Ruskaretki Fall Foliage Hike in Hudson Valley - 10/20/2024

On Sunday October 20th, FCF hosted our first ever fall foliage hike, or ruskaretki, in the spirit of the close connection to the natural world in Finnish culture. FCF Board Secretary Oscar Eilitta Psychas led a group of 14 to take the Metro North out of the city and hike the Arden-Glenclyffe trail along the Hudson River. We engaged in cross-cultural reflections about traditional relationships with nature, read poetry, and enjoyed lättyt pancakes with lingonberry jam. It was great to see a lot of new faces and enjoy the beautiful fall weather and scenic surrounds together.

Destination Dining 2024 - 6/13/2024

In June, the Kota Alliance hosted its annual fundraising event, Destination Dining, which brought together top culinary talent for an unforgettable evening. 

Destination Dining – Helsinki x Harlem showcased some of the finest chefs from the New Nordic culinary movement in Europe, teaming up with a local superstar from Harlem. The event's historical venue added to its unique charm. 

Making their return to Destination Dining were award-winning head chefs and restaurant owners Janne Keskevaari and Dani Hänninen, from Helsinki’s renowned 305 and Wellamo. Joining them was celebrated Bronx-based chef Lana Lagomarsini, recently seen on Netflix’s Pressure Cooker. 

Guests were treated to a 6-course dinner, expertly crafted by the chefs, and paired with an array of beverages, including cocktails inspired by the Scandinavian summer, designed by internationally awarded bartender Daniel Woodward. 

All proceeds from the evening supported Kota’s health and wellness programs, healing arts, and economic empowerment initiatives for women in the community. Finland Center’s contribution helped support Kota’s internship program, further strengthening the partnership between the two organizations.

Thank you to our sponsors!  

VAPPU PICNIC 5/5/2024 — POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN— STAY TUNED!

Since our original date for our Vappu Picnic and Mölkky got rained out, we’ll reschedule in better weather - stay tuned!”

Join us in Central Park for a late Vappu picnic celebration in May 5, 2024 from 2 PM - 5 PM! Vappu is a Finnish holiday that is a celebration of spring, Labor Day, and May Day all rolled into one. After a long winter, people pour out in the streets and parks for spirited celebrations, picnicking, and consumption of traditional drinks and sweets.

NYC Molkky Association will bring a Mölkky Lawn Game and anyone is welcome to join and play the popular outdoor game. We also serve delicious Finnish mead (sima) and funnel cakes (tippaleipiä) as long as they last. Bring a blanket to sit on and some snacks or lunch if you like! And of course, wear your student cap if you brought it to New York! Families with kids welcome!Looking forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested in participating in making the Finnish funnel cakes (tippaleipä)at Kota Nest in Harlem before the Vappu picnic, kindly contact Nelli Niemelä +1 (917) - 825 3270.

ANNUAL MEETING AND BAKING EVENT 2/4/2024

We met for our Annual Meeting on Feb 4th to go over our year 2023 and to plan some future events.

We also made some Karelian Pies (with the help of our Karelian Pie Master Jaana) and decorated some freshly made Runeberg tarts together (and eat them of course!) and enjoyed live music by pianist Markus Kaitila and flutist Anna Urrey. The music consisted of songs  set to lyrics by various FInnish poets such as Eino Leino, but instead of singing them, Markus recited the poems and then Anna played the tune on the flute.

Holiday Party 12/14/2023

We met for a joyous evening filled with live music from a finnish singer-songwriter Petra Jasmiina, delicious Finnish food, glögi and festive cheer. 

Petra Jasmiina is a singer-songwriter, producer and creative entrepreneur originally from Finland, now living in New York City. Her music is a unique blend of pop, folk, and electronica with classical and cinematic elements, and is rooted in soulful storytelling and finding the beauty and poetry in the mundane. In 2022 her music video “Naïve” gained wide international praise and accolades such as "Best Pop Music Video" at Europe Music Awards and "Platinum Video" at MUSE Creative Awards. She is also the founder of Petrafied Productions, a mission is to inspire, empower and enable independent artists to realize their visions in both song and film. Her latest release, “Summer Dress”, is a melancholic tale of a young summer romance headed for inevitable doom.

