Controversial folklore
The project aims to renew archival research by interacting with discussions on cultural heritage and memory studies, developing the use of folklore materials, creating new community-based methods and considering the ethical responsibilities of archive-based scientific research and artistic activity.
Introduction
The research project focuses on analysing issues of sustainability, ownership and participation in archives, as well as contexts in which archival materials are utilised. The project begins with observations made in archival research and in work on archives as social actors, as well as the significance of community-based work. The project aims to renew archival research by interacting with discussions on cultural heritage and memory studies, developing the use of folklore materials, creating new community-based methods and considering the ethical responsibilities of archive-based scientific research and artistic activity.
The project the research will examine the relationship between archives, communities, archive users and the general public within the frameworks of nationalism, regionalism, cross-border ethnic activism and extreme nationalism in Finland and Eastern Europe. Community involvement in archival research is approached using scientific and artistic research methods. The project’s overarching question is the significance of participation, accessibility, and controversial spaces of archival materials for communities that identify with these materials in various ways. This may relate to the perceived rights of ownership or use of archival materials or to future communities for whom the materials are significant.
The project will result in scientific articles, a research-based roadmap for archive users and concerts. These will promote methodological discussion on archives, produce new community-based archival methods, and stimulate social debate on the relationship between archives and communities. The project will diversify discussions on folklore and folk music by examining communities as multifaceted and contradictory actors. The three-year project is being carried out in collaboration between the Sibelius Academy and the Finnish Folk Music Institute.
Project name
Controversial folklore: involving communities in future archival research
Time
01/2026-12/2028
Funder
Kone Foundation
Team
Hankkeen vastuuhenkilö FT Outi Valo, The Finnish Folk Music Institute & Uniarts Helsinki
Varajohtaja FT, dos. Heidi Henriikka Mäkelä, Uniarts Helsinki & The Finnish Literature Society’s research unit
FT Viliina Silvonen, University of Eastern Finland & The Finnish Literature Society’s research unit
MMus Emmi Kuittinen, Uniarts Helsinki
FM, MMus Emmi Kujanpää, University of Helsinki
FM Pekko Käppi, University of Eastern Finland
Contact
-
Emmi Kuittinen
Part-time teacher, Folk music, Sibelius Academyemmi.kuittinen@uniarts.fi
Introduction
The research project focuses on analysing issues of sustainability, ownership and participation in archives, as well as contexts in which archival materials are utilised. The project begins with observations made in archival research and in work on archives as social actors, as well as the significance of community-based work. The project aims to renew archival research by interacting with discussions on cultural heritage and memory studies, developing the use of folklore materials, creating new community-based methods and considering the ethical responsibilities of archive-based scientific research and artistic activity.
The project the research will examine the relationship between archives, communities, archive users and the general public within the frameworks of nationalism, regionalism, cross-border ethnic activism and extreme nationalism in Finland and Eastern Europe. Community involvement in archival research is approached using scientific and artistic research methods. The project’s overarching question is the significance of participation, accessibility, and controversial spaces of archival materials for communities that identify with these materials in various ways. This may relate to the perceived rights of ownership or use of archival materials or to future communities for whom the materials are significant.
The project will result in scientific articles, a research-based roadmap for archive users and concerts. These will promote methodological discussion on archives, produce new community-based archival methods, and stimulate social debate on the relationship between archives and communities. The project will diversify discussions on folklore and folk music by examining communities as multifaceted and contradictory actors. The three-year project is being carried out in collaboration between the Sibelius Academy and the Finnish Folk Music Institute.