People on their way to work by train or metro during the early morning hours in Helsinki, may have noticed these poetic statements at the sides of roads and rail tracks. The works are made of yellow autumn leaves woven into wire mesh fences, saying: “Tämä on kuitenkin minun kaupunkini” – “After all, this is my city”.
The person behind this urban artwork, Elissa, does not want to reveal her full name, pointing out that “anonymity is an exquisite feature of urban art”. (more…)
Dodo's 15th birthday in Kalasatama. Photo: Päivi Raivio
During the unusually warm summer of 2010, we have done some rather frequent bicycle trips to Kalasatama, to take care of our urban farm. At the same time, we had the chance to observe the urban life that has evolved around the harbour little by little, since the area was officially opened for the public in June 2010. It seems that the vast open areas in Kalasatama have opened up a totally new possibility for the people of Helsinki to enjoy the city, each in their own way. The place is like a big playground for people of all ages, manifesting a new culture of freedom – with a lot of space for creativity and new perspectives to what you can do in the city. (more…)
The night before yesterday, more than 250 cyclists together with the artist group Länsiväylä created an informal cycle lane in Helsinki. The crowd assembled at 01.30 Sunday night and drove through puddles of water soluble paint along Hämeentie, creating thin lines of green, red and white. The atmosphere was epic; only a little more paint would have been needed.
The new Kalasatama shore route was opened on Helsinki day, 12 June, accompanied with the sounds of wind and storm. The brave ones who made their way to the harbour despite the challenging weather, got to admire the views and participate in lot of different activities along the route: dancing, theater, bicycle workshop, outdoor live chess, children’s building workshop, animation container, urban farms and a lot more. (more…)
Illustration by Part Oy
The city of Helsinki will soon open a new pedestrian + cycling path along the waterfront of the Kalasatama harbour. The route opens officially on Saturday 12 June, celebrating also the official Helsinki day. The path itself will be worth visiting, due to its exceptional atmosphere and views to the city centre. But on 12 June, the whole harbour comes alive with all kinds of events. (more…)