The University of Eastern Finland has started new kind of collaboration with its campus cities based on cultural activities. The collaboration is part of the strategic partnership agreement that was signed between the university and the cities of Joensuu and Kuopio last year.
The university’s aim is to highlight the rich cultural life found in both cities and to bring it to the attention of students and staff members coming from other parts of Finland and the world, for example. The University of Eastern Finland has collaborated actively with local sports clubs for years, so paying attention to culture is the natural next step.
– The aim is to offer our campus environment as a venue for various cultural events and performances. This supports everyday well-being and provides the university community with an easily accessible peek into the diverse cultural offering of the cities, says Soili Makkonen, Director of Strategy and Development.
In other words, various performances and experiences will be organised on the campuses during the academic year relating, for example, to theatre, dance, music and art.
– For a few years now, students from the conservatory have organised delightful concerts on the Joensuu campus once a month. The feedback has been positive, which has encouraged us to expand the concept.
Cultural partnership creates well-being
The cultural services of the campus cities are also excited about the new opening.
– The University of Eastern Finland is an important partner for the City of Kuopio, and we consider it important to intensify collaboration also with regard to culture, says Pekka Vähäkangas, Acting Director of Education and Culture of the City of Kuopio.
Katriina Leppänen, Director of Culture of the City of Joensuu, also welcomes the new collaboration model and opening.
– Culture is a unifying factor. With this collaboration, we will create cultural well-being and strengthen mental resilience also on the campuses.
On the Joensuu campus, the cultural collaboration will start on 21 January with a mini-concert of the Rajaton music group. In Kuopio, the plans will be specified in early 2026.
Further information:
Soili Makkonen, Director of Strategy and Development, University of Eastern Finland, [email protected], +358 50 374 8294
Katriina Leppänen, Director of Culture, City of Joensuu, [email protected], +358 50 302 0563