Find Petra’s music on…
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
YouTube

Find more information and join Petra’s newsletter on petrajasmiina.com

Connect with Petra on the socials:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Finnish fall book swap 10/29/2023

We are gathering at the Kota Nest on the 29th of October from 3 to 5 pm for a book discussion in Finnish, over a cup of coffee. We encourage you to bring 1-2 books you have read and enjoyed recently so we can exchange recommendations. The event is free but we ask you to bring something sweet to share.

At the same time you will be able to see the art exhibit at Kota, 'The Face of Justice", featuring 14 women artists from West Harlem.

The address is 43 Saint Nicholas Place, 10031 New York. RSVP by sending an email to info@finlandcenter.org

Documentary Film Screening: Vianey by marko Vuorinen 10/19/2023

For the past ten years, Marko Vuorinen has been returning to New York and the US. It was here that he made the transition from photographer to filmmaker. Since then he has filmed three documentaries, two of which are situated in New York: Tamara W. (2014) and Vianey (2016). The latter, which was screened in this event, was filmed during Vuorinen’s last residency with the FCINY. He is not looking to tell stories of victims but of people with large spectrums to their lives and wants to document not only why a woman has become marginalized in society but how that person has processed it and their future direction.

Vuorinen joined for a Q&A session on Zoom after the screening, which sparked a conversation on sex work. A blog post about the event and issues regarding sex work can be read from the Kota Alliance website.

More about the film here.

Spring Bash at Kota, Friday May 19th

FCF hosted a networking party among Finns and friends of Finland at our new home Kota Nest in West Harlem on the night of May 19. Robust snacks and 2 drinks were included.

Finnish singer Jonna and pianist Jihee Heo entertained us at 9pm. Jonna is a NYC-based singer-songwriter from Finland. Her early music was the first of its kind to combine American influenced pop r’n’b sounds with Finnish lyrics. After releasing 3 albums with Sony Music, Jonna wanted to reach a wider audience by singing in English. She crowdfunded and released her independent album ”Sound Mind” in 2015. “Sound Mind” is a soulful pop album about finding strength through forgiveness, gratitude and mindfulness, while battling with depression and other hardships in life. Jonna's mission to raise mental health awareness with her music has taken her on tour through Europe and California. She relocated to New York City in 2017 and has been continuing her musical journey by performing with fellow musicians and gathering stories for her next album.

Picnic in Central Park, Sunday May 21st

Alongside the Spring Bash, we held a free picnic in Central Park on Sunday. Attendees enjoyed Spring in Central Park and participated in a serious game of Mölkky!

Take a look at pictures from the event below.

4/4/23 Destination Dining; NEW NORDIC x HARLEM

A culinary experience, combining Nordic and Mexican cuisines at Kota Nest in Harlem, to raise funds for women's empowerment!

Kota Alliance and Finland Center Foundation hosted a charity dinner, with some of the most talented young chefs from Helsinki and New York. Janne Keskevaari, head chef of Michelin-awarded restaurant Grön; Dani Hänninen, professional Finnish Masterchef finalist and co-owner/head chef of restaurant Wellamo; and local cook Andrea Cruz from restaurant Cosme in New York, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. All chefs are united by the ideology of creating shared value through creating positive social and environmental impact in their work. Promoting and supporting equity, inclusion and diversity is at the core of their sustainable work ethics.

The charity dinner was held at Kota Nest in Harlem, on 43 St. Nicholas Place on Tuesday April 4th.

All proceeds from the event went towards Kota's programming in financial and digital literacy, and women's health and wellness, with a particular focus on the West Harlem community.

Supported by Kyrö distillery, Finland and Zev Rovine Selections.

BAND COMPOSITION: TROY ROBERTS, SAXOPHONE, MIKI YAMANAKA - PIANO, KAISA MÄENSIVU- BASS, JOE PERI - DRUMS

Finns and Friends Walked for Ukraine in Central Park NYC, September 24th, 2022.

