Irene Bark: Building bridges through cultural collaboration

Finland and Germany share a long history of cultural exchange that has spanned the arts, academia, and civic engagement, and created bridges between the two countries. Cultural initiatives and exchange between Finland and Germany help build resilience within the society and support core democratic principles like freedom of expression, inclusivity, and diversity.

As the globally active cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Goethe-Institut Finnland promotes and supports cultural exchange, dialogue based on trust, and reflection on diverse perspectives in an international context. For over 60 years, since the opening of the first Finnish Goethe-Institut in Tampere in 1961, followed by the institute in Helsinki in 1963, the institute has played an essential role in fostering Finnish-German cooperation. Through its programs, the Goethe-Institut Finnland promotes both cultural exchange and the learning and teaching of the German language. Working closely with Finnish and international organizations, it encourages discussion around global themes and challenges, promoting transparency, non-discrimination, and environmental and social sustainability.

Restitution and cultural heritage have recently become relevant topics in Finnish-German cultural dialogue, as both countries deal with questions of historical legacies and try to develop ethical approaches to cultural heritage. The Goethe-Institut Finnland collaborates with museums, historians, and local communities to explore the complex relationship between heritage and identity through discussions and exhibitions. This dialogue also addresses the responsibility of institutions to repatriate cultural property and recognize the cultural rights of indigenous communities.

Moreover, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in science, society, education, and culture is a central theme within the Goethe-Institut Finnland’s cultural work. The Goethe-Institut explores complex intersections of AI, ethics, and democracy through panel discussions, workshops, and international projects in collaboration with local and international partners. Questions of the influence of AI on information dissemination and bias also come under scrutiny, including whether ethical principles can truly be integrated into algorithms and how impartial machine translations can be. Together with experts from Finland, Germany, and other European countries, the Goethe-Institut provides a platform for public reflection on these issues, emphasising the need for responsible and inclusive AI development.

Furthermore, the Goethe-Institut is committed to promoting sustainability, with a focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Through panel discussions, residencies, and workshops that explore complex questions related to ecology and art, the Goethe-Institut Finnland, along with partners from various fields, promotes cross-disciplinary dialogue and contributes actively to a more sustainable climate foreign policy.

Programs like artist exchanges, literature and translation promotion, as well as international co-productions contribute to societal and cultural awareness and encourage empathy and understanding, cornerstones of democratic societies. Goethe-Institut Finnland works closely with other European cultural institutes and organizations. By creating space for dialogue and trust, these institutions encourage their audiences to see beyond differences and stereotypes and engage with each other through diverse cultural projects, knowledge exchange and societal discourse.

In today’s polarized environment, cultural work can serve as a powerful countermeasure to populism and anti-democratic movements. Collaborative cultural projects—whether in music, art, or education—help to highlight our shared values. Finnish-German collaborations bring people together to contemplate pressing social, political, and ecological issues, mobility, as well as migration.

Continued investment in cultural work both in Finland and Germany will pay off resulting in more a democratic, diverse, and inclusive Europe. It is also crucial to build understanding for future generations through cultural initiatives that cross national borders and offer them opportunities to participate in exchanges that expand their worldviews and commitment to democratic ideals. Youth exchange programs and specialist exchange between experts facilitated by the Goethe-Institut, help cultivate a generation that values openness, multilingualism, and common understanding.

In conclusion, the cultural partnership between Finland and Germany represents the potential of cross-border collaboration to build a more democratic, inclusive society. By embracing principles of trust, diversity, and sustainability, both countries strengthen the democratic values. With a commitment to cultural exchange, dialogue, and mutual respect, we can work together towards a more resilient and undivided Europe.