Multidisciplinary Workshop on Sustainability

The Critical Academy Network, supported by the Research Institute, is organising a cross-sectoral workshop on the sustainability crisis.

A photo of the previus workshop where people are discussing in small groups aroun tables in the Space of Science and Hope.

Introduction

The primary objective of the workshop is to strengthen the social impact of the arts. The event will also pave the way for new interdisciplinary cooperation projects to address the sustainability challenge and to employ arts specialists. In addition to the artist-researchers and researchers from the Uniarts Helsinki, we invite atmospheric and sustainability researchers from the University of Helsinki, researchers from the BIOS Group, leaders of cultural and arts organisations, the Compensation Foundation, the Finnish Museum Association and actors from the free field.

The event is hosted by the Critical Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki (Research Institute) and continues the Multidisciplinary Workshop series we started at the end of November 2024. – It seems that new collaborative projects have already developed from this first workshop, which is great!

Programme and aims

The main purpose of the event is to promote cross-disciplinary thinking, to stimulate new collaborations, and to encourage action to promote environmentally conscious action – which is not only necessary, but also inspiring!

In addition to interesting people and discussions, the event offers the opportunity to present a concrete idea or project – and to find suitable partners (either to further develop your idea or to work together on a concrete basis).

You can come with an open mind and without much preparation – to exchange ideas, listen to cross-sectoral approaches and share “good practices” of cross-sectoral cooperation –to help to build something new together.

Target audience

The event is aimed at (postgraduate or more experienced) researchers, artists, curators, and activists from different disciplines, who share a “common sense of urgency” and a desire to share ideas, inspiring collaborations and transformative goals – for which you may be looking for new partners.

Registration

The workshop has a limited number of spots available for participants. Please register soon to secure your place!

Preliminary task

While preparation is not necessary, you will get more out of your participation if you think about the following beforehand:

  1. What have you learned “the hard way” about the conditions for effective multidisciplinary cooperation? (NOTE! it is also okay to say that you have not yet worked in multidisciplinary cooperation; or that you wish to listen to others here)
    • Through this background survey, we aim to increase shared understanding of ‘good practices’, important insights and concrete issues worth noting in cross-sectoral cooperation patterns.
  2. Do you have an idea/project/dream/opening for which you would like to involve professionals from other sectors? Be prepared to present your idea briefly (3 minutes)!
    • During the evening you can develop your idea further and discuss your idea/dream/opening etc. with the other participants – from a multidisciplinary perspective! The idea doesn’t have to be ready in advance – sometimes it’s rewarding to bring vague guidelines to the table in a safe and supportive environment.

Moderation

The event will be moderated by Tellervo Kalleinen, an artist who has long been involved in large-scale collective art projects, and her assistant, Professor Anita Seppä.

Practical details

The event languages are Finnish and English. The workshop is free of charge. Light snacks and refreshments will be served (no food!).

After the workshop, we can move to the ELM restaurant downstairs or to the library for a more informal evening!

The Critical Academy

The Critical Academy of the Research Institute (University of the Arts Helsinki) is a multidisciplinary network of scholars, artists, and activists founded in 2023. It welcomes researchers and artists from Uniarts Helsinki, other organizations, and the broader fields of science, art and activism. The CA promotes the rapid renewal of the arts and society, and seeks innovative ways to foster multidisciplinary research and collaborative projects in an era characterized by a “shared sense of urgency”. Doctoral students are also welcome to join. Prof. Anita Seppä (Uniarts Helsinki Research Institute) acts as the responsible person and founder of the Critical Academy. The steering group consists of Prof. Heidi Partti (Uniarts Helsinki, Sibelius Academy), Prof. Saijaleena Rantanen (Uniarts Helsinki, Sibelius Academy), University Researcher Sini Mononen (University of Helsinki) and artist, activist and writer Meiju Niskala.

Contact information for the event

Time

16.4.2025 at 16:00 – 20:00

Location

Space for Science and Hope,

Puistokatu 4

00140 Helsinki

Tickets

Free entrance

Location on map

See directions