Last year we organized a social get together for Finns and friends of Finland in Central Park, and got some exercise to boot. This year we added another element: support for Ukraine! As Finns, whose country also has been the target of Russian (Soviet) aggression not that long ago, it is easy for us to sympathize with the Ukrainians. Here was another chance to do something concrete for the country. 100% of donations went to Razom for Ukraine , a vetted partner.

Afterwards we met up at Malachys Irish Pub. 103 West 72nd St New York, NY 10023 for a drink and more socializing.

Please continue to support Ukraine via a vetted organization, Razom:

August 11, 2022, Finland

Old and new friends of New York met up at the annual summer meet-up at Cafe Carusel in Helsinki.

Midsummer Party 2022 @ Kota

On 24th of June, Finns and Friends of Finland got together and celebrated midsummer’s eve here in Harlem, at the space we inhabit with the Kota Alliance. The evening consisted of songs from the Finnish singer-songwriter Koko Iris, drinks and traditional Finnish summery dishes from potato salad to broiled sausages.

Thank you everyone for attending!

Women in Politics: Gender & Local Office, May 23rd 2022

Helsinki comes to Harlem! Our international panel of political experts will discuss how women's involvement betters local communities.

Kota Alliance is proud to present an esteemed panel of politicians and strategists, who will delve into the details of why it matters - for us all - that women increase their political participation. In the words of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, women in power “can be counted on to raise issues that others overlook, to support ideas that others oppose, and to seek an end to abuses that others accept.”

Our speakers include Fatim Diarra, the Chair of the Helsinki City Council; Kristin Richardson Jordan, NYC Council, 9th District; Beatrice Sibblies, Founder of Village Harlem and Board Member of 21 in '21; and Adriane Mack, CEO of Miss Mack Enterprises.

We will converge in the Kota Alliance's new historic location in Harlem, poised to become an epicenter for women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and empowered activists. Limited tickets are available; reserve your spot today. You won't want to miss this one-time event!

Refreshments will be served. Dress code: business attire

Please note our covid policy: vaccinations required for entry : please bring proof! Masks required when not eating or drinking. Windows will be open for air circulation and attendance capped at 50 to avoid crowding. If you feel sick at all, please stay home.

This event is free to the public. The Kota Alliance is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; any donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible. Suggested donations are $25. You may donate here.

Finland is the Ice Hockey World Champion!!!!

Last Sunday (29.5) we got to celebrate ice hockey’s championship with fellow Finns and allies. Thank you to everyone who participated - it was fun! Looking forward to seeing you soon again.

May 1, 2022: Vappu Picnic in Central Park

10am to 1pm (or as long as you want!) Vappu picnic in Central Park, just inside of the 96-97St entrance at Central Park West. Look for the blue and white banner on a tree limb! Bring your blanket and lunch, and join us for a game of mölkky!

Kirjailijavierailu/ Author event: Katri Naukari

Visiting writer Katri Naukari from Finland talked about her award-winning debut novel. More information about the book below in Finnish: 

Esikoisromaani luontosuhteesta ja tuhovietistä

Romaani tarjoaa uusia mutta tunnistettavia kuvia ihmisistä, arkisista tottumuksistamme ja luontosuhteeseen liittyvästä häpeästä. 

Kun isä ottaa itseltään hengen, tytär ei ole yllättynyt. Hän tunnistaa itsessään saman tuhovietin, jonka kanssa isä ikänsä kamppaili. Surutyö nivoutuu yhteen ympäristöahdistuksen kanssa ja saa päähenkilön selvittämään, miksi toimimme omaa parastamme vastaan yksilöinä ja ihmiskuntana. Alkaa armoton itsetutkiskelun matka. Miksi puheet ja teot eivät kohtaa? Miksi arvot ja toiminta ovat ristiriidassa? Mikä luontosuhteessamme on vialla?

Yhden puun tuho pureutuu ihmislajille ominaiseen tuhokäytökseen ja etsii siitä ulospääsyä Youtube-videoiden, maksullisten vihahuoneiden ja japanilaisen metsäterapian avulla. Ympäristön tilaa ja tulevaisuutta vasten peilautuvat niin Kardashianien täydelliset pihanurmet, lentomatkustamisen ristiriitaisuus, kulttuuriset vedenpaisumusmyytit kuin oman vanhemman itsemurhakin.

