Kiri

CURRICULUM VITAE Name Veijo Oskari Baltzar Date and place of birth 9 Jun 1942, Kuopio Title Cultural Counsellor (2011) [email protected] www.veijobaltzar.fi PRIZES AND AWARDS p.2 LITERARY WORKS p. 2 THEATRE p. 3 PERFORMING ARTIST p. 4 VISUAL ARTS p. 6 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN p. 8 TEACHING ACTIVITY p. 8 CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL RESEARCH p. 9 PRESS WORK p. 9 LECTURES p. 10 SOCIETAL ACTIVITY AND MEMBERSHIPS p. 11 1 PRIZES AND AWARDS 1980 1st prize in the Golden Harp – competition in Dublin for TV-play The Red Garden (manuscript) 1981 The Theatre Action of the Year prize. Awarded by Finnish Theatre Center. 1992 The Art award of the Province of Kuopio. 1991 The Culture award of county Rautalampi. 1999 The 3rd prize in the international “Amico Rom” - competition. Lanciano Italy. 2000 The 2nd prize in the international “Amico Rom” - competition. Lanciano Italy. 2002 Arvo Turtiainen Literature Prize. 2008 Mikael Agricola medal celebrating 40-year literary career. Helsinki, Tammi publisher. 2011 An honorary title of Cultural Counsellor, kulttuurineuvos, granted by the President of Finland Tarja Halonen. 2016 Finalist and honorable mention (international recognition for 50-year activity for the benefit of European Roma), European Roma Spirit Award (ERSA). Bratislava, Slovakia 2017 Artist pension, granted by Arts Promotion Centre Finland as recognition for meritious artistic activity LITERARY PRODUCTIONS Novels 1968 The Burning Road (Polttava Tie). Tammi Publishers. The Swedish translation Brännande Väg, Norstedt, published 1969. 1969 The Engagement of Blood (Verikihlat). Tammi Publishers. 1970 Mari. Tammi Publishers. 1978 The Crystal Ball of Black Sarah (Mustan Saaran krisallipallo). Tammi Publishers. Novel for children. 1988 The Snake Trial Stone (Käärmeenkäräjäkivi). Tammi Publishers. 1990 The Black Tango (Musta Tango). Tammi Publishers. 2000 Phuro. Tammi Publishers. 2008 In love and war (Sodassa ja rakkaudessa). Tammi Publishers. Philisophy/Scientific work 2012/ Towards Experiential philosophy (Kokemuspohjainen filosofia). A polemic 2014 work. Ntamo publishers. English translation of the book published 2014 (Translation by Jüri Kokkonen) Poetry 2014 The Seven-String Guitar (Seitsemän kielen kitara). Poem collection 1964–2014 (ntamo publishers) Written poems since 1964. Baltzar’s poems composed by Toni Edelmann: Recorded by Vera Telenius, 1983 2  Recorded by Pauliina Pohjanheimo, 1994 Other composers of Baltzar’s poems: Hannu Sopanen, Orli Folk Opera 1994-1995 Jere Laukkanen 1997 (Love and Mary Church oratorio) Kiureli Sammallahti (New Gipsy Music Orchestra Drom) 2001-2018 Mikko Karhula, Elina Öster 2017-18 Tv- and listening program manuscripts 1974 The Ballad of the Gypsies (Mustalaisballadi). Channel 1. Finland. 1979 The Red Garden (Punainen Puutarha). TV-play’s manuscript. Channel 1, YLE Broadcasting company. The manuscript won 1st prize in the Golden Harp – competition in Dublin 1980. 1980 The Crystal Ball of Black Sarah (Mustan Saaran kristallipallo). Listening program to the Swedish radio. 1998 Djengiba. Listening program to Finnish radio. Movie manuscripts 1979 The Engagement of Blood. (Verikihlat) with Ilkka Vanne. 1991 The King of Töpäri (Töpärin Kingi) with Armas Baltzar and Ilkka Vanne. TV- play, Channel 1, YLE Broadcasting company. 1997 Whose son? (Kenen poika). Short movie. Written and directed. Librettos 1994 Karma 1996 Orli 1999 Veren juhlat (The Celebration of Blood) Other literary works 1978 Vappu. Short story on Uma Aaltonen’s anthology The Horse and I. Otava. Numerous short stories, pamphlets, poems, etc. Published in different newspapers and journals. 2016 Excerpt from the novel The Engagement of Blood pp. 105-109. The World from Home. Book of Encounters, Lecti Book Studio. Anthology of Finnish authors. THEATRE 1976-1981 Theatre Baltzar, establisher, manager, director (Mikkeli, Helsinki) 1981-1988 Roma Theatre Drom, establisher, educator, manager, director (Theatre Academy Helsinki) 1997-1998 Leading teacher and lecturer, Theatre Academy Helsinki 2013 – Integration Theatre Baltzar, manager and director (Aleksander theatre, Helsinki) 3 PLAYS (written and directed) Whole night plays 1981 The Black Scourge (Musta ruoska). Roma theatre Drom. 1982 The Hungry Cranes (Nälkäkurjet). Drom Theatre. 1980 The Crystal Ball of Black Sarah. A play for children. Performed in theatre Green Apple in Helsinki. 1983 I’ll Forge Stone to Be a Horse (Taon kivestä hevosen). Drom Theatre, Helsinki Student Theater. The play was performed at the International Theatre Festival at Hamburg 22.–26.11.1985 with excellent reviews. Performances at Deutsches Schauspielhaus, Hamburg. 1984 Iron Nights (Rautayöt). Drom Theatre. 1986 Iron Horses (Rautaratsut). Drom Theatre. 1991 The God Is Great (Jumala on suuri). Passion play. Premiere at Rautalampi church. Männistö church, Kuopio 1993 1992 The Paradise of Gods (Jumalten Paratiisi). Kuopio. Premiere at the Kuopio Student theatre/ Kuopio Student Theatre. 1993 Backyard Carmen (Takapihan Carmen) 1993. Kuopio. Premiere at the Kuopio Student theatre/ Kuopio Student Theatre. 1993 The Gang, diploma work of a drama course. Premiere at the Helsinki Deaconess Institute’s 400-birthday celebration. 1993 The Dance, premiere at Cultural Centre Poleeni, Pieksämäki. 1993 I Will Not Leave My Friend (Kaveria ei jätetä). Premiere at the Christian Institute of Pieksämäki. 1996 The Forest of Women (Naisten metsä). Premiere at the Adult Education Centre of Helsinki. 1997 Love and Mary (Rakkauteni Maria) Oratory. Premiere at the International Church Festival of Lappeenranta. 1994- ORLI, Folk opera. Premiere at the Imatra Cultural Center 1995. The second 1997 version premiered in March 1997 at Finlandia Hall, Helsinki. 2004 The Paradise of Gods (Jumalten Paratiisi). Premiere at Snåre Hall, Tammisaari (other venues Billnäs, Etno festival; Nurmijärvi, Taaborinvuori and Cultural Centre Caisa) 2009 BOTOX. A modern play about multicultural Finland. Helsinki. Premiere at Cultural Centre STOA (other venues Cultural Centres Vuotalo and Caisa). 2011- The God is Great (Jumala on Suuri). A modernized version of the play (originally 2012 written in 1991) about crucifixion of Jesus Christ in today’s society. Music: string quartet from Sibelius Academy. Premiere at The Rock Church, Helsinki. 