Baltic Sea Day 2025: Meeri Koutaniemi’s photo series We from the Baltic Sea finds a home in Matinkylän lukio
Thursday 28 August was Baltic Sea Day. Matinkylän lukio joined in the celebration with its own festivities. The day included the presentation of Meeri Koutaniemi’s photo series ‘We from the Baltic Sea’, which has found a permanent home in the school.
Matinkylän lukio has celebrated Baltic Sea Day for several years by organising related events in the surroundings of the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea theme is also discussed throughout the year through lectures, expert visits and study units. “The Baltic Sea is very important to our school, and we provide study units related to the topic. We are also part of UNESCO’s Baltic Sea Project network,” Principal Harri Henttonen explained.
Photos explore our connection with the Baltic Sea
The photo series We from the Baltic Sea by Meeri Koutaniemi was previously displayed at the John Nurminen Foundation’s exhibition The Unknown Baltic Sea in Suomenlinna. After the exhibition, the foundation and EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art started to look for a permanent home for the series. The aim was to find a place that would inspire viewers to explore the relationship between humans and the sea, while also bringing joy to its surroundings.
“It is especially important to the foundation that young people have the opportunity to see these works and reflect on their relationship with the Baltic Sea,” said Elina Tuomarila, Cultural Producer at the John Nurminen Foundation. There is also a sense of responsibility in ensuring that the works and the message of the Baltic Sea are placed in a setting that is truly part of daily life and public space. “Meeri Koutaniemi, the artist, was also delighted that the works have found their way into a school, making them accessible to young people,” Tuomarila added.
At the Baltic Sea Day celebration, Principal Harri Henttonen’s opening remarks highlighted the significance of the photos for the school. “We are deeply honoured to have Meeri Koutaniemi’s stunning artworks installed in our school, and we are sincerely grateful to both Meeri and the John Nurminen Foundation. The works complement the theme of our school beautifully.” In addition to the Baltic Sea Project network, Matinkylän lukio is part of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, as the only Finnish-speaking school in Espoo.
At the Baltic Sea Day celebration in Matinkylän lukio, the John Nurminen Foundation’s CEO Annamari Arrakoski-Engardt spoke about Baltic Sea Day and its significance. Member of Parliament and Chairperson of Espoo City Board, Saara Hyrkkö, spoke about Espoo as a maritime city and why the Baltic Sea must be protected. The day’s programme also included musical performances, featuring troubadour Ilmari Läntinen and a choir composed of students and staff. In addition, a video was shown presenting young people’s thoughts about the Baltic Sea.
