Helsinki, Finland – Villa Karo, the Finnish-West African cultural center based in Grand-Popo, Benin, has published a comprehensive impact report, summarizing 25 years of its work fostering cross-cultural exchange and artistic collaboration between Finland and West Africa. This report explores the organisation’s achievements, societal contributions, and future goals as Villa Karo begins its next phase as the Finnish Institute for West Africa. More than 200 respondents shared their feedback about Villa Karo for this report.
Since its founding in 2000, Villa Karo has hosted over 700 Finnish and West African artists, researchers, and cultural professionals in its residency, enriching both Finnish and Beninese societies with new artistic perspectives and connections. The report highlights the deep influence of Villa Karo’s programs on its alumni, with many Finnish artists acknowledging that their time in Benin inspired fresh artistic directions, leading even to professional turning points. 74% of the respondents felt that their time in Villa Karo had made a major impact to their world view, and 64% responded that their time in Grand-Popo had left a significant professional mark over the long term. Respondents note that in the Finnish society, Villa Karo has also succeeded in influencing perceptions of Africa, which is often very limited and negative in the media. This is due to the thousands of artistic and scientific works produced at Villa Karo, which have been made accessible to the Finnish public.
The report also documents Villa Karo’s impact within the local community of Grand-Popo. Villa Karo’s presence has enhanced local employment, attracted tourism, and created educational opportunities, reinforcing the center as a cultural hub and contributor to Benin’s growing art scene.
“Villa Karo represents a cultural bridge that connects continents through the shared language of art, science, and dialogue,” said Julia Ojanen, Villa Karo’s Executive Director. “As we reflect on our past and look to the future, this report serves as both an acknowledgment of what we’ve achieved and a commitment to strengthening the foundation of this bridge in the coming decades.”
Despite its many successes, the report also addresses challenges Villa Karo faces as it works toward truly equitable cultural exchange. The limited availability of residencies for African artists in Finland, alongside restrictions imposed by visa policies and funding constraints, highlight the need for Villa Karo to continue expanding resources and opportunities for artists on both continents. Additionally, the report addresses the importance of decolonization of the artistic and research practices, recommending further pre-residency training in Finland to help the artists engage with their West African partners in a way that breaks free from stereotypes.
Among other strategic goals, Villa Karo plans to increase the number of West African alumni, enhance its environmental sustainability, and continue fostering cross-cultural understanding at a time when global interdependence is more critical than ever. It underscores the institution’s dedication to building cultural connections that inspire both personal and societal change and offers insight into how Villa Karo will continue to shape the cultural landscape between Finland and West Africa.
At the occasion of publishing the impact report, Villa Karo also awarded also its cultural prize, the Bronze Panther. This prize is awarded annually to a person, organisation or society that has significantly promoted cultural understanding as well as reduced prejudice between different cultures.
This year the Bronze Panther goes to Michaela Moua, the first ever European Commission Coordinator for Combating Racism. Since her appointment in 2021, Michaela has been at the forefront of the EU's efforts to combat racism in all its forms. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025, a comprehensive strategy designed to tackle structural and systemic racism and promote plurality. Under her guidance, the EU has strengthened cooperation with EU Member States and civil society organizations, improved the collection of disaggregated data on racial discrimination, and developed targeted policies to address inequalities faced by racialised minorities.
The Villa Karo jury highlighted Moua’s tireless dedication over the long term to advancing the diversity and inclusion agenda. This is exactly what Villa Karo wishes to also achieve and encourage in the world. The antiracism work is done together, across all the various lines that divide us, whether geographic, mental, cultural or professional. Villa Karo wishes to congratulate Michaela and encourage her to rise even higher!
Photo: Sampo Kiviniemi