Friction and Movement – Citizens for a Better World

The exhibition explores civic engagement and its role in democracy. It has been produced in collaboration with an expert group of researchers and civil society actors, and its patron is Professor Teivo Teivainen.

Civic engagement is often driven by a desire to defend or oppose something, or by the need to find new solutions. It frequently emerges as a response to social injustice. Its goals may include influencing legislation or public opinion on issues ranging from protecting buildings from demolition and safeguarding local services to drawing attention to environmental harm or fundamental human rights.

In Finland, civic engagement has played a significant role in shaping society. Universal suffrage, the eight-hour workday, gender-neutral marriage legislation, and the Climate Act are all examples of reforms that were strongly advanced by citizens. What needs our attention in the future?

The exhibition themes are further supported and expanded through blog series and in-depth online materials available on the Soppi website (in Finnish).

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