Sustainability Day

Communities’ ability to participate and influence:

Sustainable Development Week will be observed again from September 21 to 27, 2026. The “Room for Cultures” project invites you and its partners to spend a day focused on sustainable development. The event’s lively program emphasizes not only ecological sustainability but—in particular—various aspects of social sustainability, bringing residents together!

The idea for this full-day event originated with the project participants, which is a great indication of the capacity for collaboration and influence, highlighting also cultural sustainability, as the day emphasizes cultural diversity and its preservation.

The day’s program features live music, workshops, and fashion shows based on the circular economy! Soup will be served from a field kitchen, with the price left to each person’s discretion based on their means and conscience; proceeds from the soup sales will go to the Red Cross Hunger Day campaign. Baked goods will be available for purchase, and a “free shop” will be open while supplies last. The items in the shop have been donated by the public.

Women’s networks and a sense of community at the heart of “Sustainability Day”:

Special mention goes to the fashion shows featuring wonderful, everyday women showcasing upcycled clothing, wedding gowns, and national costumes from various countries. Throughout the autumn, these women have gathered to bring the joy of upcycled fashion to Fanny House, celebrating the circular economy and the diversity of womanhood! While promoting eco-friendly fashion, they have enjoyed working together and forged new friendships with other supportive women. Come along and cheer on these strong women at the fashion show—an event celebrating women of all shapes, colors, and backgrounds, as well as their empowerment!
In keeping with the theme of sustainability, the aim is for this women’s network not to fade away after a single event, but to become a lasting part of everyday life and the local community.

Program
Klo 14.00 The doors open! Free Shop opens (while supplies last).

Klo 14.10-14.35 JANIS HELDMANN
Janis Heldmann is a singer/songwriter from Germany with intimate songs about our connection to nature, living in the city and the human search for meaning in between.

KLO 14.40-15.00 PRASANNA RUPKUMAR
Prasanna Rupkumar is a talented singer from Sri Lanka. He has gained recognition as a contestant on different platforms and specially in The Voice of Sri Lanka singing competition which is a part of the globally renowned The Voive singing international platform. With experience as a former acoustic band vocalist, Prasanna brings both passion and stage presence to his performances. Currently, he is pursuing his Master’s degree at the University of Vaasa, balancing his academinc journey with his love for music.

KLO 15.00-15.30 FASHION SHOW (Second Hand)
Second Hand-fashion to be worn at the office or at the situations that demand dresses!

KLO 15.30-15.50 M.I. LAINE
Singer-songwriter M. I. Laine is known for her moving performances and lyrical inventiveness! In Laine’s solo songs, strong storytelling and a sense of purpose blend with playfulness and clever melodies.

KLO 16.00-16.20 FASHION SHOW (Traditional Wear)
National costumes on display.

KLO 16.30-17.00 WISPERIA
Wisperia is Vesna Haglund, Jordi Storm and Alexander Storm. The group performs original compositions and folk arrangements in several languages. Instruments include Celtic harp, hurdy-gurdy and whistles. Wisperia invites the listener to pause and be refreshed through music.

KLO 17.00-17.30 MäSä-DUO
The MäSä Duo combines new and old traditions with a bold South Ostrobothnian touch. Kyösti Järvelä from Kaustinen brings a tight fiddler style, meeting Lauri Kotamäki from Lapua’s rhythmic accordion play.

KLO 17.30-18.00 FASHION SHOW (Wedding dresses)
Wedding dresses from different decades.

KLO 18.00-18.20 SHARONG
Sarong is a group of friends who share a passion of music and love getting together to play, have fun, and enjoy music. Their performance will be a mix of some favourite Sri Lankan songs, bringing together different styles and vibes. The band members are mainly playing for the pure love for music and to have a great time together!

KLO 18.30-19.00 JUHA SAUNALA
Juha Saunala, who released his debut solo album earlier this year, is performing as a trio for the first time. In addition to Juha Saunala on bass and vocals, the lineup includes the ‘Viiala Brothers’: Eero ‘Eki’ Tapio Häikiö on bass clarinet and Untamo ‘Unski’ Armas Matinpoika Säynäjäkangas on percussion.

Drop-in workshops (Mökkimade, Co-operative 3E, Vaasa City Culture and Library Services, Malakta). Kalyna selling pastries!

The event is part of the Aurora Music Forum!

The schedule is indicative; changes are possible.

If you want to donate items to the event, get in touch with the project specialist: stinke.itaniemi@vamk.fi, 050 4755 948