Yhden puun tuho yhdistää kiinnostavasti autofiktion ja lyyrisen esseen.

Katri Naukari (s.1984) on kirjoittaja, taiteilija ja tuottaja, jota kiinnostavat tavallisuudesta poikkeavat luontosuhteet. Naukari on opiskellut kirjoittamista Kriittisessä korkeakoulussa, Oriveden opistossa ja Teatterikorkeakoulussa, ja hän on valmistunut Sibelius-Akatemiasta Musiikin maisteriksi.

Kirja voitti joulukuussa 2021 Kalevi Jäntin palkinnon.

Tuore Le Monde Diplomatiquen haastis löytyy täältä: https://mondediplo.fi/kirjallisuus/kirjantekijat-6/

Tilaa ja lue kirja etukäteen! 

Suomalainen kirjakauppa:

https://www.suomalainen.com/search?q=katri+naukari

Elisa-kirja:

https://kirja.elisa.fi/aanikirja/yhden-puun-tuho

Adlibris:

https://www.adlibris.com/fi/haku?q=yhden+puun+tuho

We have moved into Kota Nest in Harlem! Join us there for the next event! 43 St Nicholas place, NY, NY 10031.

Wars are stoked with words and images. Strategic disinformation has never been as rampant as today. How did the Russian narrative about Ukrainians as brothers and sisters turn into hate-mongering? How can we understand the current war and help, in words and deeds?

Join us to discuss the devastating information war and the current situation in Ukraine, with the Ukrainian-Finnish scholar Dr. Irina Grigor (Khaldarova) whose dissertation examined Russian news propaganda against Ukraine.

To support those in need in Ukraine, you can donate via trusted international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross or UNICEF:

In Finland, https://www.unicef.fi/tue-tyotamme/ukraina

https://www.punainenristi.fi/lahjoita/katastrofirahasto/

In the US: https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/unicef-children-are-bearing-brunt-intensifying-crisis-ukraine/

https://www.icrc.org/en/where-we-work/europe-central-asia/ukraine

The event is moderated by Prof. Minna Aslama Horowitz, Advisory Board Member of the Kota Alliance.

Irina Grigor (Khaldarova) has completed her PhD in 2020 on the strategic narratives in conflict reporting at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Her research interests also include emotions and trust in media, disinformation, and web-based communication. Earlier Irina studied at Cardiff University (School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies), where she received her Master’s degree in Political Communication.

Minna Aslama Horowitz is a Docent at the University of Helsinki, a Fellow at St. John’s University, New York, and an Expert on Advocacy and Digital Rights at the Central European University, Budapest. Currently, in Helsinki, she works on a project on communication rights, and with the Nordic Observatory for Digital Media and Information Disorder (NORDIS), one of the national hubs of The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO).

Sunday Walk in Central Park September 19 @ 4pm

Finns and friends of Finland met up in Central Park for some exercise and socialising , followed by a visit to an Italian restaurant. Nice to meet new people and catch up with old friends!

Vappu Picnic in Central Park May 1, 2021, 10 am - 2pm

On May 1st a group of Finns gathered in Central Park for a traditional springtime celebration and to get a chance to meet old and new friends again , in a socially distanced outdoor location. The mölkky game was popular, and everyone was pleased to be able to meet in person again and nobody was in a hurry to leave. Should we do more events like this?

Iiris Kokko, singer-songwriter from Finland, will perform after our annual meeting!

ANNUAL MEETING

MARCH 13, 2021 @ 10am-12pm

Members and Friends are welcome to the Annual meeting, held this year on Zoom only. (Only members in good standing are eligible to vote - please check that you are current with your dues). RSVP to info@finlandcenter.org by 3/12 to get your zoom link, or email your proxy vote, if not able to attend. (copy this text: The undersigned member of Finland Center Foundation authorizes Jaana Rehnstrom or ______________________________________(another board member) to represent and vote his/her membership at the annual meeting of members to be held in the state of New York, on March 13, 2020 at 10 am.

