SOCIAL JUSTICE WARRIORS PRACTICING DEI
Arts universities have a significant societal role in promoting social sustainability
University of the Arts Helsinki
In her doctoral dissertation, Outi Niemensivu from the University of the Arts Helsinki delves into the intersection of internationalisation and social sustainability within arts universities. Her research sheds light on how these institutions can foster social well-being, diversity, inclusion, justice, and social cohesion through higher music education. Outi Niemensivu will defend her doctoral dissertation on Saturday, 30 November, at the University of the Arts Helsinki.
Niemensivu’s study focuses on the activities at Uniarts Helsinki's Sbielius Academy and the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, examining how these institutions engage with diverse cultural contexts to promote social sustainability.
Strategic Changes Needed for Social Sustainability
Niemensivu’s findings suggest that arts universities have a significant societal role in enhancing interactions and fostering a sense of belonging among people from various cultural backgrounds. However, she emphasizes that music education must evolve to support social sustainability, calling for strategic changes that challenge the dominance of Western classical music in higher education.
“Traditional music education needs fresh perspectives to operate in a socially sustainable way. Increasing collaboration with local communities and other stakeholders is crucial for achieving genuine change,” Niemensivu asserts.
Fragmented Efforts in Socially Sustainable Internationalisation
The research highlights a disparity in the understanding and implementation of social sustainability between institutions. At the Uniarts Helsinki's Sibelius Academy, the concept is more familiar compared to the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, which has a higher proportion of international students. Niemensivu notes that social sustainability remains relatively under-researched.
While the Sibelius Academy’s Global Music Programme stands out, overall efforts towards socially sustainable internationalisation are fragmented. Both universities aim to engage closely with society, but progress is slow. Niemensivu suggests that a large number of international students might even hinder the implementation of social sustainability.
“Students who have come to Finland or elsewhere from abroad have invested significant time and resources into their studies, and they may lack the enthusiasm or energy to engage with local intercultural communities,” she explains.
Homogeneity in Student Bodies
Despite efforts to foster diversity, Niemensivu observes that the student bodies at both universities remain quite homogeneous. For instance, there are only a few students with African heritage. The Sibelius Academy’s Global Music Programme breaks with tradition by not requiring students to be familiar with Western musical traditions or to read music.
“In addition to global music, offering the possibility to study popular music might bring the desired diversity to higher music education. It is crucial that all students learn how to promote social sustainability during their studies,” Niemensivu concludes.
Niemensivu’s dissertation underscores the need for arts universities to adopt innovative approaches to music education, ensuring that they contribute effectively to social sustainability in an increasingly globalised world.
Defence details
Outi Niemensivu will defend her doctoral dissertation, “Internationalisation of Arts Universities – Towards Social Sustainability”, which falls within the field of arts management, at 12:00 noon on 30 November 2024 in the Helsinki Music Centre Black Box.
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