Aboagora is a three-day international event that has been held in Turku since 2011, when the city was one of the European Capitals of Culture. It brings together researchers, artists and the public to promote dialogue between science and art. Over the years, the event has established itself as an important platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue and exchange of ideas.
“The heart of Aboagora is the idea that large and complex problems are solved together rather than alone. It takes collaboration, broader perspectives and the courage to combine scientific and artistic viewpoints,” says event producer Liisa Lalu.
Aboagora is built on a foundation of broad and long-term cooperation. The event is organised and funded by the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University, the Arts Academy at Turku University of Applied Sciences, the Åbo Akademi University Foundation, and the Turku University Foundation. Artistic partners include the Third Space multi-arts collective and the Turku Music Festival.
The newest partner is the Turku 800 project, which is looking ahead to the city’s anniversary in 2029.
“Collaboration is at the heart of Aboagora, but it’s not always simple. We have people from different organisations each with their own schedules, commitments, and working cultures – and meetings are often hectic. Still, something very valuable comes out of working together. When different perspectives come together, there’s a chance to create something new and unexpected”, says Lalu.
In 2024, Aboagora kicked off a new multi-year thematic series called The Planets, which is based on an orchestral suite composed by Gustav Holst. The first theme was Mars, the Bringer of War. Venus, the Bringer of Peace is scheduled for September 2025.
“Surprisingly, the theme of peace in is not actually easier than war – especially in our current global political situation. Peace can provoke and involve painful and difficult emotions, such as loss, longing and bitterness. We are also simultaneously looking ahead, hoping for a better world and believing in the future,” explains Lalu.
This year, Aboagora will take place from 10 to 12 September. Over the course of three days, the topic of peace will be explored from the perspectives of peacebuilding, history, ecology, art, and technology. The programme includes keynote lectures, workshops, and performative sessions in which Venus appears both as a divine figure and as a planet.
“It’s an international event that transcends language barriers and provides a space for new encounters and open dialogue. It’s an invitation to slow down, listen and discuss,” says Lalu in summary.
Read more about the event: www.aboagora.fi
Institutions of higher education in Turku are home to thousands of experts and over 40,000 students. There is a strong tradition of collaboration in research, education and innovation, and the different institutions are located within a shared campus area. Together with city administration, local businesses, the hospital district, and other local operators, institutions of higher education play their part in creating a prosperous, attractive and competitive city for all. Let’s build Turku together!
Text: Pamela Friström
