Join us in envisioning the future of Uusimaa
What could Uusimaa be like in the future? How can art and culture help shape a happy, innovative, and environmentally smart Uusimaa?
Envisioning Uusimaa invites artists and creative professionals to imagine the future of the region through the three strategic priorities of the Uusimaa Regional Programme: Environmentally smart Uusimaa, Innovative Uusimaa, and Happy Uusimaa.
By participating, you can explore and influence how art and culture contribute to regional development, technological change, and sustainable transformation.
What you gain:
- Skills and tools: Get access to the AI Vision Lab toolkit designed for artists, and learn how to use AI as a tool in your artistic practice while understanding how it shapes society.
- Networks: Engage directly with regional developers, businesses, and decision-makers.
- Visibility: Your work will be featured in an international virtual exhibition at IloNovi, and the best visions will be awarded. Main prize: €2,000.
- Impact: Your vision can contribute to ongoing discussions about the future direction of Uusimaa.
How to participate:
- April 2026: Choose one of the three themes — Environmentally Smart Uusimaa (Wed 15.4), Innovative Uusimaa (Tue 21.4), or Happy Uusimaa (Wed 22.4) — and take part in the themed workshop.
- April–July 2026: Develop your vision individually or as a group with the help of the AI Vision Lab toolkit and submit it to the competition by July 31, 2026. If participating as a group, each member must attend one workshop related to the group’s chosen theme.
- August 2026: A multidisciplinary jury evaluates the competition entries.
- Late 2026: All works will be presented in a virtual exhibition at IloNovi. The public vote will be organized, and the winner will be announced.
Workshops will be conducted in English.
Project 2025–2026 | Funder: Uusimaa Regional Council, AKKE program | Organizer: IloNovi ry
Apply now and let's make art and culture visible in Uusimaa's future together!
For international applicants
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Uusimaa is the region in southern Finland that includes Helsinki and its surrounding cities. It is the country’s most populous region and an important centre for culture, innovation, education, and public life.
You do not need to be based in Finland or in Uusimaa to participate. On the contrary, international perspectives are especially welcome. Looking at Uusimaa from the outside can bring fresh questions, unexpected comparisons, and new ways of imagining the future.
Taking part can also be valuable for you. The themes explored in the competition, such as sustainability, innovation, wellbeing, and the role of art and culture in shaping society, are relevant far beyond one region. The ideas, methods, and connections you gain may also be meaningful in your own local context.
The workshops take place in IloNovi’s virtual house for art, culture, and wellbeing, so participation is possible from anywhere.
Three themes: Environmentally smart Uusimaa, Innovative Uusimaa, and Happy Uusimaa
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The future is envisioned through three themes:
Environmentally Smart Uusimaa
Sustainable development, climate solutions and resource wise growth
This theme reflects the Regional Programme’s objective to make Helsinki-Uusimaa the environmentally smartest region in Europe. It brings together nature-positive development, ambitious climate goals, a carbon-negative circular economy and resilience to climate change as central elements of the region’s future development.
Happy Uusimaa
Wellbeing, inclusion and a meaningful everyday life
This theme links to the Regional Programme’s aim for Helsinki-Uusimaa to become Europe’s leading region in well-being. It highlights the importance of inclusion, equality, good public services, cultural opportunities and quality of life for all residents as key aspects of regional development.
Innovative Uusimaa
Competence, renewal and sustainable growth
This theme is rooted in the Regional Programme’s goal of making Helsinki-Uusimaa the most innovative region in Europe. It emphasises strong research, development and innovation (RDI) activity, cooperation between sectors, international competitiveness and the conditions that support renewal and long-term growth.
The themes will be explored in workshops led by experts.
How to participate?
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Choose one of the three future themes: Environmentally smart Uusimaa, Happy Uusimaa, or Innovative Uusimaa.
Register and participate in your chosen theme’s virtual workshop in April 2026.
Develop your vision within your selected theme using the AI Vision Lab toolkit and submit it to the competition.
(In October 2025, a voluntary AI Vision Lab workshop was organised to co-develop the toolkit for future-oriented artistic work. Participation in that workshop was not required in order to enter the vision competition.)
