Our River Stories–Mapping transcultural artistic journeys in Finland
Our River Stories is an art therapy-inspired workshop designed for artists and art workers working across various disciplines of visual arts that invites transcultural artists to reflect on their journeys through art-making and collective dialogue. Positioned at the intersection of artistic practice and therapeutic inquiry, the workshop offers a structured yet open space for exchange, reflection, and experimentation, cultivating collectivity before the participants return to their solo practices. The gathering creates a non-competitive environment where participants are invited to reflect on their migratory paths, sense of belonging, artistic identity across cultures and so on.
The one-day workshop is hosted by the Elderflower Club, consisting of Chih-Tung Lin (Helsinki-based curator), Bobby Shuk Pui Yu (Oslo-based artist), and Haylie Yi-Chien Chang (Brussels-based art therapist), three practitioners working across creative and psychological fields between Europe and Asia.
The workshop invites Catalysti members and other international artists to come as they are. Participants will engage in a structured series of guided art therapy-based solo and group exercises, art making activities, etc. Active participation is encouraged at the participants’ own pace and comfort. The workshop will be conducted in easy English. Participation is free and light snacks will be provided.
Target Audience
This workshop is intended for transcultural artists and cultural practitioners interested in bridging contemporary art and psychological inquiry. It is particularly suited for those navigating transitional phases, identity exploration, or questioning established modes of artistic definitions.
About Elderflower Club
Elderflower Club (長女的計劃) creates space for creatives to gather, exchange, and hold one another through art-therapy-informed methods. All three members grew up as eldest daughters and became aware early of responsibility, expectation, and emotional labour within the family. Now living abroad, at a distance from where they were raised. That distance shapes their work. Elderflower Club (長女的計劃) thrives in a collaborative environment, teaming up with likeminded art, creative spaces and institutions to deliver workshops, hold discussions, and facilitate residency programs on a sustainable basis.
Instagram: @elderflowerclub
Timeline:
16 April, 16:00-20:00 with small tea breaks
Location:
The workshop will be held at a private location in Ullanlinna, Helsinki. Participants will be notified of the location address once registration is confirmed.
The project is produced by Catalysti and funded by Taike. The collective’s work is partly supported by Nordic Culture Fund and is part of the European Capital of Culture, Oulu2026, cultural programme, among many other creative agencies to switch up the cultural climate of the northern Finland region.
See Images from the event!—->HERE!