Kolibrí reflects on the evolution of multiculturalism in Finland with the debate ‘Uusi suomalisuus nyt’ 

Published | By Marta Bermúdez

As every year, Kolibrí Festivaali includes activities in its program to reflect, learn, and debate. The theme of the 13th edition of Kolibrí Festivaali is Kaleidoscope, as a symbol of diversity, evolving societies and the present Finnish childhoods. We could not overlook such an important topic as diversity and multiculturalism, and how they have contributed to Finnish society over the past 10 years. 

How has the participation of Finnish youth, especially in culture and art, who have grown up in multicultural families, been represented? How has the treatment and visualization of this topic, for example, in literature and theater stages, influenced multicultural youth growing up in Finland and general perceptions of Finnishness? 

These and other questions will be addressed in the debate ‘Uusi suomalisuus nyt’, that Kolibrí Festivaali has co-produced with Maailman Kuvalehti. The debate is included in the Syksy klubi of the beloved magazine. 

Don’t miss it: 

🗓 30.9.2024  ⏰ 6 pm – 8 pm  📌 Tekstin talo: Lintulahdenkatu 3, 00530 Helsinki | The space is accessible 🎟️ Free access. 

Save the Facebook event in your calendar and don’t miss it. 

Panelists: 

  • Fatim Diarra, Member of Parliament. 
  • Andrea Botero, Board member of our association Kulttuurikeskus Ninho. 
  • Téri Zambrano, co-founder of POC-lukupiiri. 
  • Anni Valtonen, editor-in-chief of Maailman Kuvalehti. 

The discussion will be moderated by journalist Ndéla Faye. 

After the debate, we will dance with INDABA! 

After the interesting debate, we will enjoy the performance INDABA, with Ayla Brinkmann (FI/ZA), Kasheshi Makena (TZ/FI), and Pietari Kauppinen (FI/ET). 

Inspired by the book Third Culture Kids, INDABA is a warm-hearted performance that explores the rich tapestry of Afro-Finnish identities through music, dance, and storytelling. How does it feel to be Finnish, African, or both? Who tells our stories best? 

The trio opened Kolibrí Festivaali at Stoa on 24.8, turning the first day of our festival into the most vibrant party! Derived from the isiZulu word for a meeting or a meaningful discussion, INDABA invites you to experience a vibrant merge of bamboo flute grooves and Tanzanian rhythms. 

They will also close the 13th edition of Kolibrí Festivaali at Vuotalo on 28.9. 

We look forward to seeing you!