2014 With the Seven-String Guitar. Gipsy cabaret. Premiere at the Alexander Theatre, Helsinki 2016 Sin. A musical play. Premiere at the Alexander Theatre, Helsinki 4 Poetic plays 1979 Muistan eläneeni (Remembrance of my life). Theatre Baltzar 1982 Tie (The Road). Drom. 1983 Yön kulkijat (Wanderers of the night), Theatre Drom 1983 Punainen hevonen (The Red Horse). Drom. 1985 Mustat kiharat (Black Curls). Drom. 2005 Mustalaisrunoteatteri (Gipsy Poetry Theatre). Helsinki. Others 2012 “Sny” (Dreams). Short play performed at Prague’s New Stage of the National Theatre as the result of 6-day theatre workshop, as a part of the project Theatre of Nations: Roma at Nova Scena. Orli Folk Opera 1994-1997 5 PERFORMING ARTIST 2018 – The leading singer, Ludvig XIV orchestra. Jubilee Concert To Heaven Like a Bird, Savoy theatre, Helsinki 6 Apr 2018 (celebrating Veijo Baltzar’s 50-year artistic career) Concert’s televised version by AlfaTV may be viewed here: www.permanto.fi/fi/web//alfatv/player/vod?assetId=10136680 2017 – The leading singer, Ludvig XIV orchestra. Performances in Espoo (FIN), Tallinn (EST), Zagreb (HRV), Sered’ (SLO) and Budapest (HUN) 2016 Sin, one of the leading roles. Musical play. Premiere in the Alexander Theatre, Helsinki 20 April (other performances 22, 28 and 29 Apr) 2014 With the Seven-String Guitar, a leading role. Gipsy cabaret. Premiere in the Alexander Theatre, Helsinki 19 March 2014 (other performances 30 Mar and 12 Apr) 2014 Drom orchestra, soloist, exhibition opening of “Miranda – the Roma Holocaust”. Vantaa, Tikkurila library. Welcoming speach by Member of Parliament Antti Lindtman. 2014 Drom orcestra, soloist, Matti Lohi college, Rautalampi. 1974 Mustalaisballadi (Gipsy ballad), leading role. TV play, TV 1 (YLE) 6 VISUAL ARTS 1975 Exhibition for young artists in Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki. During the 1970’s-80’s numerous exhibitions in different galleries in Finland, among the latest: 1991 Raudan takaa (Behind the Iron) Exhibition with Oili Marski in the library of Rautalampi. 1991 Kiven aika (The Time of the Stone) Exhibition with Oili Marski in Kuopio, Gallery Vintti. 2004 Mustalaisten Tie (The Road of Gypsies) Photography and visual art exhibition, Cultural Centre Caisa, Helsinki. 2010 Barvalo Drom – Viable Roma culture. Cultural Centre Caisa, Helsinki. Exhibition presenting Romani history, culture and art; visual art, photography, installations. Initiator and main organizer of the exhibition. The exhibition presented a collection of my latest art works, part of which reflected the experience of Holocaust by Romani people. 2012 Miranda – the Roma Holocaust. Who’s afraid of the White Man? a touring exhibition about the Roma Holocaust. Project director, design and 7  implementation. Production: Drom Association. Opening: City of Kouvola 7.3.2012, other venues 2012-2016: Tuusniemi, cities of Mikkeli, Pieksämäki, Lappeenranta, Jyväskylä, Turku, Rauma and Helsinki (The National Museum of Finland 13 Sep 2013 – 23 Mar 2014). 2013- Personal art exhibition at The National Museum of Finland in connection to 2014 the display of exhibition Miranda – the Roma Holocaust. 2014 Do you ask, who I am? A personal exhibition of 50 works. City of Suonenjoki, Kellarikalleria. July 2014 2014 The Nordic Tango. A personal exhibition of 45 art works at the Latin Art Gallery, Prague, Czech Republic. Openers of the exhibition: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Petr Drulák and Ambassador of Finland in Czech Republic Helena Tuuri. Nov-Dec 2014 2016-2017 Miranda exhibition displayed at cities of Iisalmi, Vantaa, Vaasa, Kokkola, Espoo, Rautalampi (FIN) 15/2/2017 Opening of Miranda exhibition’s World Tour by Former President of Finland Tarja Halonen, Espoo Cultural Centre 11/5/2017 Exhibition ”Miranda – The Roma Holocaust” started its World-Tour (as part of EU-funded Through Miranda’s Eyes project). First international openings: 11 May – Museum of Occupations, Tallinn, Estonia 15 May – Latvian Holocaust and Riga Ghetto Museum, Riga, Latvia 29 Jun – National and University Library in Zagreb, Croatia 2 Aug – Sered’ Holocaust Museum/Slovak National Museum, Slovakia 3 Aug – Holocaust Memorial Centre, Budapest, Hungary 27 Sep – Varazdin’s Old Synagogue, Varazdin, Croatia See all international openings of Miranda project at: www.drom.fi/miranda and Online Exhibition www.romaholocaust.com Left: Opening of Nordic Tango exhibition, 20 Nov 2014, Prague (together with Petr Drulák, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic) Right: Miranda exhibition at Museum of Occupations, Tallinn, Estonia 8 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 1991 Doctor’s house from 15th-18th century, restoration, Rautalampi. 1992 Atelie House, Rautalampi. 2000 American Villa, basic repair into the artist’s house, Pohja. 2002 Old school of Brasby, basic repair into modern villa, Karjaa. 2005 Apartment Lönnrotinkatu 23, basic repair, interior design, Helsinki. 2007 Apartment Helsinginkatu 23, basic repair, interior design, Helsinki. 2007 Writer’s Atelier House. Architectural design. Brasby, Karjaa. 2009 Sauna. Architectural design. Brasby, Karjaa. TEACHING ACTIVITY 1970-1973 Taught literary writing at the adult education centre of Helsinki. 1981-1984 The leading teacher of Roma theatre course in the Theatre academy of Helsinki. 1981-1985 Teacher at Theatre Academy of Helsinki. 1981 The establisher of Roma theatre Group Drom, teacher, director and leader. The theatre originated from Theatre Baltzar, established in 1976. 1989-1991 Various literary writing courses, e.g at Adult Education Centre of Sisä-Savo. 1993-1994 Teacher of drama course in the Christian Institute of Pieksämäki. 1995-1996 Art college of Imatra. 1997-1998 Teacher at Theatre Academy of Helsinki. 2011-2012 Pedagogical Director in the research project of Intercultural Experiential Education, established by Baltzar. See the book “Towards Experiential philosophy”. HUMAK University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki. 9 2012 International theatre workshop with Czech, Roma and Finnish participants. Teacher-director. Realized as a part of the Czech project Theatre of Nations: Roma at Nova Scena. National Theatre, Prague. 2013 – Integration Theatre Baltzar, Alexander theatre, Helsinki (annual educational art productions) - also numerous shorter courses CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL RESEARCH 1969 Research and documentation project about Finnish Roma together with photographer Henrik Schütt. 2001-2002 Interview research on Roma survivors of Holocaust. Interviews conducted in Sweden, Germany and Italy, 2001 and 2002. PRESS WORK 1969-1970 Permanent assistant in newspaper Aftonbladet. 1986-1987 Permanent assistant in newspaper Hyvinkään Sanomat. 1970 Permanent assistant at Nyapressen 1970–1971 Finnish Gipsy Mission, publicist 1970-1972 Journalist, newspaper Kotitiellä Writings in numerous Finnish newspapers such as Suomen Kuvalehti, Helsingin Sanomat, Dagens Nyheter, Aftonbladet, Aamulehti, Apu, Nyapressen, Kotitiellä, Kirjailija-lehti, Parnasso, Romano Boodos, Latso Diives and local newspapers. LECTURES In Finland 1968 Roma Conference, Helsinki. 1969 The ”Novel 69”- event. Old Student House, Helsinki. Various presentations and lectures during the years 1969–1998, please see some of the latest below: 1998 University of Jyväskylä, about Romani literature. 2000 University of Helsinki, about Finnish literature, together with writers Kjell Westö and Marja-Leena Mikkola. 2007 University of Helsinki, Renvall Institute, about Romani literature. 