What is a vision?
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A vision is a creative exploration of the future. It can be a finished work, concept, plan, or documented research process. Your vision can be critical, utopian, speculative, cautionary, playful, hopeful, imaginative, or experimental. The form is open and can be visual, auditory, interactive, narrative, spatial, or site-specific. The most important thing is that your work opens new perspectives on your chosen theme and sparks discussion about what Uusimaa could be like.
AI Vision Lab Toolkit
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The AI Vision Lab Toolkit is designed to support artists and creative professionals in developing future-oriented visions. It brings together tools and methods that help you explore ideas, structure your thinking, and work with AI as part of your creative process.
The toolkit has been developed in collaboration with artists and experts, including a co-design workshop held in October 2025 at Helsinki XR Center. The development process was based on participants’ interests, experiences, and needs, with a focus on supporting artistic work in a time of technological and societal change.
You will use the toolkit during the theme-specific workshops in April 2026, where you begin developing your vision with guidance and support from experts.
The toolkit can then be used throughout the process as you continue to develop your work towards the final submission.
Envisioning Uusimaa workshops in April 2026
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In April 2026, three theme-specific virtual workshops will be organized where you'll work on your chosen theme with expert support. In the workshops, you'll be able to delve deeper into your theme and develop your own vision using the AI Vision Lab toolkit.
Environmentally Smart Uusimaa
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 09:50 AM–3:30 PM (EEST, UTC+3)
Workshop programme
09:50–10:00 AM Arrival and orientation in the IloNovi virtual space
10:00–11:00 AM SESSION 1. Understanding the context
- Welcome and introduction to the project
Introduction to the Envisioning Uusimaa project - The Helsinki-Uusimaa strategy and today’s theme
Introduction to the regional programme and selected theme - Expert talks and real-world perspectives
- What does an Environmentally smart Helsinki-Uusimaa mean in practice?
Pia Tynys, Sustainability Manager, Helsinki-Uusimaa Region - Building Resilience: Sustainability in Everyday Life
Heidi Holmroos, Leading Specialist, environment and preparedness, Marttaliitto - The Future of Recycling
Waltteri Wiro, Circular Economy Specialist, HSY - Plastics and the future of materials
Mika Härkönen, Professor of Practice, VTT Bioruukki
- What does an Environmentally smart Helsinki-Uusimaa mean in practice?
11:00–11:15 AM Coffee break
11:15 AM –12:15 PM SESSION 2: Learning the tools and approach
- What is a future vision?
Introduction to vision thinking and approaches - Introduction to the AI Vision Lab toolkit
Overview of tools and methods - Hands-on exploration
Testing the tools and asking questions
12:15–01:00 PM Lunch break
01:00–03:00 PM SESSION 3. Developing your vision
- Working on your own idea using the AI Vision Lab toolkit
Individual and guided work - Q&A session with experts and regional actors
Exchange with representatives from Helsinki-Uusimaa Region and industry - Introduction to the vision competition
How to participate and next steps
03:00–03:30 PM Wrap-up and informal networking
- Open discussion and meeting other participants, exploring the IloNovi virtual space
Speakers
Pia Tynys, Sustainability Manager, Helsinki-Uusimaa Region
Pia Tynys works on climate action and the green transition in Helsinki-Uusimaa, including the regional climate roadmap aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. She focuses on advancing practical solutions related to climate mitigation, circular economy and sustainable regional development. Her work connects regional strategy with concrete actions across sectors.
Heidi Holmroos, Leading Specialist, environment and preparedness, Marttaliitto
Heidi Holmroos works with sustainability, participation and everyday solutions that support planetary wellbeing. With a background as a researcher, educator and expert, she focuses on connecting knowledge, daily life and community engagement. Her work brings together grassroots action and broader societal change.
Waltteri Wiro, Circular Economy Specialist, HSY
Waltteri Wiro is an environmental engineer working on circular economy solutions at HSY. His background includes circular economy, water treatment, life cycle assessment and software engineering. His work focuses on developing systems that support resource efficiency and the transition towards more circular use of materials.
