Arts-based research

Embrace Nature: A Mixed-Media Exhibition

The exhibition explores the connection between humans and nature, envisioning a world where people are hybrids with plants, influenced by Finnish folklore. It features five mixed-media photographic prints and two augmented reality installations, offering an interactive experience with the artist's narratives. The event runs from September 22 to October 10, 2025.

Arts-based research

Behind the Scenes of Tuuliluleima Documentary

"The Making of Tuuliluleima" is a short documentary that highlights the collaborative creation of a design fiction film aimed at aiding entrepreneurs in strategic foresight. It showcases storytelling, worldbuilding, and design methodologies to explore potential futures. The film won an Award of Recognition at the IndieFEST Film Awards 2024, emphasizing innovative business strategies.

Artistic research

Innovative Placemaking in North Meets South Exhibition

The North Meets South photo exhibition explores placemaking through a union of northern and southern landscapes. Featuring images and augmented reality, it emphasizes artistic expression and emotional depth. Funded by Business Finland, the project integrates digital solutions in service design. The exhibition runs from January to August 2024 in Finland and Japan.

Arts-based research

Co-Authoring Identities in Bio Art: A Symposium Recap

Satu Miettinen, Amna Qureshi, Heidi Pietarinen, and Melanie Sarantou showcased "Co-authoring Identities and Bio Art" at the AMASS Symposium III in Prague on November 24, 2022. The exhibition emphasizes the complex connections between individuals, nature, and creativity, exploring shared identities and experiences through innovative, environmentally friendly textile installations.

Arts-based research

Taina Kontio and Satu Miettinen: Arctic Art Perspectives

Both experiments test the role of a woman and its depiction as part of the historical continuum, and look for new ways and meanings for depicting a woman's role and body.

Arts-based research

Reflections: Art Dialogues with Youth in Finland & Brazil

The exhibition "Reflections" showcases youth-driven art from Finland and Brazil, highlighting a collaborative process that explores social, cultural, and environmental mirroring. It features photographs, installations, and video works, emphasizing the interaction between young participants, researchers, and instructors while addressing themes of visibility and connection in a digital age.

Artistic research

Placemaking Through Performance in Bioart

Heidi Pietarinen and collaborators present an exhibition titled "Growth, Death and Decay," which explores bioart themes related to organic material and data processing through elements of rhythm, movement, and sound. Additionally, the research emphasizes "Placemaking through Performance," highlighting cultural geography's role in shaping perceptions of geographic spaces.

Arts-based research

Kalahari Highway Exhibition: Art and Indigenous Sounds Combined

"Meters of Sand" is a 140 cm by 500 cm digital textile print showcased at the Kalahari Highway exhibition from August 16 to September 16, 2018. It incorporates a voice installation by Jari Rinne, connecting to Tarja Wallius' work. Soundscapes recorded during workshops with San communities enrich the exhibition's narrative.

Arts-based research

Arts-Based Reconciliation in Sámiland

The University of Lapland, the Giellagas Institute, and the Saamelaisalueen Koulutuskeskus conducted a reconciliation course for aspiring mediators in Sámiland. In 2018, I participated in the training led by Antti Pentikäinen and Anne Nuorgam, practicing arts-based reconciliation with Hanna Guttorm, and co-authoring an article on this method.

Arts-based research

Arctic Railway Impact: Sámi Concerns at UNPFII

The Sámi Parliament and youth organizations participated in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to address concerns about the Arctic railway's impact on Sámi culture, land, and reindeer herding. The PARTY project showcased a poster exhibition to raise awareness about environmental challenges and promote dialogue on service development for indigenous youth.

Arts-based research

Participatory Development: Art and Youth Engagement

The PARTY project focused on enhancing youth involvement in service development to combat unemployment in South Africa and Namibia from 2015 to 2019. It emphasized art-based methods for self-expression among the San youth, culminating in community workshops, poster creations addressing social issues, and performances that provided local solutions. Artistic and scientific outcomes emerged.

Arts-based research

Finding Wings: Storytelling Journeys Toward Empowerment

In 2016, the Wings to Fly workshop engaged youth in storytelling and textile art to explore personal histories, resilience, and empowerment. Through visual, verbal, and artistic expression, participants transformed experiences of loss, trauma, hope, and aspiration into a collaborative textile installation.

Arts-based research

Storytelling as a Tool for Youth Empowerment

The Youth Empowerment installation, created during the 2014 Participatory Design Conference in Namibia, engaged youth in collaborative art to express their challenges and aspirations through storytelling. Led by Vikki du Preez and several universities, the project emphasized service design and empowerment, fostering dialogue on significant youth themes through creative installations.