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Cooperation and Wellbeing are Intertwined in Kuopio
Cooperation and Wellbeing are Intertwined
A sense of inclusion, opportunities for participation and shared excitement have a tendency to increase well- being, and Kuopio has invested in these things in many ways. Here are just a few examples.
in Kuopio TEXT MINNA AKIOLA PHOTOS TIINA HARING, WILLE MARKKANEN AND VICENTE SERRA
You can experience cooperation, a communal spirit and wellbeing in Kuopio through various events, joint ventures and cultural operators.
OUR KUOPIO IS A FESTIVAL THAT FOSTERS A COMMUNAL SPIRIT
Our Kuopio Festival is a series of events that span across several weeks, coordinated by the city and produced together with the residents themselves – anyone can organize an event as part of the festival programme. The events are open and communal, and the festival turns Kuopio into a common meeting place for all.
“It can be a backyard karaoke parties, art exhibitions, street theatre, flea markets, restaurant days or anything that brings you joy and provides new experiences. For example, neighbourhood events give a boost to the identity, cultural heritage and
positive aspects of individual neighbourhoods,” says Cultural Manager of the City of Kuopio Nina Venäläinen.
All the art institutions in the city take part in the event. They offer free concerts and museum visits, for instance.
PRODUCTS TESTED IN THE LIVING LAB PROMOTE WELLBEING
Kuopio Living Lab is a collaboration concept formed by three expert organizations: Kuopio University Hospital (KUH), the City of Kuopio and Savonia University of Applied Sci-
ences. The concept allows operators to lend their environments and expertise to the product development of companies. The purpose of the end products is to promote the wellbeing of residents.
“The way it works is that a company contacts us and describes its development needs. We find backup support for the product development and offer environments within the city as testing platforms. Products and services can be tested, for instance, in classrooms, among home care customers or in exercise facilities,” says Jouko Miettinen, Project Manager at the City of Kuopio.
Companies value feedback specifically from end users in authentic environments. For instance, elderly testers have tested various products and services to make their lives easier.
KANTTI OFFERS WAYS TO FIND INSPIRATION IN FACTS AND FANTASIES
Joining the main library and Kuopio Museum, Kantti spreads wellbeing all around itself and provides a place to build your identity. Its goal is to create as many ways as possible to wonder at, get excited and be inspired by facts and fantasies, knowledge and stories.
“For example, senior citizens can borrow a briefcase of memories to reminisce the past, nature lovers can join a nature book club and groups of pupils can explore the city with the help of a mobile game,” says Coordinator of Museum Events Heta Pekkarinen at the Kuopio Museum Centre.
Kantti aims to bring people together with its own events and services, in addition to providing a space where anyone can organize get-togethers that are meaningful in their life or simply meet other people spontaneously.