Mika Härkönen, Professor of Practice, VTT Bioruukki
Mika Härkönen works with the VTT Bioruukki pilot centre, an open environment for developing and scaling sustainable industrial solutions. He supports collaboration between research organisations, companies and other partners in advancing new technologies. His work focuses on bioeconomy, circular economy and the green transition.
Innovative Uusimaa
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 10:00 AM–3:30 PM (EEST, UTC+3)
Workshop programme
09:50–10:00 AM Arrival and orientation in the IloNovi virtual space
10:00–11:00 AM SESSION 1. Understanding the context
- Welcome and introduction to the project
Introduction to the Envisioning Uusimaa project - The Helsinki-Uusimaa strategy and today’s theme
Introduction to the regional programme and selected theme - Expert talks and real-world perspectives
- What does an innovative Helsinki-Uusimaa mean in practice?
Venla Virkamäki, Innovation Manager, Helsinki-Uusimaa Region - The role of art and design in building innovative businesses
Siamäk Naghian, Managing Director, Genelec - How AI is transforming learning and education
Sasa Tkalcan, Specialist, University of Helsinki - Innovation in performing arts production
Marjo Tuomi, Head of Production, Finnish National Opera and Ballet - Developing an attractive city innovation ecosystem - case Espoo
Miska Hakala, Director, Innovation, Growth & Invest In, Enter Espoo
- What does an innovative Helsinki-Uusimaa mean in practice?
11:00–11:15 AM Coffee break
11:15 AM –12:15 PM SESSION 2: Learning the tools and approach
- What is a future vision?
Introduction to vision thinking and approaches - Introduction to the AI Vision Lab toolkit
Overview of tools and methods - Hands-on exploration
Testing the tools and asking questions
12:15–01:00 PM Lunch break
01:00–03:00 PM SESSION 3. Developing your vision
- Working on your own idea using the AI Vision Lab toolkit
Individual and guided work - Q&A session with experts and regional actors
Exchange with representatives from Helsinki-Uusimaa Region and industry - Introduction to the vision competition
How to participate and next steps
03:00–03:30 PM Wrap-up and informal networking
- Open discussion and meeting other participants, exploring the IloNovi virtual space
Speakers
Venla Virkamäki, Innovation Manager, Helsinki-Uusimaa Region
Venla Virkamäki works on the development of research and innovation activities, international collaboration and smart specialisation in Helsinki-Uusimaa. She supports cooperation between regional actors and promotes the region’s international positioning. Her work focuses on strengthening the innovation ecosystem and enabling cross-sector collaboration.
Siamäk Naghian, Managing Director, Genelec
Siamäk Naghian has played a key role in Genelec’s international growth and long-term development. The company is known for its high-quality sound reproduction, industrial design and sustainable approach. Its products are widely used in music production, broadcasting and other creative industries around the world.
Sasa Tkalcan, Specialist, University of Helsinki
Sasa Tkalcan works on the use of generative AI in teaching, supporting training, piloting & innovating and development in higher education. He also coordinates the University of Helsinki’s XR Forum. In addition to his work in digital technologies, he also works as a professional photographer.
Marjo Tuomi, Head of Production, Finnish National Opera and Ballet
Marjo Tuomi is responsible for production processes and portfolio at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet. She has extensive experience in cultural management and has produced over 100 productions of varying sizes. Her work focuses on developing production processes and balancing artistic ambition with economic efficiency.
Miska Hakala, Director, Innovation, Growth & Invest In, Enter Espoo
Miska Hakala works on attracting international companies and investments and strengthening Espoo’s innovation ecosystem. He has a strong background in business development, investment attraction and city marketing. His work brings together companies, research organisations and public actors to support growth and innovation.
Happy Uusimaa
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 10:00 AM–3:30 PM (EEST, UTC+3)
Workshop programme
09:50–10:00 AM Arrival and orientation in the IloNovi virtual space
10:00–11:00 AM SESSION 1. Understanding the context
- Welcome and introduction to the project
Introduction to the Envisioning Uusimaa project - The Helsinki-Uusimaa strategy and today’s theme
Introduction to the regional programme and selected theme - Expert talks and real-world perspectives
- What does a happy Helsinki-Uusimaa mean in practice?
