Kajaanin poetry festival celebrates 50 years with new artistic direction and expanded programme
The Kajaanin Runoviikko poetry festival will mark its 50th anniversary this July with a programme curated by outgoing artistic director Kati Outinen, featuring both traditional events and new initiatives, Yle reports.
The festival’s 2024 lineup, unveiled Thursday, includes performances selected through an open call for the first time—drawing 120 submissions, many from young artists across disciplines such as visual arts, dance, literature, theatre, and music. “The voice of youth is heard. It means a new generation is already emerging,” Outinen said.
This year’s edition will extend beyond Kajaani, spanning the Kainuu region and linking to Oulu via the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme. A special train route, Kajaani-Oulu-Kajaani, will host festival events, aligning with low-carbon travel goals. “Railways connect Finns, allowing travel from one municipality to another. This is also about promoting sustainable transport,” Outinen noted, referencing the historical journey of Elias Lönnrot, who collected Kalevala poems on foot.
Folk music and traditions feature prominently, reflecting what Outinen describes as a contemporary search for roots amid global uncertainty. “Seeking and finding roots brings stability to a world in chaos,” she said. The programme includes premieres, such as a performance by Veikko Halmetoja and Ella Pyhätö based on texts by summer poets.
Outinen, who has led the festival since 2019, will step down after this edition. Her successor will be announced at the opening ceremony. Reflecting on her tenure, she highlighted a 2019 screening of a documentary about poet Eeva Kilpi, when the audience spontaneously rose to applaud Kilpi’s work. “It was a profound moment. I realised how deeply Finns love poetry,” she recalled.
Despite leaving her role, Outinen plans to return—this time as an audience member. “I’ll miss Kajaani, not just the event but its welcoming, friendly atmosphere,” she said.