
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: barn, unga och familjer, social innovation, stiftelsepraxis /
lapset, nuoret ja perheet, sosiaaliset innovaatiot, säätiöiden käytännöt /
children, youth and families, social innovation, foundation practices
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: 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 two different kinds of foundations present their 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. Presenters include Sinikka Aapola-Kari, Docent, Executive Director, Alli Paasikivi Foundation and Katri Vataja, Chief Executive Officer, Itla Children’s Foundation.
In a dialogue 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!
FREDAG 9.00–11.00 (joint departure from Kulttuurikasarmi at 8.20)
VISIT TO MELTSI HOUSE & TACKLING SEGREGATION THROUGH CITY PARTNERSHIPS AND INNOVATION
Platsbesök & samarbetsfrämjande / kenttävierailu & yhteistyön virittämistä / site visit & fostering collaboration
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: segregation, inkludering, rättvisa, minoriteter, barn, unga och familjer, samarbete /
eriytyminen, inkluusio, yhdenvertaisuus, vähemmistöt, lapset, nuoret ja perheet, yhteistyö / segregation, inclusion, equity, minorities, children & youth, families, collaboration
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
Address: Ounasvaarantie 9 - You will have a guide to take you there from the Kulttuurikasarmi in the morning and you will receive info by email beforehand.
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 — gathered with Melvio software that we have developed and distribute —, 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 it will be insighful to all. Me foundation visit is hosted together with the City of Vantaa.
Programme:
8:20 Meeting at Kulttuurikasarmi, outside the main entrance, to take the metro together, led by a conference guide. Metro tickets provided by the conference.
9:00 Welcome to Meltsi!
9:15 Tackling segregation through innovation & city partnerships
- Tiina-Maija Toivola, CEO, Me Foundation
- Hannu Rusama, Director for Building a program against segregation, City of Vantaa
- A conversation together
10:40 Leaving back to Kulttuurikasarmi where programme continues at 11:30.
FRIDAY 10.00–11.30
FOUNDATIONS JOINING FORCES FOR THE MENTAL WELLBEING OF EMERGING ADULTS IN THE NORDICS
Reach for Change, The Inner Foundation, Tim Bergling Foundation & Eva Ahlström Foundation
Deep dive & fostering collaboration
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: emerging adults, mental health, wellbeing, social innovation, youth empowerment, foundation practices
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
In increasingly polarized societies, emerging adults find themselves at a particularly vulnerable point. This phase of life, marked by a dual need for belonging and independence, can expose them to significant stressors as they navigate their place in the world. Their social networks and sense of belonging can have a profound impact on their mental health and ability to contribute meaningfully to society. This session, hosted by a collective of foundations, will explore the essential role of philanthropy in moving beyond traditional grant-making to drive fundamental, systemic change. We will discuss how foundations can work together to build more effective and supportive structures for emerging adults, addressing an issue with an estimated annual cost to Nordic society of 10 billion euros.
In this session, we will delve into the challenges facing emerging adults in the Nordics. We'll start by sharing key insights from a Nordic-wide ecosystem mapping, which includes data from surveys with emerging adults and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. This research has helped us pinpoint the gaps and opportunities in a system that is in clear need of new approaches.
We'll then discuss a collective impact model, an innovative approach where foundations come together to address a systemic societal challenge more effectively. This model allows us to pool resources and expertise, creating a more cohesive and impactful philanthropic effort aimed at long-term change. Finally, we'll explore how this collective approach directly supports the end target group: emerging adults. We do this by empowering social entrepreneurs who are on the front lines, providing them with the capacity-building and resources they need to scale their impact and build the new solutions our society needs. The goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem where emerging adults' right to wellbeing is not just a concept, but a reality.
Our ultimate aim is to create a powerful network of Nordic foundations committed to advancing the wellbeing of emerging adults. We believe that by working together, we can amplify our impact and help build a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, not just survive.
MILJÖFRÅGOR – YMPÄRISTÖ – THE ENVIRONMENT
TORSDAG 13.30–15.00
CLIMATE & NATURE PROGRESS IN DANGER! HOW CAN FOUNDATIONS OF ALL SIZES & PURPOSES ACT ON IT?
The Nessling Foundation, RELEX Foundation, Global Challenges Foundation & Kone Foundation
Djupdykning - syväsukellus - deep dive
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: klimat, miljö, vetenskap, systemtänkande /
ilmasto, luonto, tiede, systeemiajattelu /
climate, nature, science, systems thinking
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
Climate change and nature loss are accelerating. Bad news is that there are worrying signs that public policy both in the EU and US as well as philanthropic and public funding in the US are taking a downward turn, shaking the ground under urgently needed progress. The pressure, and responsibility, to fund environmental action is shifting to Europe as US philanthropy for the environment is facing restrictions.
