Culture in Nature KA2 - Finland

During the second part of the Erasmus+ KA210-ADU - Small-scale partnerships in adult education Culture in Nature project in Finland, various activities were carried out to promote learning, coexistence, and cultural exchange. The cultural sights of the capital Helsinki were explored, adorned with winter decorations.

The participants learned about the work in LEKO from the principal, Tuomas Lankinen. Visits included Loimaa’s Art House, Alpoo Jaakola’s sculpture park, the natural path and summer theatre place at the old water mill at Krekilä. Monica Atikainen provided insights into how cultural activities are arranged within the middle-sized rural Loimaa municipality.
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One day was spent in Lohja, visiting the Finnish design center Muurla, ABC gas station, Lohja’s parish house, and enjoying traditional dances at Tanhuhovi with Markku Aro and the band Diesel. The main activity took place at Tytyri Experience Mine, showcasing how an industrial site could be transformed into an educational, cultural, scientific, and leisure venue.

The Finnish Independence Day on the 6th of December was the central activity of this Experience Transfer Visit. Attendance included the Independence Day worship at Kanta-Loimaa church and the ceremony at the Soldiers' National Cemetery. Like any inhabitant of Loimaa, greetings and handshakes were received from the town's leaders: Chair of the City Council, Tarja Mäki-Punto-Ristanen, and Chair of the City Board, Teija Ek-Marjamäki, at the entrance of Heimolinna house. Cake and coffee were provided there, along with a concert featuring speeches. The celebration continued in a very Finnish way, following the President's reception on TV at LEKO.

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In Rovaniemi, one day was spent in the Arktikum Museum – a multifunctional center offering much to understand about life up to the Polar Circle and how to present it in an accessible and inclusive manner. Another day was dedicated to exploring the world-famous Santa Claus Village, providing valuable lessons on cultural event arrangements for large, international crowds both indoors and outdoors.

​Several trips tested the railway system, with long-distance connections during both day and night. Recreational activities included visits to the local pool and saunas at Vesihovi in Loimaa, building snowmen, engaging in snowball fights, making snow angels, and for the most active participants, witnessing the northern lights in the night sky.

Daily reflections on new experiences were conducted, alongside regular efforts to improve the content of the new program. Numerous examples served as inspiration for future activities.