Summary of Contents

Hoiva Fest

10.-11.10.2026, Lapinlahden Lähde, Lapinlahdenpolku 8

At Hoiva Fest, we turn our attention to care and its role in society through the lenses of science, art, and embodied experience, in the historic setting of the Lapinlahti Hospital. The programme includes workshops, discussions, music, films, and embodied forms of care.

What is Hoiva Fest?

Without care there is no life. A web of interdependencies sustains life at every level of biological existence, from cells to societies. As a deeply social species, us humans are entirely dependent on both one another and the full diversity of life.

Care and reciprocity have enabled the world’s human population to double over the past 50 years¹ and both our wealth and productivity have increased many times over². 

And yet the foundation of our wellbeing – the network of care that extends from the social to the planetary – has fallen into crisis. Biodiversity loss is accelerating, the climate continues to heat up, loneliness has reached epidemic proportions, and care services are being cut by pleading to scarcity. It is as if something in the equation simply does not add up. Therefore we ask: are the measures of growth broken? Is it time for us to demand more comprehensive reporting on growth – from the media and our decision-makers?

¹ Statistics Finland, World Population Development

² World Inequality Lab, World Inequality Report 2022

At the same time the crises of our age have produced an enormous amount of data and countless graphs. Yet these have not solved the challenges we face. We argue that changing our attitudes towards care requires not only reason, but also emotional practice and genuine encounters with one another. That is why emotional engagement, art, community, and embodied forms of care are given the space they deserve at Hoiva Fest. There will be a special program for children as well.

The 2-day event is produced through volunteer effort. On the first day we will focus on discussions and learning together. On the second we shift the focus to relaxation, nurturing movement, and art. You are warmly invited to join us, share your thoughts on the themes of the festival, and enjoy the sense of community, hope, and care.

See you at Hoiva Fest on 10–11 October!

Programme

Below you will find the programme that is friendly for non-finnish speakers.

Performances:

Mikko Sarvanne: syklit jotka puhkeavat

Concert/performance, 45 minutes

Sunday 15.30, Merisali

The work of Teosto Prize-winning composer Mikko Sarvanne, whose music spans contemporary, jazz, and experimental genres, resonates with the core themes of Hoiva Fest. On Sunday, this virtuoso treats us to an insightful experimental performance.

“syklit jotka puhkeavat” is an evolving composition and performance by Mikko Sarvanne. Sounds of stone, water, and skin, along with field recordings, coil into rhythmic cycles before erupting into organ-like tones. Sarvanne recites text in physical dialogue with the sounds of natural materials; the boundaries between body and sound alternately solidify and liquefy.

Sarvanne uses a modular sampler and his own voice as instruments. The performance invites the audience to encounter both boredom and greatness in a sensory, embodied, and magical experience.

*syklit jotka puhkeavat* EP: https://mikkosarvanne.bandcamp.com/album/syklit-jotka-puhkeavat

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Nana Janger: "Turvapaikka" (Sanctuary)

Live, 30min

Sunday 18:30, Merisali

Nana Janger creates music driven by emotion. Embraced by an electronic soundscape, she opens up and gives voice to experiences that had previously gone unspoken. The artist and producer, now based in Helsinki, performs on Saturday, October 11 - exactly two years to the day since the release of her debut album Turvapaikka.

The performance depicts stages of recovery and touches upon themes of self-harm and emotional abuse. Ultimately, the story leads toward the solace and hope that the artist seeks on her journey.

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Live: Jesse Ukkonen & Omppu Koivu

Improvised performance, 45 min

Sunday 17.15, Merisali

In this improvised performance by Jesse Ukkonen and Omppu Koivu, the warm frequencies of analog synthesizers blend with soft yet powerful vocals and spoken reflections on care, its realization and its absence.

Through their performance, Ukkonen and Koivu explore soundscapes created in the moment as a form of care. Something that brings people together, helping them pause and let go.

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A_Sync (Andre Vicentini & Saku Kämäräinen)

Participatory performance, 15 min

Sunday 14.45, Merisali

A_Sync brings together the idea of a participatory performance where the audience syncs with sound by clapping with hands. It's a sonic listening experience that brings awareness to the space, and each other.

The performance is participatory, and the instructions will be given in English.

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Live: Ambient Violin & Spoken Word (Chris Helle & ?)

Concert/performance,  30 min

Sunday 19:15, Merisali

In this collaborative performance by poet ? and musician Chris Helle, an ethereal, floating soundscape—created using violin and electronics—meets the spoken word. The performance creates a meditative space, inviting the audience to pause and engage with the dialogue between sound and poetry.

