DEMOCRACY OF KNOWLEDGE
We want to advance open and accessible data and information. In a rapidly digitising world it is essential to foster reliable preservation of cultural heritage. We also work to preserve historical materials in the digital era and promote the importance of the library institution as one of the cornerstones of open knowledge and a democratic society. The library in Finland is one of the best in the world. Its top quality has been one of the key factors in high literacy rates and level of education in Finland.
A Tale of Two Countries - Digital Gallery of Finnish-British cultural relations
Did you see Queen Elizabeth II in high heels in a Finnish forest? Did Winston Churchill’s father catch any fish on his fishing trip to Finland?
A Tale of Two Countries is a digital gallery project lead by the Finnish Institute in London, created together with The British Library, The National Archives of Finland, The National Library of Finland and several other archives. The digital gallery offers its visitors carefully curated pieces of the shared history of Finland and Britain and their cultural, political and economic relations. It consists of digitised historical materials, like letters, newspapers and photographs. It maintains digital cultural heritage, inspires the further use of digital collections and invites people to enrich the gallery with personal keepsakes.
The tale of Finland and Britain is brought to life both through remarkable political events and the personal memories and experiences of people. A Tale of Two Countries invites all to share memories relating to Finland and Britain and write history from a personal point of view in the Gallery of Memories. Have you studied abroad or found the love of your life overseas? Write down your memory, experience or thought relating to Finland and Britain and download a keepsake that reminds you of it.
A Tale of Two Countries is part of the official programme of the centenary of Finland’s independence in 2017. The centenary celebrations emphasise Finland’s strengths, such as equality and democracy, and provide opportunities to better understand the past in order to set the course for Finland’s future success. A Tale of Two Countries shows that for centuries Finland’s international ties and especially the interaction with Britain has been a vital part of the country’s development. Finland and Britain have mutually benefited from cultural, political and economical relations and both countries have appreciated the example set by the other in social, political and cultural development.
More about the project on SuomiFinland100 website
10x10 Stories from Finland celebrates literacy by bringing beloved Finnish books to the UK
The Finnish Institute in London celebrates the centenary of Finland's independence by highlighting the importance of literacy, literature and libraries. ‘10x10 Stories from Finland’ campaign has collected 100 books written by Finnish authors, translated into English, in cooperation with British publishing houses. The books are donated to 10 different libraries around the UK during 2017.
The Finnish Institute in London together with the Finnish Embassy wants to convey the power of literacy through the campaign. Literacy is a fundamental human right and the foundation for lifelong learning. Finland is the world's top country in literacy, which is one of the key factors behind the welfare and academic success of any society.
Our partners are Embassy of Finland in London, Bloodaxe Books, Gecko Press, Orenda Books, Pikku Publishing, Serpent’s Tail, Sort of Books and Vagabond Voices. 10x10 Stories of Finland is a part of the official programme of Finland 100.