What can the North learn from Africa?

What can the North learn from Africa?

In the Nordics, our lives are dominated by a sense of rush. Through social media, there is a constant "rush to speak" which easily leads to a rush to think, and hence to polarized and simplified opinions. One might ask, does this constant rush also correlate with the frenzy of overconsumption?

The purpose of this event is to pause for joint reflection. What can we learn from traditional ways of looking at the world, for example on the African continent? How does artistic research approach alternative ways of knowing? How to achieve a respectful dialogue with those who have been "othered"?

The event will create a space for joint reflection in a trusting setting, where participants are invited to contribute actively. When registering for the event, we invite you to share your perspective on what makes a good life for you.

Speakers

Marcia Harvey Isaksson (b. 1975, Zimbabwe) is a Stockholm-based artist, exhibition designer and curator. She is also the founder of Southnord, a platform that makes space for black and Afro-Nordic artists. She invests in the good life by exploring other ways of being and knowing together with the Southnord community.

Julia Ojanen (b. 1978, Finland) is the Director of Villa Karo, the Finnish institute for West Africa. She has lived and worked for over 15 years of her life outside Finland, mainly in Africa and Asia. Julia explores the mystery of good life by reaching to the poetic and by catching glimpses of insight in conversations with artists.

Facilitator: Sonya Lindfors

Dialogues for Our Futures" is Hanaholmen – the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre's podcast for the anniversary year 2025. In eight episodes, you’ll hear Swedish and Finnish voices in future-oriented conversations about questions and challenges that unite our countries. The topics are based on suggestions from an open call for ideas in both countries and touch on everything from AI and sustainability to democracy and education. How do we build the future – together?