Stay or join us afterwards for a midday concert at 11:30 , featuring Iiris Kokko (above) , singer-songwriter from Finland now in New York. More…

Recording now available

Elli Heikkilä, Research Director for the Migration Institute of Finland, discussed migration and employment patterns in Finland. Recording coming soon. In the meantime here are some resources for further study:

migrationinstitute.fi

Ministry of Finance: Unlocking Finland's economic growth – Outlook, priorities and solutions. Published 8 February, 2021, https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/162830 (mostly in Finnish)  - Emphazises expanding the supply of skilled workers by immigration. 

https://finland.fi/facts-stats-and-info/how-about-getting-a-job-in-finland/

https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/do-business-with-finland/startup-in-finland/startupkit/establishing-a-company

https://www.op.fi/corporate-customers/services-for-entrepreneurs/starting-a-business

And for those of you who are US citizens, check for jobs at the Embassy: 

https://fi.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/job-opportunities/

https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/vacancysearch/searchVacancies.hms?_ref=k210vlzbpt0

For studying in Finland:  https://www.studyinfinland.fi

www.goodnewsfinland.com carries interesting news about Finnish startups and innovation, and stories about foreigners who have made it in Finland

And lastly, for the latest info on traveling to Finland during the pandemic, see 

https://raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic

NORDIC PIANO DUO concert

monday, DECEMBER 27, 2020

3PM EST / 22:00 UTC+2

Lana Suran & Markus Kaitila:

As Heard and Danced around the Baltic Sea by Two Pianos across the Atlantic

Premiere on Finland Center Foundation’s YouTube account

Watch and listen to the recording!

CONCERT PROGRAM AND BIOS Watch and listen to the recording!

Nordic walking in Central Park, plus Mölkky game and/or picnic in the park!

Sunday, October 18, 2020
4pm-6pm
 

4pm - 5pm: Nordic Walking: meet at West 72nd/Central Park West entrance to the park

5pm onward: Distance Socializing and Mölkky; Sheep Meadow near W67th st entrance

If you would like to enjoy a picnic as well, BYO and leave it with us before the walk - we will transport it to the site so you don't have to lug it around. Sonja will lead the group from the meeting place along the bridle path and we will finish up at Sheep Meadow.

Fee: $20 per person for 1 hour class (including pole rental and instruction). Audio receivers are provided so that Sonja can lead the group and manage people of different ability/speeds seamlessly. We maintain social-distancing (6 feet) and all equipment is sanitized prior to use.

Children may tag along for free.

Tervetuloa - Välkommen - Welcome!

July 30, 2020 @ 12 noon

webinar: Weaving Equity and Social Justice in Music Education in Times of Social Crises

The Webinar can be viewed here

This panel discussion involving music educators in the USA and Finland examined how music education practices and institutions could be developed to advance equity and social justice in contemporary educational systems and societies that confront global crises. First, the panel presented a theoretical framework on the topic and asked if policy thinking can be used for conceptualizing action towards music educational equity and social justice more widely. From the intersecting perspectives of (dis)ability and ethnicity, the panel then presented innovative pedagogical practices developed and applied by music educators in the USA and Finland. Future approaches in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic (dis)ability- and ethnicity-related injustices were also explored. In summary, the panel raised the following question: In what ways can music education professionals react and proact to the future after COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests? The panel was equally directed at music educators and musicians working in a variety of contexts and at other professionals in related fields of education.

Markus Kaitila, Pianist & MM, New York University:

Sanna Kivijärvi, Doctoral researcher, Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, Fulbright Visiting Scholar, Columbia University and New York University

Dr. Kimberly McCord, Professor Emerita, Illinois State University

Nancy Brocker, MEd, University of Illinois, Westfield Community School Music Teacher, IL

Kenard Chambers, MA, New York University

Dr. Joyce McCall, Assistant Professor of Music Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

March 3

We are pleased to invite you to our annual meeting at our offices at the 

Women’s Lab, 

Centre for Social Innovation,

 601 West 26th St, New York, NY 10001

Join us to meet the staff and other Finland Center members to network and enjoy small snacks and wine.

