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 History Awards Sponsors and partners Kassandra Friends       
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HISTORY International Art Centre Kassandra came to life at the end of 2002 when the first set of cultural festivals was organized at the Stoa Cultural Centre of Eastern Helsinki. The association was founded by Ritva Siikala, who was inspired by the multicultural artistic and research project called Kassandra 2000 and the related drama performance “Rainbow” (Sateenkaari) she had directed. These were realized by the Raging Roses Theatre as 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. Kassandra’s multicultural art workshops for schoolchildren were introduced in the beginning of 2003 and are currently organized also in nurseries. By the end of 2010 around 6 500 children had taken part in these workshops. Kassandra produces multicultural art workshops also for women and teenage girls, who have quickly embraced the Kassandra idea. The art workshops increase understanding, and promote an open-minded approach to diversity – and bring much joy along! The Name In Greek mythology Kassandra was the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hercub of Troy with a gift of prophecy. During the Troyan war she foresaw the destruction of Troy and warned Trojans about the Trojan horse. However, no one believed her, for Apollo whose love she had not returned, had cursed her. Kassandra was abducted as concubine by Agamemnon and killed by his wife Clytemnestra at their arrival in Greece. To this tragic story theatre director Ritva Siikala gave a new meaning in 2000: Kassandra foresees the future, but Kassandra is believed. And this Kassandra will live forever. The ProjectsDuring 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 Monita’s art workshops and events all over Finland and over one million people watched Monita’s TV programme series Woman’s limits. In 2009 Kassandra launched the project Koivu ja Tähti (The Birch and the Star), funded by the Integration Fund of the European Union. The target group of The Birch and the Star are immigrant women, with a focus on the illiterate. The aim of the project is to teach Finnish through artistic exercises. Together with Helinä Rautavaara museum and UNIFEM, Kassandra launched Naisia Maailmalta – Sisua Someen (Women from around the world – Importing ”sisu”) project in 2007, sponsored by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The photography exhibition presenting women, who have moved to Finland from third world countries, has travelled around Finland and still is today. Also a book with the same name and the same material has been published in three languages. It can be ordered from Kassandra free of charge. Theatre Kassandra also produces and promotes art programmes and drama performances. The performances of Kassandra artists have spread across Finland; taking part in seminars, occasions held by companies and celebrations by private people. They have gathered an audience totalling over 62 000 people. In 2004, in collaboration with the Alexander Theatre and the Musical Theatre UIT, Kassandra produced Always Someone’s Daughter, 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 some Somali circles. During 2008 and 2009 the play Zambezi was produced in co-operation with Alexander Theatre and Stoa Cultural Centre of Eastern Helsinki. The play was written by Bengt Ahlfors and Ritva Siikala and directed by Siikala. Zambezi tells the story of the adventures of a Finnish refugee family in Africa in the near future. More than 12000 spectators enjoyed Zambezi. Antigone, Kassandra Theatre’s latest performance based on the text written 2400 years ago by Sophocles reaches the reality of today via words, songs and dances from Finland, Africa and Asia. The play has, so far, travelled in 5 cities and reached 1800 spectators. Antigone has been translated into Finnish by Kirsti Simonsuuri and the play is directed by Siikala. Kassandra’s artistic work as a whole encourages the renewal of the Finnish art scene and supports social change by creating an international atmosphere making 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. | |||
