Multiculturalism

 

 

The foundation for cultural policy research CUPORE studies the interaction between cultural policy and ethnic diversity in the Finnish capital region (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen). The project is lead by senior researcher Pasi Saukkonen and is carried out in collaboration with the City of Helsinki Information Office and the Cultural Diversity Coordinator at the Art Museum Development Department of the Finnish National Gallery.

 

The research focuses on how legal and programmatic objectives in Finnish cultural policy and integration policy are realised in practice and how the arts and culture impact immigrants and the new ethnic diversity in different sectors and institutions. The project provides decision makers and central actors with information which helps them to prepare for future development. The study shows neglected areas and reveals examples of good practice as well as bad experiences.

 

During 2006, Pasi Saukkonen and Miikka Pyykkönen have carried out a pilot study on cultural policy and ethnic diversity in the city of Helsinki. There have also been discussions and negotiations with central actors of the field in the Helsinki capital region. A background paper concerning the relevant theories and concepts will be published on this home page in the near future.

 

In 2007, the relevant legal and political framework will be analysed. Furthermore, the cultural landscape in the capital region will be scrutinised from the point of view of ethnic diversity and intercultural dialogue. In Spring 2007, a seminar will be organised to launch the project, to disseminate information and to help the networking of central actors.

 

The project mentioned above is related to another study which compares Finnish, Dutch and Belgian cultural policies from the point of view of ethnic and cultural diversity. Pasi Saukkonen’s article ”From the promotion of national identity to the management of plurality: cultural policy developments in Belgium (Flanders), Finland and the Netherlands” will be published in Nordisk Kulturpolitisk Tidskrift in 2006. Another article by Sjaak Koenis and Pasi Saukkonen on Finland and the Netherlands will also be published in 2006 in the Finnish Journal of Ethnicity and Migration.

 

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