Good news is that there are many ways that Nordic foundations can step up, individually and collectively, to ensure societies keep going forward, not backwards, in mitigating climate change and halting nature loss.
This session gives you a short overview of recent developments in the political landscape and in philanthropic funding for nature and climate globally. Then, three very different types of foundations will share with you how they have worked on finding their role in climate and nature questions. Last but not least we will all discuss together what Nordic foundations could and should do in these turbulent times.
Kone Foundation (FI) has traditionally been known as a funder of art and science, but it has recently developed into a significant actor in environmental issues. Its latest major contribution has been to enable the establishment of a new foundation focused on strategic litigation on environmental issues – one of the most carefully prepared funding decisions in the foundation’s history.
Global Challenges Foundation (SE) is a Swedish foundation with a global focus, dedicated to raising awareness of global catastrophic risks and strengthening global governance to address them. GCF will share with you their journey of developing their approach, expanding from climate to including other environmental challenges and adopting a systemic approach to grantmaking.
Nessling Foundation (FI), started in the 1970s, was Finland’s first philanthropic funder of environmental research. Nessling is continuously asking itself what are the relevant ways to progress the sustainability transformation. Lately, the foundation has taken on the elephant in the room: The complex challenge of structural overconsumption in our societies.
The session is facilitated by RELEX Foundation, a new foundation focusing on nature, climate & people.
FREDAG 9.00–11.00 (joint departure from Kulttuurikasarmi at 8.30)
VISIT TO PUISTOKATU 4 – THE SPACE FOR SCIENCE AND HOPE AS AN OPPOSITE FOR POLARISATION
Puistokatu 4, The Nessling Foundation & TAH Foundation
Platsbesök - kenttävierailu - field visit
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: klimat, miljö, vetenskap, samarbete, glädje /
ilmasto, luonto, tiede, aktivismi, yhteistyö, ilo /
climate, nature, science, activism, collaboration, joy
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
Address: Puistokatu 4. You will have a guide from Kulttuurikasari to take you there It is 30 minute walk from Scandic Simonkenttä Hotel or Kulttuurikasarmi, or 20 min with tram no 3. Before the visit you will receive info by email on this.
Visit Puistokatu 4 – The Space for Science and Hope, dedicated to breaking down silos. Puistokatu 4 is a 19th-century villa and a globally unique arena for the transformative change required in the ecological crisis. It brings together a multidisciplinary community of researchers, artists, activists, and other agents of change under a shared mission: fostering a good life within planetary boundaries.
Puistokatu 4 is a joint initiative of the Nessling Foundation and the TAH Foundation. Here, you can learn how Puistokatu 4 catalyzes change, tour the beautifully renovated villa, and engage with its inspiring community in discussions about building a future within the planetary boundaries.
Programme of the visit
Address Puistokatu 4. You will have a guide from Kulttuurikasari to take you there. It is 30 minute walk from Scandic Simonkenttä Hotel or Kulttuurikasarmi, or 20 min with tram no 3. Tram leaves from Lasipalatsi / Glaspalatset tramstop near the hotel and Kulttuurikasarmi, step off at Kaivopuisto stop and walk 5 minutes. Before the visit you will receive info by email on this.
8:30 Leaving from Kulttuurikasarmi main entrance together.
9:00 Morning coffee & getting to know others
9:30 Presentations: Why Puistokatu 4 - Belonging to a community as a prerequisite of transformative change
- Minttu Jaakkola, Executive director
- Puistokatu community members
- Joint discussion
Tour of the house & community of researchers and other agents of change
10:45 Leaving for Kulttuurikasarmi conference venue where programme continues 11.30
MEDIA, DEMOKRATI & ANDRA TEMAN – MEDIA, DEMOKRATIA & MUUT AIHEET – MEDIA, DEMOCRACY & OTHER TOPICS
TORSDAG 13.30–15.00
FROM POLARISATION TO PARTNERSHIP: HOW FOUNDATIONS CAN SUPPORT MEDIA, JOURNALISM AND FREE SPEECH?