IG: @kilinkolin.live

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Pedro MacLoughlin

Live, 30 min

Sunday 16:30, Merisali

Pedro MacLoughlin is an Argentine-born musician, DJ and sound engineer based in Helsinki. His practice explores electro-acoustic sound, repetition, space and perception, moving between live performance, experimental music and the physical practice of listening.

For Hoiva Fest, he presents a 30-minute live electronic work inspired by Pauline Oliveros' Deep Listening; Sonic Meditations, and the tape-feedback experiments of Flippertronics.

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Äimän Väki & Väkkyrä

Concert/Performance, 45 min

Saturday 20.00, Merisali

Äimän Väki & Väkkyrä comprises poets and musicians whose hearts beat for Finnish-Karelian folklore. The soul-stirring kantele and the wild fiddle give wings to earthy rune singing and danceable tunes. The incantations conjured by the band delve into the thorny riddles of modern times and stoke the flame of vitality!

Vocals: Stella Kanto

Fiddle, vocals: Kasper Kamppuri

Kantele, guitar, vocals: Sipo Herva

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Dance performance: Liikkuva asetelma/Still life moving (Anna Silve)

Performance, 10min

Sunday 14.30 Merisali

Liikkuva asetelma/Still life moving is a dance solo that emerged onto a blank canvas, an empty page, a sheet of white paper. A moment when there was absolutely nothing, yet simultaneously, everything in the world. I observed and arranged dances born of—and expressing—joy, shame, sorrow, excitement, low self-esteem, enthusiasm, anxiety, powerlessness, rage, euphoria, boredom, despair, tenderness, and pleasure. Textures that are rough, glow-in-the-dark, slippery, cascading, and airy; cut flowers in a vase, heavy curtains, fruit that has already begun to spoil, a stuffed bird."

Silve, the performer of *Moving Still Life*, will also lead an Authentic Movement workshop on Sunday at 5 PM for anyone interested in movement, presence, and exploring these themes.

Film screenings:

Ruthless Times – Songs of Care (2022)

Saturday 17.30, Auditorio

Director: Susanna Helke

Duration: 92 min

Language: Finnish (subtitled in English)

The documentary film Ruthless Times – Songs of Care addresses the crisis-ridden state of elderly care in Finland from the perspective of care workers, care recipients, and their families.In the film, tinged with black humor, real-life experiences of care workers are transformed into lyrics for choral songs composed by Anna-Mari Kähärä.

When there is a push to privitize care work and make it more efficient in the name of profit-seeking and cost savings, both caregivers and care recipients, as well as the ethos of care work itself, are inevitably put to the test.

After the screening, there will be a Q&A session with director Susanna Helke.

Other film credits:

Writers: Susanna Helke, Markku Heikkinen

Producer: Timo Korhonen

Production company: Road Movies Oy

Editors: Markus Leppälä, Inka Lahti, Samu Kuukka

Cinematographer: Sari Aaltonen

Music: Anna-Mari Kähärä

Sound design: Juuso Oksala

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/685832937

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The Beauty of Errors (2026)

Sunday 14:05, Auditorio

Director: Jukka Kärkkäinen

Duration: 94 min

Language: Finnish (with English subtitles)

It is no secret that when Tero became a single father 15 years ago, he had no clue about babies or how to raise a child. Over the years, he does what he can to teach his son how to become a strong and independent man. Tero teaches Henri how to shoot with shotguns and repair cars. Tero’s parenting methods can be deemed unusual, but the strong bond and unconditional love between the two stands out even in the most bizarre moments. However, when Henri one day wants to settle with his girlfriend and asks his father to hand over the house to them, Tero realizes that he is the one being dependent. Loneliness is just around the corner, and he has to stand by himself, while facing the universal fear of losing love.

The Beauty of Errors shows the importance of family, company and love. Especially in small villages, where the division between family and friends is flimsy as family covers most of your social interactions. The changes are unfolding in Tero’s life, who has to re-evaluate things that he may have taken for granted: the support of his aging parents and Henri’s constant companionship as son and friend.

The film is followed by a discussion about fatherhood and men as caregivers.

Director & Screenplay: Jukka Kärkkäinen

Cinematography: Toni Pasanen

Editing: Otto Heikola

Sound Design: Jørgen Bergsund

Music: Conny Malmqvist

Dramaturgy: Elina Vitkala, Mika Ronkainen, Juho-Pekka Tanskanen

Graphic Design: Jenni Väre

Producer: Juha Löppönen / Mouka Filmi

Executive Producer: Sami Jahnukainen / Mouka Filmi

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Still Into You (2020)

Saturday 19:30, Auditorio

Director: Anu Kuivalainen

Duration: 70 min

Language: Finnish (with English subtitles)

What happens to love as a person grows older? Still Into You is a documentary film by Anu Kuivalainen about the excitement of new love, the strength of a long-term relationship, and the joy of living alone—love in all its forms.  