2008 Helsinki University, Master’s programme for Intercultural Encounters, panel discussion about multiculturalism. 10 2008 About the novel In love and War. Library of Karjaa and Library of Itäkeskus, Helsinki. 2009 Lecture The forgotten sufferings of Roma, Villa Hakasalmi, Helsinki. 2010 Writer, the voice of his people, lecture at the international seminar “The Roma and the Holocaust”. The House of Sciences, Helsinki. 2013 Who’s afraid of the White Man? The problematics of equality. Lecture at the National Museum of Finland. 2014 Panel discussion: Where’s the future? The future guarantee of multicultural youth (other panelists Deputy City Mayor Ritva Viljanen and professor Laura Kolbe), Cultural Centre Caisa, Helsinki 2014 The Conscience of Europe, lecture at 2-day international minister-level conference (organization by Veijo Baltzar), Little Parliament Annex, Helsinki, Finland 2014 The life of an author – lecturing tour in municipal libraries of South Finland (Autumn 2014) 2014 The untapped resources of cultures. Panel discussion together with historian Jukka Relander and researcher, direcotor of Cupore Foundation Pasi Saukkonen. Tikkurila Library, City of Vantaa. 2015 Where are the values? Unequal multicultural Finland. Panel dicussion, restaurant Juttutupa. Together with Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Eero Heinäluoma, CEO of the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE Lauri Kivinen and Candidate for Parliamentary elections Nina Castén Performed at the Finnish Book Fair in different cities regularly since 1970’s, the latest performances: 2009 Tampere Book Fair. 2009 Helsinki Book Fair. Abroad 1970 Performing at the ceremony of Nordic Council as a representative of Liberal Party’s Youth Association, Stockholm. Various other presentations and lectures during the years 1970–2000, among the latest: 1997 A guest of German Roma theatre Phralipe - lecturing about Drom theatre, Hamburg. 2000 Lecture at Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust: Conference on Education, Remembrance and Research. Stockholm. 2004 As a representative of International Romani Writer Association, International Ars Baltica Conference. Gdansk, Poland. 2005 Umeå University, Sweden. About Romani literature and its situation in Europe. 2006 Nordisk Museum, Stocholm. About meaning of language, culture and literature to Roma identity. 2007 Book Fair in Sibiu, Representing International Roma Writers Association. Romania. 2009 Romskt kulturcentrum, Stockholm. Lecture about the Roma holocaust and the book “In love and war”. 11 2010 Prague international book fair (Book World Prague), Czech Republic. - International writer symposium together with authors George Blecher (USA), Mikael Niemi (SWE), Maria Peura (FIN), Jean-Marie Blas de Roblés(FRA) and Sarah Waters (UK). - Interviewed by PhD Kari Senius (FIN) about the novel ”In love and War”. Prague. 2017 International Book Arsenal Festival, Kiev, Ukraine. International Discussion on Roma Literature 2017 The Holocaust amidst the cross-currents of multi-culturalism (lecture). National and University Library in Zagreb, Croatia 2017 The Spirit’s on the move, but who stands in the way? (a speech) World-day of Romani language celebration and international conference, Zagreb, Croatia SOCIETAL ACTIVITY AND MEMBERSHIPS 1967-1974 One of the founders of the Finnish Roma Association, board member. Communication Officer of Finnish Roma Association 1971-1972 1968 The Roma Conference, organizer. Helsinki, Finland. 1970– The Finnish Writer Union, member. 1970-1973 The Theatre Society in Helsinki, vice-member. 1970 The Roma children and youth educational fund, founder. Charity gala evenings for its benefit in Helsinki and Tampere, organizer. 1970 First Roma as candidate for Parliamentary elections in Finland, Liberal party. 1971 The Roma housing issues committee, appointed by Finnish Ministry of the Interior, member. 1972 The International Roma conference, one of the organizers. Hanasaari, Finland 1976– Drom, Association for Creative Arts and Culture, founder and chairman (www.drom.fi) Chairman of Drom Association’s strategic steering committee. Members: former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, MEP Liisa Jaakonsaari, Members of Parliament Pekka Haavisto and Ilkka Kanerva, professor of multicultural education Fred Dervin, Youth Counsellor Olli Saarela and director of Aleksander Theatre Reima Jokinen 1981– The Finnish Play-writer Union, member. 1987 Representing Finland with Roma theatre Drom at the Theatre Festival in Hamburg 1989-1992 The Culture board of the town of Karkkila, member. 1989-1992 The Culture Society of the town of Rautalampi, active member. 1992– Rotary club of the town of Suonenjoki, member. 1994– The Arkadia society, member (For the members of the parliament of Finland and for notable culture persons). 1995 Candidate for Parliamentary elections in Finland, Green party. 1999– The member of Finnish Social Democrat Party’s YPSY-department. 2000– PEN Society, member. 12  2002–2005 International Romani Writers' Association, founder and President. 2004 Ars Baltica -International Romani Writer Conference 2-4.7.2004, organizer. Snåre-Hall, Tammisaari, Finland. 2008– Finnish Cultural Association of Raseborg City, vice-chairman. 2009–2012 A member of the Finnish committee of International Holocaust Task Force (ITF), Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, member. 2010 International event The Forgotten Genocide, Helsinki, dedicated to Roma Holocaust and the present situation of European Roma. The main event was international 2-day seminar The Roma and the Holocaust. -Initiator, project leader and one of the Chairmen of the seminar together with former PM Paavo Lipponen, Member of Parliament Pekka Haavisto and chairman of Roma Advisory Board Taito Lehmusta. 2010 Award ceremony ”Gipsy Spirit”, awarding Slovakian organizations and individuals for outstanding work for Roma communities (org. ACEC). -One of the five international jurors. Radio Building, Bratislava, Slovakia 2014 The Conscience of Europe project, supported by European Unions’ Europe for Citizens Programme. A series of events dedicated to the issues of multicultural Europe. The main event The Conscience of Europe 18-19 March 2014, a two-day international minister-level conference at the Finnish Parliament. Initiator and director. Among the participants and speakers of the conference were former Finland’s President Tarja Halonen, Minister of Education Jaak Aaviksoo (Estonia), former Finland’s Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, Ministers Krista Kiuru, Pekka Haavisto and Päivi Räsänen, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Petr Drulák (Czech Republic) and Minister of State for Social Inclusion Zoltán Kovács (Hungary). The conference issued 24-item set of proposals by Veijo Baltzar for reforming European policies of multiculturalism. Baltzar’s law proposals were sent to the European Commission. 