HISTORY

The Kassandra multicultural community of artists was born at the end of  2002, when it organized three cultural festivals at the Stoa Cultural Centre of Eastern Helsinki. The association was founded by Ritva Siikala, who was inspired by her experience of working with the multicultural art and science research project “Kassandra 2000” and the related drama performance “Rainbow” (Sateenkaari). These were realized by the Raging Roses Theatre as a part of the programme celebrating Helsinki's year as a European Capital of Culture.

Kassandra highlights cultural diversity as a positive resource. In its work and artistic events it unites new Finnish
people – i.e. those with an immigrant background – with the native population, thus creating conditions for a natural interaction to take place. Kassandra builds networks between new and native Finnish artists, with a special focus on women.

Our activities have grown rapidly. Kassandra’s multicultural art workshops for schoolchildren (“Kymppikurssit”) were introduced in the beginning of 2003 and are now organized in increasing numbers, also in nurseries. By the end of 2008 more than 5200 children had taken part in these workshops. Kassandra produces multicultural art workshops for women and teenage girls, who have quickly embraced the Kassandra idea. The art workshops increase understanding, reduce prejudice and promote an openminded approach to difference – and bring much joy besides!

During 2003-2006 Kassandra realized an EU-funded Urban II project called “Moninaiset – Many cultures, one Finland”, and during 2005-2007 an international Equal partner project, “Monita – Artists from many cultures”. Over 15 000 people attended the related art workshops and events and over one million people saw Monita’s tv programme series “Woman’s limits”. In 2009 Kassandra has launched the project “Koivu ja tähti”  (“The Birch and the Star”), funded by the Integration Fund of the European Union, as well as the project  “Yhteinen aika”  (“Time together”) funded by the Alli Paasikivi foundation.

Kassandra also produces and promotes art programmes and drama performances. The promotion of art programmes has enabled the performances of Kassandra’s artists to spread across Finland to feature in celebrations held by both companies and private people, and in many kind of seminars and events, where they have gathered an audience totalling over 47 000 people.

In 2004, in collaboration with the Alexander Theatre and the Musical Theatre UIT, Kassandra produced ”Always Someone’s Daughter”, a play directed by Ritva Siikala. It dealt with the relationship between a girl with Somali background and a Finnish guy. The play met with a heated response in Somali circles. During 2008 and 2009 the play “Zambezi” was realized in cooperation with the Alexander Theatre and the Stoa Cultural Centre of Eastern Helsinki. The play was written by Bengt Ahlfors and Ritva Siikala and directed by Ritva Siikala. Zambezi tells the story of the adventures of a Finnish refugee family in Africa in the near future. Zambezi was seen by more than 12 000 spectators.

Kassandra’s artistic work as a whole encourages the renewal of the Finnish art scene and supports social change by creating an international atmosphere that makes Finland an inviting and exciting culture for newcomers as well as native Finns.

Kassandra’s friends (Kassandran ystävät ry) is a sponsor group that supports Kassandra’s activities.
Kassandra collaborates with many different institutions: see Sponsors and partners.