Towards a new co-existence

Climate change accelerated by human action seems to show that the world is spinning out of our control. But perhaps, sadly, this is not entirely true. What if the problem is just the opposite, namely that we want to control too much? Why not try to imagine a new coexistence between humans and with non-humans, starting from what escapes us, from what we usually exclude or abandon?

Published on June 28, 2024

Rebuilding to Last project

Rebuilding to Last is a dream, an experiment and a vision!

It is a pioneer project that inspires to equip independent cultural centres and their communities with knowledge and skills to find their own ways of co-existence with all beings, constituting their ecosystems, humans included.

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Want to join the event?

Rebuilding to Last: Towards a new co-existence

As the Rebuilding to Last project is coming to an end, we are gathering in Helsinki, Finland, on the 1-2 October to present what we have learned during our two-year long journey and to collectively reflect upon our findings. We will be joined by inspiring thinkers and practitioners who will inspire us all to revisit our relationship with nature.

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Some flashbacks from our two-year adventure! You can find more pictures on our Flickr.

Meet our thinkers

Landscape Architect and Cultural Manager

Sini Parikka _phptp by (c) Suvi Saastamoinen

Sini Parikka is a producer and designer whose work at the intersection of urban space, art, and culture emphasizes sustainability. Her approach integrates recycled materials, inclusivity, and experiential design to foster meaningful connections with environments and communities.

Over the past two decades, Sini has managed diverse projects, including the Finnish exhibition at the Venice Architecture Biennale, served as a Landscape Architect at Flow Festival Helsinki, and worked with the SISU Collective.

She advocates for innovative, cross-disciplinary methods to address sustainability challenges.

Co-Founder & Sustainability Catalyst at ufaFabrik

Sigrid Niemer is a co-founder of International Culture Centre ufaFabrik Berlin, a dynamic community space established in 1979 from a former film factory.

At ufaFabrik, which has championed sustainability for 45 years, Sigrid has been a pivotal force, organizing for TEH the 2004 "Art of Sustainability" meeting and launching the "Think Tank Sustainability."

She led the "Creative Strategies of Sustainability" project under the EU-funded "Engine Europe" (2011-13) and continues to offer her expertise in intercultural communication, strategic planning, and sustainable development globally.

Creative Spaces Advocate

Fazette Bordage is a pioneer in repurposing industrial sites and fostering artistic, cultural, and civic practices, she has shaped cultural networks across Europe and beyond. In France, she led a joint mission for the Ministry of Culture and Cities, co-creating an experimental cultural direction with citizens in Le Havre.

Today, she supports numerous cultural initiatives that strive to be sensitive and caring public services, working harmoniously with local authorities. She is deeply involved in helping cultural spaces acquire ownership of their buildings with the aim of generating communal assets.

2_Cable Factory Cultural Centre_Photo_Kuvio Oy

Where are we meeting?

We’re thrilled to be hosted by the Cable Factory and KAAPELI!

Once a marine cable factory, this place has been reinvented into one of Finland’s most vibrant cultural centers and one of the biggest within our network, spanning an impressive 62,000 square meters.

Since 1991, KAAPELI, with support from the City of Helsinki, has been all about carving out spaces where art and culture can thrive, inviting everyone to get involved in the creative process.

With a fierce commitment to sustainability and social impact, Cable Factory welcomes over 750,000 visitors each year.

Helsinki looks too far for you?

We're committed to making our event accessible to all, no matter where you're coming from. That's why we're offering some mobility grants to help cover your travel and accomodation costs (food will be provided during the event)!

To apply for a mobility grant contact Juliette at juliette@teh.net, express your interest and your motivation to take part in the event before the 26th of July.

*We will give priority to TEH Members and associates and participants of the RTL activities.

A handbook for ecological cultural centers

We will also take the opportunity to present Rebuilding to Last Book - a four-dimensional publication that combines an in-depth examination of expertise of independent cultural centres in ecological renovations with a hands-on manual for cultural workers on how to make their spaces and communities more in consonance with climate change and in balance with ecosystems they are part of.