2017-2021 International Roma Writer Association (IRWA), elected president for a next 5-year rule The Conscience of Europe Conference 18-19 Mar 2014, Parliament Annex, Helsinki 13 Helsinki, Finland 6 June 2018 Declaration: Upgrade2018! International Networking meeting in Riga established a basis for future cross-Baltic collaboration The first Baltic UPGRADE2018! networking event in Riga, in the frames of international collaboration initiative “Upgrade2018!” provoked discussion and cooperation ideas. The event took place at the House of European Union, Riga 28-29 May, bringing together cultural and societal players within the Baltic region. The event was chaired and based on initiative by Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar (Finland) and Creative Association for Arts and Culture DROM. The participants included international art professionals from Russia, Estonia, Finland and Latvia, as well as NGOs, officials and politicians from Latvia. The event took place under the auspices of Ambassador of Finland in Latvia H.E. Olli Kantanen. Ambassador Kantanen inaugurated the Upgrade2018! meeting on Mon 28 May. He noted that culture and intercultural understanding play an evergrowing role in sustainable development also on the global level. He mentioned the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture (NDPC), promoting people-to-people cooperation involving a wide sphere of society. The agreement of establishing NDPC’s secretariat in Latvia was signed in Riga on the very same day. Finland currently chairs the strategic committee of NDPC. The pursuit of the cooperation initiative “Upgrade2018!”, co-founded by Nordic Cultural Point, is to identify a common foundation for international long-term cultural collaboration for the purpose of promoting Intercultural Dialogue and sustainable future of multicultural Europe. The cooperation strategy of the Baltic region, developed during the meeting was based on a discussion of 20 cross-disciplinary law initiatives by Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar for renewing European Union’s policies of multiculturalism. Baltzar’s objective is to offer European societies innovative tools to build sustainable and egalitarian multicultural Europe. Issues related to multicultural Europe provoked discussion. It was noted that in the global context also Baltic states such as Latvia appear in a position of a minority. Veijo Baltzar’s law initiatives were regarded as forerunners of science, art and cultural life of the future, that have potential to create space for sectors of culture and creativity that have been marginalized by organized societies. “Veijo Baltzar’s law proposals are a topical initiative, the promotion of which in a dialogue with art-oriented projects could be a fruitful combination.” - Latvian Member of Parliament Artis Gustovskis  “Veijo Baltzar’s law initiatives are ingenious document. We are talking about totally new direction of development of society, which is challenging, but not impossible to achieve. If Baltzar emphasized less the Roma issue, he could become a European-wide opinion and cultural leader. That kind of leader is lacking in Europe.” -Artūrs Avotiņš, Happy Art Museum, Latvia “I fully agree with Baltzar’s idea of organization of national bodies, such as ministries, in European states to promote position and interests of minorities. One of contradictory issues that I find in Baltzar’s thinking is how we can achieve positive discrimination to promote identity and culture of minorities together with the fact that categorization to minorities and majorities, as according to Baltzar, should cease”. - Prof., Dr.phil. Juris Rozenvalds, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Latvian University Issues of status and target groups of multicultural activities were actively discussed. It was emphasized that minority cultures are often provided amateurish marginal opportunities within European societies, depriving them from societal status needed for building intercultural dialogue on an egalitarian basis. It was demanded that in promotion of multicultural art were involved highest decision-makers, leading figures and institutions of society. National minorities do not possess enough resources to survive alone: empowerment requires cooperation with majority and renewing societal structures. Multiculturality signifies the preservation of European and world’s cultural heritage ”In this meeting I heard for the first time ever, and at this level, speaking out loud about losing spiritual values in modern societies. (…) The problems of hate can be solved only by methods of spiritual-intellectual solutions. It needs influential ambassadors like Veijo Baltzar who have courage to talk about these issues in order to end discrimination of art and creativity”. – Oleg Shaposhnikov, Director of Daugavpils theatre The participants of “Upgrade” meeting reached wide consensus about the role of European multiculturality and its needs for future development, as well as about the significance of arts and culture in building intercultural dialogue and sustainable future societies. Seminar resulted in cultural initiatives for the future and a cooperation strategy among its participants, which will be publicized later. Member of Parliament of Latvia Artis Gustovskis noted that according to EU, creative industries and innovations are an asset for future’s tourism. The mayor of Kuldiga had given a mission to Mr Gustovskis to promote these issues in his county, and according to Gustovskis, Veijo Baltzar’s and Drom Association’s activities represent them in particular. The parties agreed to establish international cooperation based on the aforementioned objectives. Next and second “Upgrade2018!” International Networking event will take place in Vilnius, Lithuania in September 2018. Upgrade2018! seminar was possible to follow in social media, and its recording is available on the Facebook page of Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar (www.facebook.com/VeijoBaltzar1) Coordinator of the “UPGRADE! NETWORK”: Creative Association for Arts and Culture Drom (www.drom.fi) www.en.drom.fi/upgrade-2018 CONTACT PERSON: Director for Communications, Ms Nina Castén [email protected], tel. +358 445090683 www.drom.fi INVITATION www.veijobaltzar.fi 28 August 2018 Dear Representative of the Ministry of Culture of Estonia, Cultural Counsellor Mr. Veijo Baltzar (Finland) has the pleasure to invite You to take part at the 2nd Cross-Baltic Network Meeting and seminar “Upgrade 2018!”