Outi Ervasti, Economic Development Manager, Helsinki-Uusimaa Region - Wellbeing in an ageing societyTero Suopanki
Coordinator of Communications, Miina Sillanpää Foundation - AI risks and opportunities in work and everyday life
Reidar Wasenius, AI Researcher, Personal Brainer and Voice Artist - Exploring the future of art and culture
Kaisa Rönkkö, Dean, Sibelius-Academy
- What does a happy Helsinki-Uusimaa mean in practice?
11:00–11:15 AM Coffee break
11:15 AM –12:15 PM SESSION 2: Learning the tools and approach
- What is a future vision?
Introduction to vision thinking and approaches - Introduction to the AI Vision Lab toolkit
Overview of tools and methods - Hands-on exploration
Testing the tools and asking questions
12:15–01:00 PM Lunch break
01:00–03:00 PM SESSION 3. Developing your vision
- Working on your own idea using the AI Vision Lab toolkit
Individual and guided work - Q&A session with experts and regional actors
Exchange with representatives from Helsinki-Uusimaa Region and industry - Introduction to the vision competition
How to participate and next steps
03:00–03:30 PM Wrap-up and informal networking
- Open discussion and meeting other participants, exploring the IloNovi virtual space
Speakers
Outi Ervasti, Economic Development Manager, Helsinki-Uusimaa Region
Outi Ervasti works on the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme, employment and business policy and regional development funding. She is involved in promoting regional interests and supporting strategic development across sectors. Her work focuses on strengthening wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable development in the region.
Tero Suopanki, Coordinator of Communications, Miina Sillanpää Foundation
Tero Suopanki works in communications and administration at the Miina Sillanpää Foundation. He has experience in communications, events and customer engagement across public, private and non-profit sectors. His work involves engaging diverse audiences and supporting initiatives related to wellbeing and inclusion.
Reidar Wasenius, AI Researcher, Personal Brainer and Voice Artist
Reidar Wasenius works at the intersection of human thinking, digitalisation and the impact of AI on work and everyday life. With a background in technology, media and entrepreneurship, he is a keynote speaker and trainer focusing on cognitive skills in the digital age. His voice is heard by more people in Finland than any other voice.
Kaisa Rönkkö, Dean, Sibelius-Academy
Kaisa Rönkkö has extensive experience in leadership roles across the cultural sector in Finland. She has previously served as Director of the Arts Promotion Centre Finland, CEO of Music Finland, and Head of the Orchestra Department at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet. Her background also includes work as a musician, manager, educator and developer of creative industries.
Our approach to AI
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AI should not substitute the artist. It should support the artist's vision. In this project, you stay in control of your ideas, your aesthetic choices, and your creative intent. AI helps you explore directions faster, test variations, and visualise concepts that are still forming, but the decisions remain yours.
We've designed the workshops and toolkit so that you start from your own work and thinking, not from a blank prompt. AI is a material in your process, not a replacement for it. It can help you think and explore, but when it comes to making the work, your craft takes over. The skills you've honed over years, your eye, your technique, your sense of material and form, are what turn a promising direction into a finished piece.
Vision competition and virtual exhibition
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Visions created in the workshops will participate in an international vision competition, with participating artists and cultural sector professionals from different EU countries.
Main prize: €2,000
All competition entries will be presented in late 2026 at the Envisioning Uusimaa virtual exhibition at virtual house IloNovi.
Competition entries will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary jury, including representatives from the arts, AI research, and Uusimaa development expert networks. The evaluation emphasizes artistic execution, depth of theme exploration, and the vision's ability to spark discussion. Additionally, a public vote will be organized.
Art and culture help us look at the world from new angles. They open alternative realities, challenge familiar ways of thinking, and provide tools to process the uncertainty arising from change. That's why envisioning Uusimaa's future needs artists and creative professionals.