Fritt Ord, Kone Foundation & The Hamrin Foundation
Djupdykning & samarbetsfrämjande - syväsukellus & yhteistyön virittämistä - deep dive & fostering collaboration
Nyckelord / avainsanat / key words: media, polarisation, inclusion, minorities, children & youth, democracy, education, environment, foundation practices & processes, partnerships & collaboration, politics, society
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
Can Nordic foundations strengthen democracy through media in these divided times? Through various case examples, we will examine cross-sector collaboration and new funding initiatives, as well as discuss the benefits and challenges of projects that aim to enhance public discourse in today’s complex media landscape.
We will showcase collaborative models that drive media innovation, democratic research, and diversity in young journalists (The Hamrin Foundation, SE); explore the power of documentary films as catalysts for public debate (Fritt Ord, NO); and highlight forest-related journalism that challenges prevailing narratives (Kone Foundation, FI).
Norwegian producer Kristine Skaret, known for documentaries that engage with public debate, including “The Dialogue Police” (2025) by the Swedish director Susanna Edwards, will be joining the discussion. She is also pursuing a PhD on cinematic perspectives on potentially polarising themes. Journalist Lotta Närhi (Long Play) will speak about media polarisation in the context of Finnish forests. The session is moderated by Salla Nazarenko, Finnish journalist and writer.
This session is aimed at all foundations interested in democracy, media, and building collaborative partnerships across the Nordic countries.
TORSDAG 13.30–15.00
MEASURING SPAGHETTI: HOW TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF SYSTEMIC FUNDING?
TAH Foundation & Päivikki and Sakari Sohlbergin säätiö
Djupdykning - syväsukellus - deep dive & fostering collaboration
Nyckelord / avainsanat / keywords: stiftelsers genomslag, stiftelsepraxis, klimat, miljö, barn & unga, familjer, välbefinnande / säätiöiden vaikuttavuus, säätiöiden käytännöt, ilmasto, ympäristö, lapset & nuoret, perheet, hyvinvointi
impact, foundation practices, climate, environment, children & youth, families, wellbeing
Huvudspråket / pääkieli / main language: English
There’s a lot of talk about impact evaluation, but it’s often easier said than done. Even the meaning of ‘impact’ can be unclear. This sessions drills deeply and practically down to impact evalution when the goal is nothing less than systems change. Two foundations, from two different fields, presenting in this session view impact as a connected whole, where actors or projects do not operate in isolation but support each other. Impact often unfolds over a long period, rarely follows a linear path, and is usually difficult to attribute—determining which change resulted from which action or actions is a complex exercise. How does this work in practice, and what have we learned?
TAH Foundation currently approaches the challenge of climate change through systemic portfolio funding aiming to contribute to decarbonising the steel sector. The foundation set out to develop a method to assess the impact of their project portfolio, and in the fall of 2024, tested the first version of this method. The evaluation aims to paint a picture of how the ecosystem of actors contributes to the changes visible in the steel sector, what works and what needs to be developed, and the value of collaboration. The goal was also to generate insights for further refining the methodology. In this session TAH Foundation’s impact evaluation expert Iina Heikkilä will share their key lessons with you.
The “Hyvän arjen rakentajat” (Builders of a Good Everyday Life) program is an ambitious initiative launched in 2023 by the Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation. The program brings together NGOs, the public sector, and foundations to collaboratively create a safe and supportive everyday environment for children, young people, and the elderly. The program started in the Havukoski area in the city of Vantaa, and is now expanding to Malmi and Tapulikaupunki in Helsinki. Impact evalution expert Petri Hilli will share how they built the impact model, the evalution and monitoring, and what they have learnt on the way.
Vad menar olika typer av breakout sessioner:
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Djupdykningar – syväsukellus – deep dive
Dela med dig, lär och utmana: Gör en djupdykning i ett avgränsat ämne och utmana varandra att utforska ämnet ur olika synvinklar. Fokus ligger på att dela erfarenheter, framgångar och motgångar, samt att delta i en livlig diskussion. -
Samarbetsfrämjande – yhteistyön virittämistä – fostering collaboration
Dela med er och hitta gemensamma intressen: Samarbete börjar med att vi möts och hittar gemensamma intressen. Dessa sessioner syftar till att föra samman människor för att dela med sig av sin kunskap om ett ämne, hitta gemensamma mål och identifiera samt inleda potentiella partnerskap. -
Platsbesök – kenttävierailu – site visit
Upplev och låt dig uppslukas: Se påverkan i praktiken genom att ta del av inspirerande initiativ. Dessa sessioner på olika platser erbjuder konkreta möjligheter att lära sig, träffa samhällsförändrare och samtala om viktiga frågor.
Foton: Puistokatu 4 och Me-säätiö