. in Vilnius, at Finland’s Embassy (Aura Hall) on Wed 26th – Thu 27th September 2018 (times: 9.30 am. – 4.30 pm / both days). “Upgrade 2018!” is an international cooperation initiative by author and artist Mr Veijo Baltzar and Creative Association for Arts and Culture DROM for the purpose of promoting Intercultural Dialogue in the Baltic region. The project consists of two international networking meetings, first of which has successfully taken place in Riga, Latvia 28-29 May at the House of European Parliament (pls see attached Declaration). “Upgrade2018!” initiative, coordinated by Drom Association and co-founded by Nordic Cultural Point, has two objectives: promotion of • NETWORKING and COOPERATION of cultural professionals and decision-makers within the Baltic region as well their • COMPETENCE and MUTUAL DIALOGUE on issues of building sustainable multicultural Europe. The event takes place under the auspices of Ambassador of Finland to Latvia H.E. Christer Michelsson. International meeting “Upgrade2018!” will bring together leading art professionals as well as keynote politicians, officials and NGO leaders from Lithuania, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Poland. The international cultural cooperation strategy of the Baltic region will be built on the basis of 20 cross-disciplinary law initiatives by Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar for renewing European Union’s policies of multiculturalism, introduced and discussed during the first day of the meeting. The 2nd day of the seminar is dedicated to cultural exchange and building future collaboration. Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar, a travelling Roma by his roots, is a world-renowned Finnish author and all-rounder in culture. He pursued his life’s work for the Roma people through his artistic, cultural and social activity. Since starting his literary career in 1960s, Baltzar has discussed intercultural relations in more than 72 literary works including novels, plays, prose and poetry collections, librettos and film manuscripts. He has directed numerous plays, served as teacher at the Theatre Academy Helsinki, and is also actively involved in the visual arts. In April 2014 Mr Veijo Baltzar organized a 2-day minister-level conference “The Conscience of Europe” at the Finnish Parliament, Helsinki. The conference was attended by e.g. former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen (FIN), former President Tarja Halonen (FIN), Minister of Education Jaak Aaviksoo (EST), Minister of Education Krista Kiuru (FIN), Minister of Development Pekka Haavisto (FIN), Minister of Interior Päivi Räsänen (FIN), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Petr Drulák (Czech Republic), Minister of State for Social Inclusion Zoltán Kovács (HUN) and State Secretary of the Ministry of Education Stefan Chudoba (SLO). Photos: The Conscience of Europe conference, Finnish Parliament Annex 18-19 March 2018 On the right: Former Primer Minister of Finland Paavo Lipponen and Minister of State for Social Inclusion Zoltán Kovács (Hungary) at the front Conference issued Veijo Baltzar’s 24-item set of proposals for reforming European policies of multiculturalism and sent to European Commission. “Baltzar’s recommendations and initiatives are most useful contribution to reflections currently under way within the European Commission.” - Mr Walter Zampieri, Head of Cultural Diversity and Innovation of European Commission The seminar in Vilnius will issue renewed and updated law initiatives by Veijo Baltzar in 2018. “We need political initiativeness and fights on various fronts to build sustainable European future. Therefore Veijo Baltzar’s law initiatives to renew policies of multiculturalism in Europe were a crucial turning point. Currently they are topical and of utmost importance.” Finland’s former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen at Veijo Baltzar’s 50-year artistic career’s anniversary celebration 6 April 2018 Please find a following outlining thesis by Mr Veijo Baltzar, as a theme to be discussed in the seminar: The leaders of our world have chosen multicultural way of life; the world is becoming increasingly international and multicultural simply because of its economic fabric. To the Baltic states this is especially important. Finland has been international for decades and it is one of the reasons why it has kept its independence. Correctly applied multiculturality is a choice that prevents small countries from being swallowed by bigger ones. Why does the mainstream population have only formal goals regarding national minorities, as recorded in some articles of human rights, laws and social policies? Why do the minority policies of the majority often follow their own isolated course, as a result of which the minorities are kept in precarious situations and in the margins? “Veijo Baltzar’s law proposals are a topical initiative, the promotion of which in a dialogue with art-oriented projects could be a fruitful combination.” - Latvian Member of Parliament Artis Gustovskis “Veijo Baltzar’s law initiatives are ingenious document. We are talking about totally new direction of development of society, which is challenging, but not impossible to achieve. Baltzar could become a European-wide opinion and cultural leader. That kind of leader is lacking in Europe.” -Artūrs Avotiņš, Happy Art Museum, Latvia ”In this meeting I heard for the first time ever, at this level, speaking out loud about losing spiritual values in modern societies. The problems of hate can be solved only by methods of spiritual-intellectual solutions. It needs influential ambassadors like Veijo Baltzar who have the courage to talk about these issues in order to end discrimination of art and creativity”. – Oleg Shaposhnikov, Director of Daugavpils theatre Upgrade seminar in Riga 28-29 May 2018 Coordinator of the “UPGRADE! NETWORK”: Creative Association for Arts and Culture Drom (www.drom.fi) CONTACT PERSON: Director for Communications, Ms Nina Castén [email protected], tel. +358 445090683 www.en.drom.fi/upgrade2018 www.drom.fi INVITATION www.veijobaltzar.fi 28 August 2018 Dear Minister for Culture Mr Indrek Saar, Cultural Counsellor Mr. Veijo Baltzar (Finland) cordially requests You to participate at the 2nd Cross- Baltic Network Meeting and seminar “Upgrade 2018!”, and its Inauguration Ceremony. The 2-day international meeting will take place in Vilnius, at Finland’s Embassy (Aura Hall) Wed 26th – Thu 27th September 2018. It would be an honor to receive Your opening address, responding to a special challenge by Mr Baltzar (please find it below) in the Inauguration Ceremony of the Meeting on Wed 26 Sep at 10 am. “Upgrade 2018!” is an international cooperation initiative by author and artist Mr Veijo Baltzar and Creative Association for Arts and Culture DROM for the purpose of promoting Intercultural Dialogue in the Baltic region. The project consists of two international networking meetings, first of which has successfully taken place in Riga, Latvia 28-29 May at the House of European Parliament (pls see attached Declaration). “Upgrade2018!” initiative, coordinated by Drom Association and co-founded by Nordic Cultural Point, has two objectives: promotion of • NETWORKING and COOPERATION of cultural professionals and decision-makers within the Baltic region as well their • COMPETENCE and MUTUAL DIALOGUE on issues of building sustainable multicultural Europe. The event takes place under the auspices of Ambassador of Finland to Latvia H.E. Christer Michelsson. International meeting “Upgrade2018!” will bring together leading art professionals as well as keynote politicians, officials and NGO leaders from Lithuania, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Poland. The international cultural cooperation strategy of the Baltic region will be built on the basis of 20 cross- disciplinary law initiatives by Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar for renewing European Union’s policies of multiculturalism, introduced and discussed during the first day of the meeting. The 2nd day of the seminar is dedicated to cultural exchange and building future collaboration. Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar, a travelling Roma by his roots, is a world-renowned Finnish author and all-rounder in culture. He pursued his life’s work for the Roma people through his artistic, cultural and social activity. Since starting his literary career in 1960s, Baltzar has discussed intercultural relations in more than 72 literary works including novels, plays, prose and poetry collections, librettos and film manuscripts. He has directed numerous plays, served as teacher at the Theatre Academy Helsinki, and is also actively involved in the visual arts. In April 2014 Mr Veijo Baltzar organized a 2-day minister-level conference “The Conscience of Europe” at the Finnish Parliament, Helsinki. The conference was attended by e.g. former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen (FIN), former President Tarja Halonen (FIN), Minister of Education Jaak Aaviksoo (EST), Minister of Education Krista Kiuru (FIN), Minister of Development Pekka Haavisto (FIN), Minister of Interior Päivi Räsänen (FIN), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Petr Drulák (Czech Republic), Minister of State for Social Inclusion Zoltán Kovács (HUN) and State Secretary of the Ministry of Education Stefan Chudoba (SLO). Photos: The Conscience of Europe conference, Finnish Parliament Annex 18-19 March 2018 On the right: Former Primer Minister of Finland Paavo Lipponen and Minister of State for Social Inclusion Zoltán Kovács (Hungary) at the front Conference issued Veijo Baltzar’s 24-item set of proposals for reforming European policies of multiculturalism and sent to European Commission. “Baltzar’s recommendations and initiatives are most useful contribution to reflections currently under way within the European Commission.” - Mr Walter Zampieri, Head of Cultural Diversity and Innovation of European Commission The seminar in Vilnius will issue renewed and updated law initiatives by Veijo Baltzar in 2018. “We need political initiativeness and fights on various fronts to build sustainable European future. Therefore Veijo Baltzar’s law initiatives to renew policies of multiculturalism in Europe were a crucial turning point. Currently they are topical and of utmost importance.” Finland’s former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen at Veijo Baltzar’s 50-year artistic career’s anniversary celebration 6 April 2018 Please find a following outlining thesis by Mr Veijo Baltzar, as a theme to be discussed in the seminar and response to which he expects in Your address: The leaders of our world have chosen multicultural way of life; the world is becoming increasingly international and multicultural simply because of its economic fabric. To the Baltic states this is especially important. Finland has been international for decades and it is one of the reasons why it has kept its independence. Correctly applied multiculturality is a choice that prevents small countries from being swallowed by bigger ones. Why does the mainstream population have only formal goals regarding national minorities, as recorded in some articles of human rights, laws and social policies? Why do the minority policies of the majority often follow their own isolated course, as a result of which the minorities are kept in precarious situations and in the margins? Veijo Baltzar’s law initiatives for renewing EU’s policies of multiculturalism will be sent to you before the Seminar, in case You will confirm Your participation. “Veijo Baltzar’s law proposals are a topical initiative, the promotion of which in a dialogue with art-oriented projects could be a fruitful combination.” - Latvian Member of Parliament Artis Gustovskis “Veijo Baltzar’s law initiatives are ingenious document. We are talking about totally new direction of development of society, which is challenging, but not impossible to achieve. Baltzar could become a European-wide opinion and cultural leader. That kind of leader is lacking in Europe.” -Artūrs Avotiņš, Happy Art Museum, Latvia ”In this meeting I heard for the first time ever, at this level, speaking out loud about losing spiritual values in modern societies. The problems of hate can be solved only by methods of spiritual-intellectual solutions. It needs influential ambassadors like Veijo Baltzar who have the courage to talk about these issues in order to end discrimination of art and creativity”. – Oleg Shaposhnikov, Director of Daugavpils theatre Upgrade seminar in Riga 28-29 May 2018 Coordinator of the “UPGRADE! NETWORK”: Creative Association for Arts and Culture Drom (www.drom.fi) CONTACT PERSON: Director for Communications, Ms Nina Castén [email protected], tel. +358 445090683 www.en.drom.fi/upgrade2018 Miranda – the Roma Holocaust INTERNATIONAL TOURING EXHIBITION PROJECT SINCE 2012 Online Exhibition “Miranda – the Roma Holocaust” www.romaholocaust.com www.drom.fi  12 APR 2018 EURODOM, OSIJEK (CROATIA) Inaugurated by MP of Croatia Mr Veljko Kajtazi, City Mayor Ivan Vrkic, Goran Ivanovic (county Osikej-Baranja) NEWS LINKS 12.4.2018 Glas Salvonije, "Neispričana priča o holokaustu Roma" 12.4.2018 Osijek 031, "U osječki Eurodom doputovala neispričana priča o holokaustu Roma" 12.4.2018 Culturenet, "Osijek: Povodom Međunarodnog dana Roma izložba u stradanju Roma u II. svjetskom ratu" 12.4.2018 HRT Radio Osijek, "Izložba 'Miranda- holokaust Cigana"'" 13.4.2018 Pharlipen, "U Osijeku otvorena izložba “Miranda – holokaust Roma” povodom Svjetskog dana Roma"  20 MAR 2018 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) Opened by MEP Ms Liisa Jaakonsaari (S&D, Finland) Honourary speakers MEP Soraya Post (S&D Sweden) Cultural Counsellor Mr Veijo Baltzar European Commission, Cultural diversity and innovation unit, Ms Nicola Robinson MP of Croatia Mr Veljko Kajtazi STATEMENTS AND COMMENTS “I emphasize that the author of this exhibition is a member of the Roma community, Mr Veijo Baltzar. It is crucial that the Roma people themselves explore and present their own culture and history at this level and with the support of the EU institutions. Typically the history of the Roma people has been explored by others