In 2022, depolarize.fi inquires what we can learn from history as we work for equity in society today. For this, we are organising a series of dialogues that will explore the histories of different civil rights struggles. What happened when changes for the better were made? What struggles and forms of resistance have different groups and diaspora communities undertaken to gain recognition for their rights, to improve their living conditions and well-being, and to preserve their distinctiveness?
We welcome all those interested in learning more and sharing knowledge in these issues. The idea is to gather, to encounter new histories and peoples, to exchange ideas and to celebrate being together in difference.
The events are organised by Miriam Attias & Giovanna Esposito Yussif and hosted by the Museum of Impossible Forms. The project is funded by Kone Foundation. The next events will take place on wed 30.3, wed 20.4, wed 11.5, wed 1.6, an wed 15.6. Save the dates!
Part 1: Roma civil rights struggles and how changes for better were made
We warmly welcome you to take part in the opening night of the History Dialogues series, the topic of which is the history of the Roma civil rights struggles in Finland.
The evening will start with presentations and a conversation by Risto Blomster, Marko Stenroos and Miritza Lundberg, followed by an opportunity for public discussion. After the presentations there will be refreshments and snacks, along with a special playlist for the evening selected by Miia Laine. You are warmly welcome!
The language for the presentation is Finnish, but we will find a solution to translate if needed. There is limited space, so come on time! The event will be recorded
About the speakers of the evening:
Miritza Lundberg is a Helsinki based violinist and singer. In addition to classical solo concerts, she performs with an ensemble focusing on Roma music in Finland and abroad. Miritza Lundberg is currently preparing her doctoral dissertation on various forms of Romani music in the field of Western art music.
Risto Blomster is an ethnomusicologist who works in the archive of Finnish Literature. Blomster is interested in the issues of archiving Roma cultural heritage. In his current research project, he studies the connections between Finnish music and the civil rights movement in Finland before the Second World War (Finnish Cultural Foundation 2021 – 2022).
Marko Stenroos is a social and cultural anthropologist. He studied the implementation of Roma political programs, the related power structures, and the tensions of the different agencies relted, and different ways of perceiving the world. Stenroos’s dissertation is based on field material he collected while working on an EU project for Roma for two and a half years.