The event is free for FCF members and for guests, but  donations are appreciated to support the cultural work and educational internship program of our organization.Please note that only members with valid memberships can vote! If your membership has expired you can renew it online ,by mail, or bring a check to the event.  If you join or renew your membership (at $50 or above) prior to, or at the event, you receive a free copy of the acclaimed book by William Doyle “Let the Children Play” on the achievements of the Finnish educational system.

If you are a member and cannot attend please help us reach a quorum. Print, sign and scan the form below and send it to us via email or mail by March 2.

Proxy form 

PLEASE NOTE: Eeppi Ursin’s performance is cancelled, we will hear her on another occasion.

Join us in our FREE event on FEBRUARY 13 to hear interesting thoughts from William Doyle, co-author of "Let the Children Play," and Dr. Michael Hynes, Superintendent of New York State's Port Washington School District.

You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and get your own signed copy of the book! 

 William Doyle is co-author with Finnish global education expert Pasi Sahlberg of "Let the Children Play: How More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive", published by Oxford University Press. He is a New York Times bestselling author, a TV producer for networks including The History Channel and PBS, and a New York City public school father.

Dr. Michael Hynes works as a public school superintendent of schools for the Port Washington School District, Fulbright Specialist and an associate professor of education and leadership on Long Island, NY. His mission is to spread the message of the importance of a holistic approach to educating children. He emphasizes the importance of play, recess in schools, mental health and yoga and mindfulness in the classroom. Dr. Hynes is a former assistant superintendent, principal and teacher.

This event is in collaboration with the Consulate General of Finland.

a group trip to see MsTrial on January 16, 2020.

This exciting new play is produced by Finnish Maija Anttila (pictured), written by Dep Kirkland and directed by Rick Andosca is showing at New World Stages until Feb. 2! Very relevant today in the #MeToo era - you don't want to miss this!

Internationally renowned trial lawyer John Paris plays to win, both in and out of court. For Karen Lukoff, John's young associate, losing has never been an option either. Together, they are a litigation juggernaut. John's nephew Dan Burks isn’t sure where he fits, if at all.

After a major lawsuit victory, John's firm celebrates the win as hard as they fought for it. In the drunken morning hours, left alone, John and Karen collide in a high-octane moment that will cause everyone—including the audience—to question what they know about desire, consent, winning, and losing.

Finland Center and the Kota Alliance organized a group outing to view this highly relevant play, and discuss it afterwards in a talkback with the actors. A private VIP champagne reception gave us the chance to meet Maija Anttila. Thank you to our supporters and for in-kind support by Finlandia Cheese!

OUR THOUGHTS AFTER THE EVENT

Last night’s MsTrial play was a powerful and moving experience. Although tackling the subject of sexual violence on the stage is no easy feat, the strong writing and excellent performances kept us on the edge of our seats. At the after-show talk hosted by the Kota Alliance and Finland Center Foundation, the actors and producer Maija Anttila shared their thoughts on the play’s relevance in today’s society, as well as the experience of acting in a play which carries such a heavy emotional weight. During the audience q&a, writer and actor Dep Kirkland also discussed how the play’s spot-on depiction of the legal world stems from his own experiences in the field.

MsTrial is a great example of how art can – and should – deal with the difficult and controversial issues in society. So if you’re looking for a powerful theater experience, don’t miss the MsTrial play at New World Stages until February 2nd!

Thank you to Ann-Christine Westerlund for hosting the VIP reception! 

New season launch for Finnish fashion brand Andiata, available for the first time in the USA at Ekavi Boutique.

Wednesday November 13th 6 - 8pm

Enjoy wine and cheese, plus a one night only FLASH SALE on select merchandise.

Ignite Vulnerability — Empower Yourself and be the Change

October 19th 12pm at the Centre for social Innovation

A panel organized by FTDA, Kota-Alliance and Finland Center Foundation on October 19th at CSI in Chelsea @ noon

Followed by a sound healing session by FTDA artists and #breakthemold photoshoot

This one-day discussion & networking event contains a one-hour panel discussion, Voices From The North sound healing concert and empowering voluntary photoshoot. We invite you to join us to talk about the achievements and positive changes that non-profits and human rights organizations have achieved and will create in the future. Let's ignite our vulnerability together, make impact and cultivate concrete collaboration between our organizations.