Still Into You paints a picture of love in its various forms as people reach maturity. The songs and poems performed by Ritva Oksanen weave together six different love stories. A newlywed couple is brought together by karaoke, passion, and chopping down trees. A widow rebuilds her life after her loss. A woman who enjoys life is dating a man 20 years her junior and wonders if she can call it love. A couple’s long-term relationship has weathered hardships and endures even as their health declines. Theater Advisor Ritva Oksanen enjoys her freedom: she works, lifts weights, and has no desire for a romantic relationship. A man takes his wife, who has dementia, to a nursing home, knowing that time is running out. Still Into You is a bold and empowering look at love and old age.

Screenplay: Anu Kuivalainen

Producer: Marianne Mäkelä

Production Company: Bonsai Films Oy

Editing: Mervi Junkkonen

Cinematography: Saija Mäki-Nevala, Marita Hällfors, Jarkko T. Laine, Mauri Lähdesmäki

Music & Sound Design: Janne Laine

Workshops:

Authentic Movement (Anna Silve)

Workshop, 90min

Sunday 17.30–19, Wanha Labra

Authentic Movement is a practice of moving freely while observing oneself and following the body’s own impulses. The practice is done in pairs and follows a simple structure: each person takes turns moving and witnessing the other person’s movement, followed by a verbal sharing of thoughts and experiences that arose during the practice.

At Hoiva Fest, you are invited to explore this method, which has its roots in dance and movement therapy. The practice offers an opportunity to observe yourself in the space and in the present moment, and to listen to your body. Through their presence, the witness creates a sense of safety and acceptance. The mover is seen as they are in that moment. Movement is neither interpreted nor judged. Nothing is required, and there is no particular way you need to be. We encounter one another with respect and compassion.

Workshop facilitator Anna Silve was introduced to Authentic Movement through her studies in dance and somatics. She considers it an important practice for cultivating presence and connection with the body, supporting well-being and artistic work, and simply being human — a practice she wishes more people could discover. Each time, there is something remarkable in witnessing the nurturing effect of slowing down, becoming more receptive, and giving our full attention to a shared moment.

The workshop is open to anyone interested in movement, mindfulness, embodiment, encountering another person, and the experience of being encountered and seen. No previous experience in movement or dance is required. Guidance can be received in Finnish or English.

Bodily care:

Piano Relaxation (Christian Sannemann)

30min

Sun 11 Oct, 20:00, Merisali

Come and settle into a harmonising, relaxing and deeply nurturing sound journey. The performance has been created drawing on neurobiological, psychological and therapeutic understanding, while also leaving space for free artistic expression.

Alongside offering a safe space for relaxation, the sound journey invites reflection, the discovery of new creative possibilities, a deeper connection with yourself, the processing of unresolved emotions, and a sense of inner integration. There is, however, nothing you need to achieve during this experience. You can simply relax and allow the music to carry you.

The performance is designed to be experienced lying down with your eyes closed, so please bring your own mat.

Welcome to experience the nurturing power of music.

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Sauna of Lapinlahden Lähde

Saturday 17–23

Sunday 17–21

What would a weekend dedicated to care be without a sauna? The mixed-gender sauna of Lapinlahden Lähde, located in the grounds of the former hospital, will be heated on both evenings of Hoiva Fest.

Bring your swimsuit, a sauna seat cover and a towel, and step onto the benches to enjoy the nurturing warmth of the löyly. From the sauna, you can also take a dip in the sea, while The Outdoor Spa offers some extra pampering nearby.

Admission to the sauna is on a pay-what-you-can basis.

Please pay the sauna fee at the customer service desk at Café Lähde.

More information about the sauna:

https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/sauna/

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The Outdoor Spa (Mark Lepre)

Saturday 17-21

Sunday 17-21

The Outdoor Spa is an idea that emerged at Borderland, a low-hierarchy community event, from a desire to offer embodied care to its participants.

Visitors are invited to bathe, while the spa elves on site make sure the bathwater stays at the right temperature. The Outdoor Spa provides a simple yet significant setting for care. Here, the giver — the person who prepares and tends to the bath — is equally a recipient of care.

Helping another person surrender to the warmth and support of the water is, in its simplicity, a beautiful act. It makes visible the reciprocity and sacredness of giving and receiving: care does not flow in just one direction, but is something we create together

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Herbal Sauna (Löyly)

Sunday 

Session 1: 16:50–18:20. Doors close at 17:00.

