An inspiring international summer course in Helsinki promoting social change and fostering dialogue through art. The course culminates in the “Let´s Change the Rules - Choirs for Ecocide Law” concert.
Participants will gain tools for producing artivism projects and get familiar to Choirs for Ecocide Law -concert repertoire. Participants will learn how choirs can serve as powerful means of influence and well-being.
After completing the course, participants will have gained:
After completing the course, you will:
The course offers a unique opportunity to combine art, community, and social impact. Participants gain hands-on experience in implementing artistic activism, learn to lead a multidisciplinary project, and discover new ways to use music and creativity as tools for social change. In addition, the course provides international networking opportunities and an inspiring environment for developing one’s skills and expertise.
Learning experience:
The course consists of an online pre-task and a six-day intensive on-site workshop held at Metropolia’s Culture Campus and various locations around Helsinki.
Learning is collaborative, hands-on, and multidisciplinary: participants work together with musicians, choirs, and art professionals. Throughout the week, they explore methods of artistic activism, design and implement a shared project, and prepare for the final concert “Let’s Change the Rules – Choirs for Ecocide Law.”
The course includes guided workshops, group work, and performance rehearsals that combine art, social engagement, and the development of personal expression.
The course is intended for choral singers, producers, collective singing conductors, music teachers, art professionals and students.
It is especially suitable for those interested in artistic activism, community-based work, and environmental advocacy through art. The course offers an opportunity to develop one’s artistic expression and leadership skills, and to gain insight into how art can serve as a tool for social change both locally and internationally.
Language requirement: Good command of English.
Summer School: pre-task
Present an art activism production that you have seen or participated in yourself. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience one in your own surroundings, you may also search online for an interesting example of art activism.
Describe the message of the production, evaluate how successful its implementation was in your opinion, and reflect on the impact it had on you. What did you feel, what did you think, and how might it influence your own actions in the future?
Please submit the assignment by May 15, 2026 to: kirsi.kaunismaki-suhonen [at] metropolia.fi (kirsi[dot]kaunismaki-suhonen[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Watch our MeWe-document, filmed by Carl Eneroth, award-winning Swedish documentary photographer. This video helps you to understand the importance and impacts of this artistic project: MeWe - Choirs for Ecocide Law
Get to know your parts in mass choir songs.
Two online-meetings – discussions based on the documentary topics, preparations towards the campus meetings.
11. May 2026:
Online meeting 17-18.30 (UTC+3)
18. May 2026:
Online meeting 17-18.30 (UTC+3)
1-5 June 2026:
In the mornings (9 am–12 pm), the focus is on lectures and workshops covering:
In the afternoons (1 pm–4 pm), participants rehearse the Choirs for Ecocide Law repertoire and work in multidisciplinary teams.
6 June 2026:
On Saturday, a joint dress rehearsal and the final concert “Let’s Change the Rules – Choirs for Ecocide Law” will take place, followed by a course debrief and closing celebration.
Please see below for more detailed daily course schedule:
Schedule 1-5 June
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9 am-12 pm Introduction Overview of key concepts: art, activism, and art activism. Why civic engagement is essential for creating a just and good life | 9 am-12 pm Successful Art Activism Productions What makes an art activism production impactful? Case studies: successful productions from the Nordic countries and internationally How to influence societal and political decision-makers while creating meaningful experiences for people | 9 am-12 pm Implementing an Art Production The Production process Content planning Inspiring and leading collaborators | 9 am-12 pm
How to promote ecological, social, economic, and cultural sustainability Practical exercises exploring different forms of art activism | 9 am- 12 pm Small-scale exercises in various urban locations Action! Let’s Change the Rules – Choirs for Ecocide Law A public art activism intervention in central Helsinki Inviting people to join a choir performance and sign the petition for the implementation of the Ecocide Law |
Lunch 12 am-1 pm | Lunch 12 am-1 pm | Lunch 12 am-1 pm | Lunch 12 am-1 pm | Lunch |
1pm-4pm Choirs for Ecocide Law What is Ecocide Law? Why is it important? Why is Choirs for Ecocide Law not a political movement? Singing: Going through the whole repertoire, mass choir parts. | 1pm-4pm Choirs for Ecocide Law Leading emotions in change. The holistic way of art as a vehicle to transform information and emotions. Singing: Going through the whole repertoire, mass choir parts. | 1pm-4pm Choirs for Ecocide Law Choirs in a multidisciplinary collaboration. Choirs from the perspective of other disciplines. Singing: Going through the whole repertoire, mass choir parts. | 1pm-4pm Choirs for Ecocide Law Choirs for Ecocide Law from a perspective of public pedagogy. The concert process as educative agent. Singing: Going through the whole repertoire, mass choir parts. | 1pm-4pm Choirs for Ecocide Law Discussions and planning of your own implimitations of the concept. Singing: Going through the whole repertoire, mass choir parts. |
Schedule 6 June (Saturday)
In addition, voluntary activities organized by Metropolia students are included in the fee.
Limited Spots Available – Maximum number of participants is 30!
Important: The minimum number of participants is 15. Metropolia Summer School reserves the right to cancel the course if an insufficient number of students register. In this case, students will be notified immediately after the registration period closes.
1. Choose Your Course & Register: Visit the course page and click the specific registration link for your chosen course. Fill out the registration form carefully. Course registration will close on March 31, 2026.
2. Await Final Confirmation: You will receive an acceptance email no later than April 15, 2026, and the final confirmation April 30, 2026.
3. Secure Your Spot: Pay the course fee within the deadline mentioned in your acceptance email.
4. Plan Your Trip: Arrange visa & travel (see Travel Tips below).
5. Online-meetings and Pre-task
Complete the pre-assignment given in the Course Schedule section and submit it by 15 May 2026 to Kirsi.kaunism%C3%A4ki-suhonen [at] metropolia.fi (Kirsi.kaunismäki-suhonen[at]metropolia[dot]fi).
After registering, you will receive a confirmation message that includes a link to the online meetings held before the Summer School on 11. May 2026:Online meeting 17-18.30 (UTC+3) and 18. May 2026:Online meeting 17-18.30 (UTC+3).
Join the online meetings so we can get to know each other already before the course in Helsinki!
Need Help? Contact us for any questions regarding the process.
Course Fee: 995 € (incl. VAT 25,5%)
There are many different accommodation options in the area!
1. Book flights early for lower prices.
2. Arrange travel insurance before departure.
3. Check currency exchange & payment options (credit cards are widely accepted).
4. Download key apps:
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is Finland’s largest and most international university of applied sciences, offering world-class education, modern learning environments, and strong industry connections. With a focus on innovation and hands-on learning, Metropolia prepares students for the future.
