Workshops spark life in young people

In autumn 2018, Alma Media, the Finnish Children and Youth Foundation and the City of Helsinki organised a three-month arts workshop for 14 Helsinki-based young people facing challenging life circumstances.

Over the course of the workshop, the young participants visited Alma Media and tried their hand at photography at Alma Media’s studio. The work produced by the project participants was turned into an advent calendar for Alma’s Instagram account and one of the participants joined Alma Media for a TET work practice period after the workshop ended. The workshop also included a visit to the Amos Rex art museum.  

 Implemented in cooperation between Alma Media, the Finnish Children and Youth Foundation and the City of Helsinki, the workshop was part of the FCYF art workshop programme aimed at strengthening young people’s self-esteem, courage and social skills through art. With strengthened life skills, the participants are in a better position to approach their studies and working life. 

“Media companies everywhere, including Finland, have undergone a rapid digital transformation, and people are increasingly consuming media content on their smartphones. The workshop gave the young participants the opportunity to produce a diverse range of digital content, which made it a natural fit for us. At the same time, we got a good look at how today’s young people actually consume and create content,” says Kirsi Hantula, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Alma Media.