Session 2: 19:00–21:00. Doors close at 19:10.

At Hoivafest, your sauna guide is Vilma Riitijoki from the forests of Itä-Aure.

Vilma practices a matriarchal sauna tradition passed down through ancestral knowledge, weaving into it global mother rites and mantras. The matriarchal sauna represents the womb in which we grow and from which we are born — but also the place from which all things emerge. The practice and rituals, the rising from the cleft, draw on hunting and gathering traditions, phytotherapy and plant medicine, the casting of löyly, and dialogue with the spirit of the stove — with löyly itself, the space, and those who inhabit it.

Every sauna session takes its own form. Vilma does not verbally guide a practice during the sauna, but may gently guide how we inhabit and move within the space when needed.

The intention of the nostatus — the raising — is to remain present through sessions of löyly, to become aware of and move beyond the body’s human alarm mechanisms toward harmony, and to find something like a shared mind within a shared body. At its best, the collective mirror that emerges in the sauna may work in a way similar to sociotherapy. At the same time, Vilma tends to and cares for the sauna itself.

At Hoivafest, Vilma brings plants to the stove and to our bodies in their many forms, and joins you in the sauna.

Here, the only thing we get intoxicated by is löyly.

• Please arrive on time. No entry once the session has begun. Instructions are given at the beginning. You may leave during the session, but you cannot join once it has started.

• The sauna is a space without speech. Essential expressions, sounds, and vibrations are welcome.

• The sauna is a space where you may be naked, but you are welcome to cover your lower body or wear a towel if you prefer.

• Bring a beanie, towel, water bottle, and woollen socks for cold-water dips. These are not essential, but may support you through the process.

For children:

Teddy Bear Hospital & Kids’ Corner

Saturday 14–17.30

Sunday 14.30–16.30

Rosa and Joonas, both experienced in working with children, invite little ones to play in a charming teddy bear hospital. Using toy medical equipment and with guidance from Rosa, a healthcare professional, children can care for their own stuffed animal or borrow one there. They can give their stuffed toy a health check-up and offer it plenty of care and attention.

At the Kids’ Corner, children are also welcome to colour or simply wind down with a selection of books exploring themes of care.

The space is accessible.

Installations:

Sound Installation: HELD

Eetu Vekki

Merisali, 30min

Eetu Vekki is a Helsinki-based artist whose works emerge through observations developed across the terrains of sound, movement, space and sensation. Vekki is particularly interested in the embodied nature of sound and in the relationship between humans, their environment and the more-than-human. His works have been seen and experienced in Finland, Iceland and elsewhere in Europe. Alongside his own artistic practice, he actively collaborates with multidisciplinary working groups in the field of performing arts.

For Hoiva Fest, I am creating the sound installation HELD, in which the visitor is touched by the textures of sound — literally. The installation features sound-transmitting objects that can be held and placed on the body: on the chest, arms or neck. Sound may be felt as deep pulses in the pit of the stomach, or as a soft rustling at the crown of the head.

I aim to create a space where listening becomes an embodied experience, and feeling becomes a way of hearing.

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Installation: One Day, One Moment at a Time, There I Always Find Comfort (free translation)

Kaarina Koistinen & Pauliina Tervonen

Saturday and Sunday

The installation One Day, One Moment at a Time, There I Always Find Comfort (free translation) explores the tragedy inherent in care and reproductive labour: actions intended to preserve and sustain something may, at the same time, wear down and ultimately break apart the very thing they seek to protect. The work brings into focus the vulnerability, repetition and often invisible labour involved in caring for others.

Koistinen and Tervonen are an artistic duo working with installation. Their work explores the tensions surrounding care and the sensitivity of encounters as embodied and affective experiences. Pauliina is a visual artist and graphic designer, while Kaarina is a contemporary artist, somatic practitioner and occupational therapist. Their works emerge from the friction and coming together of these different backgrounds.

Installation: Relicta 

Kaarina Koistinen & Pauliina Tervonen

Saturday and Sunday

The installation Relicta explores the longing for care and for being held through the experience of an embrace. Being held in someone’s arms is one of our earliest experiences of care — one of the first moments in which we ourselves are held and supported. Relicta (Lat. relictus) refers to what stays with us from that experience. The need to be held does not disappear in adulthood, but whose arms can we then rest in?

Koistinen and Tervonen are an artistic duo working with installation. Their work explores the tensions surrounding care and the sensitivity of encounters as embodied and affective experiences. Pauliina is a visual artist and graphic designer, while Kaarina is a contemporary artist, somatic practitioner and occupational therapist. Their works emerge from the friction and coming together of these different backgrounds.