Saimaa is a place where creativity thrives in both beauty and adversity. Here, culture and nature unite, inspiring a unique way of life presented in this text.
The document describes how the Saimaa region in eastern Finland has developed a culture deeply connected to its natural surroundings. As the region looks to the future, it aims to use arts and culture as a catalyst for transformation, inviting Europe to experience the distinctive way of life that has flourished on the shores of Saimaa. Read on to discover the region’s response to the pandemic, where a surge of local artists and small cultural initiatives emphasized the importance of small, yet impactful cultural events. This movement has shaped the Saimaa Phenomenon 2026, a bid for the European Capital of Culture, focusing on the themes of water, connection, and joy.
Through these themes, the region seeks to share its unique relationship between everyday life, nature, silence, and art in Saimaa’s culture. The document capitalizes on these themes providing inputs for a cultural long-term strategy,