and in these processes the Roma community had often lost their voices. This exhibition is not a classic historical view of Roma suffering but an attempt to strengthen intercultural dialogue between the largest minority group and majority groups in Europe. Unfortunately, up to now and despite huge efforts invested in Roma integration in Europe, this process has failed, which is best visible if we compare the living conditions of the Roma and majorities.” - MP of Croatia, Mr Veljko Kajtazi, Patron of Miranda Online Exhibition “I am grateful to initiator and creator of Miranda, Mr Baltzar and all those people, who - through their commitment and dedication - have helped this unique project on its European tour, thereby contributing to the education of both Roma and non-Roma of our common history. Because we very much need to be aware of our history. That you for helping our fight, Mr Baltzar.” - MEP Ms Soraya Post (S&D, Sweden) “I thank Mr Veijo Baltzar for bringing such an extraordinary exhibition to Brussels, which can teach us more about the Roma culture, Holocaust and our shared European history.”  - MEP Ms Liisa Jaakonsaari (S&D, Finland) Host of Miranda exhibition in European “Parliament Miranda exhibition was especially touching and unforgettable. I wish the world, we, would never forget. I wish that humanity could advance on such level that we would be capable of living in peace with each other. I was greatly impressed by Veijo Baltzar’s passion for life, his life work as well as his proudness of his roots. Thank you for organizing this exhibition to European parliament, Miranda’s story deserves to be heard.” - Kirsi Syrlin Visual Artist, Brussels (Finnish-born artist) 15 MAR 2018 COPENHAGEN MAIN LIBRARY (DENMARK) Opened by Cultural Mayor of Copenhagen Mr Niko Grünfeld  29 JAN 2018 OLD SYNAGOGUE OF KOPRIVNICA (CROATIA) Opened by Mayor of Koprivnica City Mišel Jakšic NEWS LINKS 30.1.2018 Grad Koprivnica, “Otvorena izložba „Through Miranda’s eyes“” 30.1.2018, Drava info, “FOTO U sinagogi je sinoć otvorena međunarodna izložba” 30.1.2018 Phralipen, “U Koprivnici otvorena izložba “Through Miranda’s Eyes” 24 JAN 2018 OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN (BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC) Opened by Director of Museum of Romani Culture Jana Horvátová NEWS LINKS 8.1.2018 Moderni Dejiny, "Výstava Miranda - Romský Holocaust" 20.1.2018 Romea, “Příběh Mirandy, která přežila holocaust: Světově proslulá výstava bude k vidění v Brně” 22.1.2018 Ombudsman’s release, "Zveme Vás na výstavu „Miranda – romský holokaust“" 24.1.2018 Ceská televise, Culture News 24.1.2018 Ceská televise, Event News 25.1.2018 Jan Tomásek, “Miranda – romský holocaust” 26.1.2018 iRadio, Vltava 27.1.2018, Romové, "V Brně byla zahájena výstava Miranda – romský holocaust" 27.1.2018 Blesk, "Romové si na dveře neklepou: Příběh Mirandy (†89), která přežila Osvětim, líčí putovní výstava" 1/2018 Scandináviský Dúm, "Výstava: Miranda – romský holokaust" 1.2.2018 Ministerstvo Kultury, "Výstava "MIRANDA – ROMSKÝ HOLOKAUST“ 5.2.2018 Blesk, “Světoznámý romský spisovatel Veijo Baltzar (75): V dětství kočoval i v minus 30 stupních” 27 SEP 2017 OLD SYNAGOGUE (VARAZDIN, CROATIA) Opened by Member of Parliament, Mr. Veljko Kajtazi 26.9.2017 Varazdinski, „Izložba 'Miranda - holokaust Roma' od srijede u varaždinskoj sinagogi” 27.9.2017 Varazdinski, "IZLOŽBA Miranda - holokaust Roma: 'Stradanja su se događala i u Varaždinu'" 27.9.2017 Narod, ”(FOTO) U Varaždinu otvorena međunarodna izložba “Miranda – Holokaust Roma” 27.9.2017 Direktno, „U Varaždinu otvorena izložba 'Miranda – Holokaust Roma'” 27.9.2017 Aktualno, „Otvorenje izložbe “Miranda – Holokaust Roma”” 28.9.2017 Regionalni, FOTO Porijeklom Ciganin nomad, Finac Veijo Baltzar otvorio izlozbu u varazdinskoj sinagogi 28.9.2017 Varazdinske, Culture info 3 AUG 2017 HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTRE (BUDAPEST, HUNGARY) Opened by Catholic Bishop of Vác Mr. Miklós Beer NEWS LINKS 8.8.2017, M5TV, Cultural news (TV) 27.7.2017, RomNet.hu 1.8.2017, Mazsihisz 1.8.2017, Országos Református Cigánymisszió 2.8.2017, Infovilág 4.8.2017, ZETApress 4.8.2017, RomNet.hu Port.hu, Miranda - a cigány holokauszt 18.8.2017 Diszpolgár, "Kovács Zoltán a romák felzárkóztatásáról" 1.8.2017 Reformatus cigany misszio, "Miranda – a cigány holokauszt" 2.8.2017 Cultura, "Miranda – a cigány holokauszt" 2 AUG 2017 SLOVAK NATIONAL MUSEUM/ SERED’ HOLOCAUST MUSEUM (SLOVAKIA) Opened by Representative of the Government of the Slovak Republic for National Minorities, László Bukovszky NEWS LINKS 2.8.2017, National Newspaper Pravda.sk The News Agency of the Slovak Republic dobrenoviny.sk mytrnava.sme.sk dnesky.sk h 2.8.2017 TA3 2.8.2018, Most-híd 3.8.2018, Ženy v meste Aktuálne Správy 27.7.2017, Gipsy Television 29 JUN 2017 NATIONAL AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY IN ZAGREB (CROATIA) Opened by a representative delegated by President of Croatia, Member of Parliament Mr. Veljko Kajtazi NEWS LINKS 1.7.2017, HRTI (National TV news, begins at 3:57min) 28.6.2017, Prigorski, U NSK putujuća međunarodna izložba “Miranda – holokaust Roma” 28.6.2017, Zagrebački list, NE PROPUSTITE: U NSK stiže neispričana priča o holokaustu Roma 28.6.2017, Izravno.com, U NSK putujuća međunarodna izložba "Miranda – holokaust Roma" 28.6.2017, Culturenet.hr, Međunarodna putujuća izložbe o holokaustu Roma otvara se u NSK 29.6.2017, Anadolu Agency, Hrvatska: Otvorena izložba o Mirandi, romskoj Ani Frank 30.6.2017, in Portal, Nacionalna i sveučilišna knjižnica: Međunarodna putujuća izložba 'Miranda – holokaust Roma' 30.6.2017, Narod.hr, NSK: Izložba Miranda – holokaust Roma 30.6.2017, Civilnodruštvo.hr, Izložba “Miranda – holokaust Roma” govori o kulturi i stradanju Roma 30.6.2017, Ministry of Culture in Croatia, Otvorena međunarodna izložba o holokaustu Roma 15 MAY 2017 LATVIAN HOLOCAUST AND RIGA GHETTO MUSEUM (LATVIA) Opened by Mayor of Riga Mr. Nils Ushakovs NEWS LINKS 15.5.2017, 1TV Baltic Channel, Reportage about Miranda in Riga Ghetto Museum 11.5.2017, LA.lv, Čigānu Anna Franka: atklās unikālu izstādi par romu holokaustu 15.5.2017, Lsm.lv, B музее Рижского гетто открыта выставка «Миранда - Холокост цыган»  11 MAY 2017 MUSEUM OF OCCUPATIONS (TALLINN, ESTONIA) Opened by 1. vice-chairman of Estonian Parliament, deputy Mr. Enn Eesmaa NEWS LINKS 10.5.2017, National Broadcast ERR (evening TV news), Uus rändnäitus räägib Euroopa romade holokaustist 11.5.2017, National Broadcast ERR / Culture news, Okupatsioonide muuseum avab rahvusvaheline rändnäitus romade holokaustist 25.5.2017, National Broadcast ERR/ Culture news, Arvustus. Kontseptsiooni okupatsiooni lõppu oodates 4.5.2017, Müürileht, Okupatsioonide muuseumisse jõuab rahvusvaheline rändnäitus romade holokaustist 12.5.2017, Radio News of Culture: Vikerraadio (begins at 5:55) 15.5.2017, Sirp, Okupatsioonide muuseumisse jõuab rahvusvaheline rändnäitus romade holokaustist  Miranda tour in Finland The opening of Miranda's World-Tour: FEB 2017 ESPOO CULTURAL CENTRE (FINLAND) Opened by former President of Finland Tarja Halonen and Director General of Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland Ms. Riitta Kaivosoja NEWS LINKS 16.2.2017, Länsiväylä, Näyttely "Miranda – mustalaisten holokausti. Kuka pelkää valkolaista?" 