Oulu hosts first transnational meeting of the project

Representatives from the five partner organisations of the HEART project came together in Oulu, Finland for their first transnational meeting over 15–16 February, 2023. While the HEART team had been virtually collaborating throughout 2022 in preparation for starting the project, this was the first opportunity for all of the project partners to gather in person.

Hosted by project instigator Kansalaisfoorumi, the two-day meeting included workshops and planning activities relating to the implementation, administration, communication and evaluation of the project. Members of the partner organisations also had the chance to present aspects of intangible cultural heritage from their own countries.

Participants also learned about the social and cultural heritage of Oulu and Finland, with a guided tour of the city and a visit to the Merimie­hen­ko­timuseo (Sailor’s Home Museum), the oldest surviving wooden building in Oulu.

The next transnational meeting, to take place in May, will be hosted by Blue Beehive in Ibi, Spain and will focus on the work of the pilot groups and art educators. This will be a crucial meeting ahead of the pilot studies planned for autumn and winter 2023. Team members will also continue to collaborate online in the meantime.