Nadja Tolokonnikova to Keynote Aurora Event in Rovaniemi, Finland

Nadja Tolokonnikova, a Russian activist and artist, will serve as the keynote speaker at the Yle-organized future event Aurora in Rovaniemi on November 20. “I am excited about my first visit to Finland. Finland shares a border with Russia, so there is an understanding of the problems and struggles that living alongside authoritarian power entails. Coming to Finland feels like meeting allies in the fight against oppression. It gives me hope to see people’s unity in the face of adversity,” Tolokonnikova expressed in a statement.

Currently living in exile outside Russia, she has been placed on a wanted list for her anti-Putin art and activism. Tolokonnikova is a founding member of the protest and art collective Pussy Riot.

The theme for this year’s Aurora event is safety, focusing on both social and individual security. “Tolokonnikova is a highly relevant figure in today’s world. She has risked her own safety by opposing injustices in Russia. Though she has had to leave her homeland, she still aims to inspire people through her art to be brave, as courage is contagious,” commented Pia Louhivuori, the project’s producer.

The event will feature eight discussions throughout the day, culminating in a talk between Tolokonnikova and journalist Sean Ricks, known from Yle’s Friday program. This conversation will be streamed live on Yle Areena on November 20 at 4:30 PM, with Finnish subtitles available on TV1 on November 22 at 9:05 PM.

Other speakers at the event include Finnish Member of Parliament Pekka Haavisto, Minister of Sports Sandra Bergqvist, researcher Maria Lindén, Russia expert Hanna Smith, and the incoming director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, Hiski Haukkala. The annual Aurora event is free to the public, but prior registration is required due to limited space on Yle’s website.