Sustainable Naturecultures and Multispecies Future Symposium
Draft programme
Venue: University of Lapland
Tuesday 23 September 2025
17:00 Welcome and introduction, Esko & Asko hall
17:15 Keynote by Professor Gro Birgit Ween, Esko & Asko hall
18:15 Welcome reception and Opening of the exhibitions, Agora
Optional programme
10:00–14:00 Guided walking excursion to Kuninkaanlaavu, Beyond Arctic
12:00–15:00 Intuitive painting with natural pigments, Tanya Kravtsov
Wednesday 24 September 2025
09:00–11:30 Sessions I
11:30–13:00 Lunch, Petronella & possibility to visit the exhibitions
13:00–14:00 Keynote by Professor Ragnhild Nilsson, Esko & Asko hall
14:00–14:30 Coffee/tea
14:30–17:00 Sessions II
19:00– Dinner, Lähteentien Pirtti
Thursday 25 September 2025
09:00–11:30 Sessions III
11:30–12:30 Lunch, Petronella
12:30–13:30 Keynote by BioARTech Laboratory, Castrén-hall
13:30–13:45 Closing words
13:45 Coffee & farewells
Optional programme
15:00 After-Symposium beers at Kauppayhtiö
18:00 After-Symposium sauna, Kesärafla Sauna
Optional Excursions
Tuesday 23 September 2025
10:00–14:00 Guided walking excursion to Kuninkaanlaavu, Beyond Arctic
Landscapes of Rovaniemi
On this tour we will start from Rovaniemi and drive by Minibus 15 minutes away from the city to experience beautiful landscapes of Rovaniemi. We will have a short hike to the top of the hill to where we can fully appreciate the forests and rivers of Rovaniemi. On the spot we can also build a fire and enjoy some snacks together prepared on open fire.
Length:
3–4 hours
Start time:
10:00am
Price:
102€ per person
(Min. 4 participants / Max. 16 participants)
Tuesday 23 September
12:00–15:00 Intuitive painting with natural pigments, Tanya Kravtsov
The workshop includes an outdoor walk, collecting fallen materials from the forest for creating natural brushes. The participants make their own brushes and paint with natural pigments prepared in advance (for instance blueberries, and other materials collected by Tanya during summer). The workshop is held in a forest behind the University - it is small but cozy, and it is easy to go indoors if the weather gets rainy.
Tanya Kravtsov is an artist and doctoral researcher at the Faculty of Art, University of Lapland. Originally from southwestern Siberia, she has been based in Rovaniemi since 2016. Throughout her artistic journey, she has explored visual arts, ceramics, and embroidery. Her research and artistic interests include art-based research methods, northern craft traditions, connectedness with nature, and traditional ecological knowledge. Currently, Tanya is involved in the VillaInno project (2023–2026), which focuses on revitalizing wool craft traditions.
Her artistic practice includes various workshops using natural materials, such as landscape painting with blueberries, bracelet weaving with birch bark, plant imprinting in clay, and embroidery with naturally dyed wool yarn. She believes that embracing the wisdom of our ancestors and restoring our bond with nature can help us feel more rooted while fostering a slower, more grounded, and sustainable way of living.
Length:
3 hours
Start time:
12:00am
Price:
48 € per person
(Min. 8 participants / Max. 15 participants)
Thursday 25 September
18:00–20:00 After-symposium Sauna, Kesärafla Sauna
The foundation of the Kesärafla Sauna is a beautiful and large wood-heated sauna by the Kemijoki River. The sauna features a wood-burning stove that provides heat for up to 35 people. There are separate shower facilities for women and men. You can take a refreshing dip in the river from the dock or enjoy the clear evening sun from the terrace.
Length:
3 hours
Start time:
18:00am
Price:
30 € per person
(Min. 20 participants / Max. 35 Participants)