18.2.2017, Helsingin uutiset, Kuka pelkää valkolaista -näyttely lähtee Eurooppaan – kertoo mustalaisten ”Anne Frankista” 2017 17 JUN 2017 RAUTALAMPI LIBRARY (RAUTALAMPI, FINLAND) Opened by Mayor of Rautalampi Risto Niemelä 13.3.2017 Rautalampilehti, “Miranda-näyttely saapuu Rautalammille” 22.6.2017 Sisä-Savo, ”Puhutteleva Miranda – Tuntematonta kansanmurhaa avataan taiteen keinoin” 2016 4 JUL 2016 KOKKOLA CITY LIBRARY (KOKKOLA, FINLAND) Opened by Lasse Lehmus 4.7.2016, Yle Radio Suomi 2015 21 NOV 2015 CULTURE HOUSE FANNY (VAASA, FINLAND) Opened by City Mayor Thomas Häyry 20.11.2015 Pohjalainen, “Tytöstä naiseksi keskitysleirin varjossa”  2014 1 OCT 2014 TIKKURILA LIBRARY (VANTAA, FINLAND) Opened by Member of Parliament Antti Lindtman 5.7.2014 Vantaan Sanomat, “Kirjasto on myös erittäin suosittu taidegalleria” 1 JUN 2014 IISALMI CULTURAL CENTER (IISALMI, FINLAND) Opened by City Mayor Jarmo Ronkainen 20.5.2014 Savon Sanomat, ”Romanien holokaustista näyttely Iisalmeen” 3.6.2014 Iisalmen Sanomat, “Miranda kertoo romanien kansanmurhasta”  2013 1 SEP 2013 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINLAND (HELSINKI, FINLAND) Miranda exhibition was on display at the National Museum of Finland from 13 Sep 2013 to 23 Mar 2014. The exhibition was opened by Finland’s Minister of Culture and Sports Paavo Arhinmäki, gathering the audience of over 400 people. 29.7.2013 Helsingin Sanomat, ”Kansallismuseo kertoo romanien holokaustista” 9.9.2013 Helsingin Sanomat, ”Mirandan tarina on tosi” 13.9.2013 Yle Uutiset, “Miranda johdattaa keskelle romanien joukkomurhaa” 14.9.2013 Helsingin Sanomat, “Tervetuloa, valkolaiset" 3/2013 Latso Diives, ”Miranda-näyttely esittelee romanien historiaa ja nykypäivää” 9/2013 Kulttuurihaitari, ”Kansallismuseo kertoo romanien holokaustista” 24.9.2013 Selkosanomat, ”Romanien pitää löytää paikkansa” 9/2013 Puoli kaupunkia, ”Miranda – mustalaisten holokausti. Kuka pelkää valkolaista?” 9/2013 Sveriges radio 10/2013 Cult 24 Magazine, "Näyttelyn avulla vähemmistöjen ääni kuuluviin" 5/2013 Kajastus, Viimeinen kulkijamustalainen “Museum has for the first time ever given an opportunity to a national minority, the Roma, to tell their own story with the focuses they themselves consider important.” Director General Helena Edgren, the National Museum of Finland 2 JUL 2013 CITY LIBRARY (RAUMA, FINLAND) Opened by Risto Kupari, Director of Cultural Affairs 7/2013, Länsi-Suomi, “Loppu kuiskimisen kulttuurille” 3.7.2013 Yle Uutiset, ”Kulttuurineuvos: Valtaväestön on ymmärrettävä, että romania ei saa valkaista” 10 MAY 2013 CITY LIBRARY (TURKU, FINLAND) Opened by Member of Parliament Ilkka Kanerva 11.5.2013 Åbo Underrättelser, “”Berättelser som världen inte velat se och hora” 11.5.2013 Turun Sanomat, ”Mirandan tarina yhä ajankohtainen” 10.5.2013 Turun Sanomat, "Miranda kertoo mustalaisten joukkotuhosta sekä romanikulttuurista" 1.5.2013 Aamuset, "Näyttely mustalaisten kansanmurhasta Turun pääkirjastoon" 8 APR 2013 GLORIA MULTICULTURAL CENTRE (JYVÄSKYLÄ, FINLAND) Opened by Minister of Public Administration and Local Government Henna Virkkunen 9.4.2013, Yle Uutiset, "Baltzar: Romanit syrjässä jopa romanityöstä" 10.4.2013 Jyväskylä-lehti, ”Miranda kertoo mustalaisten holokaustista Euroopassa”10.4.2013 Suur-Jyväskylän lehti, ”Romanityöryhmä tekee ainutlaatuista työtä koulutus etusijalla” 11.4.2013 Henki&Elämä, “Miranda-näyttely kertoo Euroopan mustalaisten holokaustista” 18.4.2013 Keski-Suomen Viikko, ”Miranda-näyttely pysäyttää kertomalla romanien oloista 2012 10 OCT 2012 POLEENI CULTURAL CENTRE (PIEKSÄMÄKI, FINLAND) Opened by Mayor Tapio Turunen 10/2012 ”Holokausti uusin silmin” 3.10.2012 Länsi-Savo, ”Monien aitojen kaataja” 28 AUG 2012 VIHREÄ MAKASIINI (LAPPEENRANTA, FINLAND) Opened by City Councilor Anne Selenius 28.9.2012 Etelä-Saimaa, “Kiertävä näyttely kiertävästä kansasta” 9/2012 Lappeenrannan uutiset, ”Miranda- näyttely” 5 MAY 2012 CITY LIBRARY, MIKKELI HALL (MIKKELI, FINLAND) Opened by Member of Parliament Pauliina Viitamies 18.2.2012 Yle Uutiset, “Veijo Baltzar: Miranda antaa kasvot mustalaisten holokaustille” 17.5.2012 Mikkelin kaupunkilehti, ”Jotta maailma ei unohtaisi” 5/2012 Mikkeli Viikkoset, ”Holokaustin uhreiksi joutuivat myös mustalaiset” 2 APR 2012 MAIN MUNICIPAL LIBRARY (TUUSNIEMI, FINLAND) Opened by Municipal Manager Toni Auvinen 6 MAR 2012 CITY LIBRARY (KOUVOLA, FINLAND) Opened by Mr. Jari Suomela, Chairman of the City Board 7.3.2012 Yle Uutiset, "Miranda kertoo mustalaisten joukkotuhosta"18.3.2012 Suomen kuvalehti, "Kulkijamustalaisena kasvanut kirjailija Veijo Baltzar: ”Minua ei tarvitse suvaita” 8.3.2012 Kouvolan sanomat, “Mustalaisten holokaustista kertova näyttely aloitti kierroksensa Kouvolasta 3/2013 Juuri nyt, ”Eeva Liisa Höytämö haluaa auttaa romaneja oppimaan” . In cooperation with DRAFT PROGRAM, “UPGRADE 2018!” Embassy of Finland, Aura Hall, 26-27 September 2018 Address K. Kalinausko g. 24, Vilnius Wed 26 September 2018 9.30 a.m. Coffee & networking 10.00 p.m. INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE UPGRADE SEMINAR Welcoming words by Drom Greetings by H.E. Ambassador of Finland Mr Christer Michelsson (FIN) Greetings by Finland former Prime Minister Mr Paavo Lipponen Greetings by the President of Sankt-Petersburg Writer Union Mr Valeri Popov (RUS) (Other ceremony speakers to be soon confirmed) 11.10 Introduction to Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar’s life work 11.15 – 11.30 Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar’s address 11.30 – 12.10 Announcement of Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar’s initiatives for renewing European Union’s policies of multiculturalism 12.10 Responses to Veijo Baltzar’s law initiatives (varios speakers, to be soon confirmed) 13.30 – 14.30 LUNCH BRAKE 14.30 DISCUSSION on Baltzar’s initiatives. Forming a declaration committee and its chairman, that will present the results and mutual statement the next day 16.00-16.30 CONCLUSIONS Thu 27 September 2018 9.30 – 10.00 Coffee and networking 10.00 – 10.10 Cultural programme 10.10 Presentation (DROM) – How to upgrade the position and status of national minorities so that the whole society and its economic fabric will benefit? How should this be done in the field of arts and culture in the Baltic region and Europe? 10.40 “ROUND TABLE” – Cultural exchange among participants. Presentation of cooperation initiatives and potential ideas of future collaboration and their discussion 13.00 – 14.00 LUNCH BRAKE 14.00 - 15.30 DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS 15.30-16.30 Presentation of declaration and results of the conference, interviews