This exhibition brings forward the voices and journeys of people who arrived in Finland as refugees or asylum seekers, in 2015 from the Middle East or in 2022 from Ukraine. Through portraits and personal stories, it highlights their skills, resilience, and contributions, while reflecting on how our society has changed over the past decade.

The photographs open up windows into individual life paths—stories of building careers, finding community, and creating a sense of belonging in a new home. Each portrait invites the viewer to look beyond stereotypes and see the richness of experience, motivation, and talent.

By placing these perspectives at the center, the exhibition seeks to strengthen intercultural dialogue and increase understanding between different communities in Finland.

Portraits: Nora Sayyad
Other photos: Startup Refugees archives (Jussi Hellsten, Julius Töyrylä, Iiro Immonen, Miikka Pirinen and Nora Sayyad)