Caisa Anniversary Seminar – 30 Years of Promoting Diversity

Cultural Centre Caisa is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and to mark this milestone we are organising a seminar that looks at the promotion of diversity through culture over the past three decades.

The seminar offers perspectives on Caisa’s long-term work, its impact, and future directions.

Throughout the afternoon, the programme will include talks, discussions and performances featuring both Caisa’s staff and collaboration partners from different decades. The event is open to everyone interested but requires advance registration due to limited capacity.

The seminar is hosted by Nosh A. Lody, co‑founder of Jäbät & Tunteet and SPRIG (formerly Luokkakummit), music industry professional, and community and culture architect.

Programme

13:00 Welcome!
Cátia Suomalainen Pedrosa, Director of Caisa

13:05 Performance: Helsinki Queer-Feminist Choir

13:15 Discussion: The importance of Caisa to Helsinki
Participants: Deputy Mayor of the City of Helsinki Paavo Arhinmäki and Helsinki City’s Culture director Mari Männistö

13:30 Discussion: How has Caisa promoted diversity through culture and the arts over the past 30 years in a changing society?
Caisa’s cultural producers Kitari Mayele, Teemu Savikurki and Faruk Lika, together with special planner Elisa Sarpo

14:00 Presentation: Caisa – Originating from the margins
Caisa’s Director, Cátia Suomalainen Pedrosa, presents what Caisa is today

14:20 Coffee Break

14:40 Discussion: Caisa’s role in the field of arts and culture
Participants: Caisa’s collaborators artist Aino Laiho, musician Vasileios Katopodis, and Kerstin Schroth, Artistic Director of the festival Moving in November.

15:20 Keynote: Future-resilient
Artist Professor and disability activist Jenni‑Juulia Wallinheimo‑Heimonen.

15.50 Music: Chiwalala & Saastamoinen

16:00–17:00 Networking with light refreshments

Practical Information

•The event is free of charge
•Capacity is limited, so advance registration is required
•Registration starts on the 11th and closes on 27th of February, or earlier if the event becomes fully booked

Please register by emailing caisa.tiedotus@hel.fi and include the information listed below.

When registering, you may briefly indicate about the following:

• interpreting (Finnish/English, Finnish Sign Language)
• a wheelchair space, seat for assistant, or accommodating guide/assistance dog
• other accessibility arrangements
• For catering, the most common dietary needs will be taken into account (e.g. lactose-free, gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan)

Please only state serious allergies that are relevant for safety.

Languages and Interpretation
• The seminar languages are Finnish and English
• Interpretation is available in Finnish, English and Finnish Sign Language
• Please indicate the type of interpretation you need when registering

Who is the seminar for?
• Anyone interested in art, culture and diversity.

Venue Accessibility
• Lighting in the space will be relatively dim but not fully dark.
• The venue is equipped with a hearing loop system and loanable hearing protectors.
• Caisa has four gender-neutral restrooms and an accessible restroom on the same floor.
• Caisa is largely physically accessible. More information can be found at: palvelukartta.hel.fi

Safer Space
The event follows Caisa’s safer space principles

Catering
Light refreshments will be served at the seminar.
We will provide options that take into account the most common dietary needs, such as lactose-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices.
We do not collect detailed individual dietary restrictions.

If you have a severe allergy that may affect safety, please mention this when registering.