As one of our highlights, we offer the possibility to take part and experience the well-known Finnish empowering photography movement "Break the Mold", and have your own picture taken.

Panelists

Anna Juusela - A founder of social impact startup We Encourage Education a Nordic Startup Awards 2019 Best Social Impact Startup Nominee, preventing child marriage.
Abdalaziz Alhamza - An award-winning Syrian journalist, human rights defender activist and IT trainer.
Tuulia Järvinen - A healthy food lover who believes in the power of empathy. She is the founder of Venner, a new kind of nutrition and education focused social enterprise aiming to reduce the polarization of well-being.
Yasmin Fodil - National Director of Community at 100Kin10 and Adjunct Professor of Public Administration and Digital Innovation at NYU Wagner.
Anni Huhtisaari (Moderator) - An artist-songwriter and Women, Peace and Security advocate.

Programme

12pm-1pm Panel Discussion: How can technology ignite change through vulnerability?
1:pm - 1:30pm Voices From The North – a sound healing empowerment session
1:30-6pm Networking Lounge & "Break The Mold" photography sessions

Sponsored by:

FINLANDIA CHEESE VEGAN ROB’S ARCTIC SWAN BAKERY

Heikki Sarmanto’s 80th Birthday Celebration

September 8th 2019 3-6pm

St. Marks Church-In-The-Bowery

131 East 10th Street 

New York, NY 10003

Join us to celebrate Heikki Sarmanto's 80th birthday in the company of this remarkable composer and performer and many of his musician and lay friends! Snacks and beverages included. Composer and pianist Heikki Sarmanto is a leading Finnish jazz scene figure who has been internationally praised for his symphonic, orchestral and jazz ensemble works.

Contributions will benefit the cultural and community work of St. Mark's Church and Finland Center Foundation. Thank you to our in-kind sponsors Long Drink and Finlandia Cheese.

New Yorkin ystävät - Friends of New York

August 7, 2019 @ 17- 19

8th floor of Stockmann in Cafe

Aleksanterinkatu 52, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Casual gathering for happy hour MOVED from Restaurant Hernesaarenranta in Helsinki to the indoor cafe at Stockmann’s due to predicted rain.

If you lived in New York, or just visited many times, and want to meet old and new friends, or are planning a move there, come join us!

The collegiate Pedavoces Choir performed two concerts in New York: in Hudson River Park on July 27 and the following day at the St. John Nepomucene Church on the Upper East Side. This student Choir from Åbo Akademi University in Vaasa was founded in 1974 by Per-Håkan Jansson and it has 40 singers which come from Vaasa’s university and it’s many polytechnic schools. This year the choir is celebrating their 45th anniversary by participating at the Missoula International Choir Festival in Montana. Maria Timoshenko has been the conductor of Pedavoces since 2009. The Pedavoces performed a range of music from classical to folk to modern as well as pieces in Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian. Look for a blog post and videos coming soon of the performances.

Finland Center Midsummer 5K Run

June 16 @ 9 am

Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Our 8th Annual Midsummer 5K was held again in Prospect Park on the 16th of June! Part of the proceeds went to support The Kota Alliance’s work for gender equality and women’s empowerment. At the finish line, water and hearty rye sandwiches awaited the runners courtesy of Finlandia Cheese. This year, an 11- year old won the men’s prize!! Thank you to our participants , supporters and volunteers (above, Karoliina, Iida-Maija and Thomas).

Picnic and Mölkky game held on May 18

on the lawn of Pier 45 (end of Christopher St. in Greenwich Village, New York City)

Improv Theater : “Two Angry Finns” at the Annual Meeting

On Monday, March 4, we had Finland Center's Annual Meeting.

We had the pleasure to have the improv duo called Two Angry Finns to perform for us.

What We’ve Done Before

If you want to see what we have done in the past, you can read more about our past events from this archive.