Blog 3

Last week I was back in Vaasa. I could hardly believe the change in weather or its subsequent impact on the surroundings, in the space of just two weeks.  There was no trace of snow, and the icy sea was largely melted.  Paths had been swept clear of gravel and buds were swelling on naked tree branches.  The sky was blue, and temperatures reached a lofty 11°C; I arrogantly wandered around without my jacket and even wore sunglasses.   I experienced the beauty of the university campus in full sunshine and was impressed with the vibrancy of the red bricks and timber houses contrasting against an almost cloudless sky.

I’ve since learnt that this was what is sometimes referred to as Fool’s Spring, but last week I was unaware of the term, and was happily oblivious to the second winter that was just around the corner. I’m sure those of you that work and study at the University of Vaasa (UWASA) are well aware of what a gorgeous environment it is, beside the sea, a sympathetic mix of historic and modern buildings with calm, well designed spaces.  But what is not immediately evident is that the cultural environment seems to match the exterior.

My time on campus last week was largely spent in the first of a series of short meetings that I’m calling ‘Artist Residency Conversations’. I spoke with some wonderful people representing a broad snapshot of the university community.  By meeting with a combination of students, academics, and administrators, the topics we covered were richly varied and represented diverse perspectives.  We spoke of Finnish candy, local politics, geocaching, AI, and performance art, to name just a few.  It is too early for me to draw too many conclusions from these conversations.  In an effort to keep them informal and authentic, I’m not certain that there should be any agenda at all, other than to learn about what matters to the people of UWASA, what they decide to share with me about this incredible place and perhaps gather a few general thoughts on art. I guess this is my loose form of experimental social research. I believe that I can be guided towards what is most important, through face-to-face conversation. These interpersonal interactions have the additional benefit of being enhanced by the nuanced information one can gain from non-verbal communication.  It’s why we long for ‘cameras on’ during Zoom meetings miss being around people when we work remotely.

There were a few standout moments during my conversations that have stuck with me in the days since.  These moments have led me to come away with the impression that this is a special place and supports my earlier claim that the culture here is as impressive as the campus.  In one conversation, I was told that UWASA provides a sense of belonging.  Another claimed that the seemingly flat organisational structure and willingness for cross-disciplinary collaboration provided an exciting environment full of potential.  Many spoke of feeling their work was meaningful and valued; that they were contributing both to Vaasa and globally.  Everyone I met was friendly, kind, and genuine. There was not a negative word spoken. I’ll say that again. There was not a negative word spoken.

This to me seems to be a rare and precious thing, when we hear so much about toxic workplaces and disenfranchised workers. It is a real pleasure to be immersing myself in an environment and community that champion each other’s successes, value and seek out meaningful connections and genuinely like where they work.

I also deeply appreciate that some of you are happy to sit down with a stranger from the other side of the world and have a chat about art and stuff.  I’m very happy to be breaking down derogatory racial stereotypes by disproving that Finnish don’t like small talk.  I’m still pinching myself that I’m here in Finland and really look forward to meeting more wonderful, interesting, and remarkably clever people in the coming months.

Finally, you’ve probably all seen the below illustration by Finnish Nightmares, but it was shown to me for the first this week by the lovely Tinja.   I’m happy to report that I have never booked a seat next to someone else on my Onnibus commute and promise to continue the habit now that I’m fully aware of its significance.

Kiitos

Katey