Sincerely, Rosa

Application summary

The story of an African teacher in Finland How can history be re-enacted and remembered on different terms, without reinforcing the negative parts only but for creating spaces, that open up new futures. By weaving in my personal story, I see history as a companion, and a means for learning and healing, not only for individuals but communities at large. Telling Rosa Clay’s story can be important for fostering a complex, inclusive and accurate understanding of Finnish history, and could promote cultural awareness, and hopefully inspire future generations in deciding their destinies and how they imagine them. Rosa lived in several places in Finland, and abroad. These cities and towns will be visited and explored as a basis for new photographic and studio works, new musical performances, in collaboration with other artists. Research and artistic processes will be documented through still photography and video, culminating into a multi layered collage film/video work telling her story in a new way. In 2023 I presented artwork inspired by Rosa Emilia Clay during the 3rd M_ita? Biennial. The focus was her presence in Joensuu, where she sang as choir director of Sortavala Seminary college where she studied to be a schoolteacher. What can we learn from Rosa Emilia Clay as the first African born person with Finnish citizenship? She is today one of many minority persons who have the same recognition of citizenship, an acknowledgement which assumes equality. Our team firmly believes telling stories can help build bridges and create better understanding between members of society, as they are a catalyst for forming strong and lasting belief systems. Perhaps through an old tale about an African teacher in Finland there can be new avenues for exploring cultural, societal cohesion without shame, embarrassment nor guilt.