Sinako Interaction Art ry is a registered non-profit association in Finland, founded in 2022 to empower people globally championing mental well-being, gender equality, and human rights.
At Sinako Interaction Art ry, our mission is to be a catalyst for transformative change, advocating mental well-being, health, and disease prevention through the impactful lens of interaction and art. Guided by the insights of a Eurofound study that unearthed the prevalent loneliness in Europe, especially during 2016 and the challenging months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are resolutely committed to addressing the emotional, societal, and health consequences of isolation.
Our association aims to break the chains of social isolation and loneliness through innovative art and cultural initiatives, all related to the power of interaction. Rooted in the profound belief that art is a conduit for self-discovery and well-being, we have promoted the concept of non-digital interactive art (pioneering the Finnish word “vuorovaikutustaide” directly translated as interaction-art) as a powerful means to foster creativity and develop crucial interaction skills within individuals, communities, and the world at large.
In our relentless pursuit of societal harmony, we recognize the vital importance of gender equality and human rights, in particular women’s rights. We strive to weave these essential threads into the fabric of our mission, ensuring that our initiatives actively contribute to creating a world where all individuals, regardless of gender, race, or background, can flourish with equal opportunities and rights.
Beyond conventional boundaries, our commitment extends to bringing the healing force of art and poetry to marginalized spaces, including nursing homes for the elderly. Our impactful art exhibitions serve as dynamic platforms, introducing peer-supported interaction-art to new spaces and environments (such as shopping malls and airports). By facilitating deeper and more meaningful interactions with oneself and others, we strive to bridge the gaps caused by loneliness and cultivate a sense of unity within diverse communities and most importantly evoke conversation and interaction.
Ultimately, our vision is to radiate hope, empathy, and a commitment to human rights across the world through the mediums of interactive art and coaching. Rooted in the values of empathy, hope, and equality, we passionately believe that, together, we can create a more inclusive, resilient, and harmonious global society where every individual's rights and dignity are upheld and celebrated.
The 'I was born a girl'- exhibition presents Finnish artist Minna Pietarinen's peer-supporting art and poetry about women's and girl's rights around the world. Pietarinen's skillful and emotional works introduce inspiring, glass-ceiling-shattering and world-changing women from diverse cultures, representing different human rights. The exhibition, curated by Peppi Stünkel is designed to evoke discussion about current and important issues related to gender equality and human rights. The art and poetry also serves as emotional support for women who have been discriminated against or whose rights have been violated.
The right to peace and security is represented by art featuring the first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska and the art featuring Mahsa Amini highlights the position of women in Iran and their right to freedom. Minna has also painted art featuring UN Women Ambassador Jaha Dukureh to represent her advocacy to end female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. Finnish President Tarja Halonen represents the right to political participation and decision making and Rigoberta Menchú Tum the rights of indigenous women.
We have had great success with the first exhibition reaching 26,000 visitors in Mexico City at the National Museum of the Cultures of the World, please enjoy the welcome speech by Finland's first female President Tarja Halonen.
From there, the exhibition returned to Finland to be experienced by 7000 business leaders including Malala at the Nordic Business Forum 2023. The exhibition then opened to the general public in Finland until the end of the year and in March the exhibition travelled to Southern Africa in 3 locations: Pretoria, Lusaka and Maputo for International Women's Day 2024. Next, the exhibition will be at the UN in Geneva for the 57th Human Rights Council, 9-20 of September.
For Women's Day 2025 the exhibition will be opened in Santiago de Chile and the exhibition will continue to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, the UAE and Iceland in 2025.
For more about the project please visit iwasbornagirl.fi.