91ÇàÇà²Ý

This multidisciplinary, cross-cultural project combined photography, film, and sculpture to explore social sustainability through artistic and institutional critique. Initially presented at the Finnish Museum of Photography via the Rebellious Body open call, the work was later re-installed within a space at Aalto University. Central to the project was the amplification of narratives that have historically been marginalized or silenced, using creative methods grounded in global solidarity.

In addition to its artistic output, the project developed collaborative working practices that challenged dominant institutional structures. It aimed to foster institutional self-reflection—asking who is included in cultural spaces, who is left out, and what steps are needed to create more equitable participation. By integrating underrepresented voices and stories into both a national museum and a university setting, the project sought to contribute to broader societal transformation.

Promoting Sustainability
The exhibition at Aalto University’s Beta Space Gallery was timed to coincide with the International Week Against Racism, linking the project to a global legacy of anti-racist resistance and solidarity. This context enriched the impact of the work and highlighted the intersection of social, environmental, and economic dimensions of sustainability.

Supported by the Aalto Sustainability Action Booster, the project exemplified how cultural inclusion and equity are vital for building resilient societies. It promoted social sustainability by fostering inclusive cultural dialogue, supporting representation, and encouraging collective meaning-making. The visual narrative centered Black subjects and stories, creating space for visibility, dignity, and mutual understanding.

The collaborative, cross-continental process—bringing together artists with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—further strengthened the project’s social impact. Emphasis on emotional accessibility, trust, and shared authorship allowed for genuine encounters and intercultural reflection. This approach offered a model for more inclusive and sustainable practices in exhibition-making and public engagement.

Crucially, the project also emphasized sustainability as an ongoing process. Rather than a one-off intervention, it laid the foundation for long-term collaboration and community engagement, underlining that meaningful change requires continuity and commitment.