Thriving Through Experiences
This research programme develops experiential quality in the fields of culture, tourism, arts, events, and education. Experience producers are seen as active societal actors who enable participation, community, and new experiences for diverse audiences. The goal is to strengthen the programme’s international profile, build regional attractiveness and retention capacity nationally, increase wellbeing, and promote accessibility and inclusivity in the experience industry.
The research programme combines Humak’s multidisciplinary expertise: adventure, games, and nature education meet culture and arts, working together as generators of new solutions. Activities move at the intersections of arts, creative entrepreneurship, and society. The programme also investigates how technology, digitalization, and new experience environments bring new opportunities to the field and create sustainable innovations.
Experience providers as active social actors.
- Experientality as a driver of growth – Culture, art, event production, tourism, and education create wellbeing, attraction, and economic growth potential.
- International funding and partnerships – We are building a European network and actively seeking international funding for the development of our sector.
- Strengthening regional growth and competitiveness – We participate in projects and networks that generate concrete appeal and retention for the experience sector both domestically and internationally.
Projects & R&D
Research, development and innovation (RDI) is a core element of the programme. Through projects, the programme explores and develops experiential approaches, participation and wellbeing in collaboration with partners.
FusionLabs – Competitiveness through Cross-Disciplinary Innovation Expertise
Pathways to the Experience Economy
PEDANETS – Supporting continuous learning and agency to promote equality
From Adventure Toward Education and Employment
South Karelia Event Cluster
Producer Center Living Lab
Creatives in Web3 Age
CreaCoop – Development and training program for cooperatives in creative sectors
EKIP – European Cultural and Creative Industries Policy Platform
CreaDive – Building a multicultural working platform for creative sector
Publications
Selected Publications on Thriving Through Experiences.
- Päiviö-Häkämies, L. (2025). Leadership Challenges in Cultural and Event Management — An International Call for Better Practices. Humak.
- Päiviö-Häkämies, L. (2025). Building Transnational Collaboration for Immersive Musical Experiences. Humak.
- Päiviö-Häkämies, L. (2025). New Dots in European Cultural Policy Map. ENCATC Tracker 12.
- Päiviö-Häkämies, L. (2025).Passion is not enough: Towards Socially Sustainable Leadership. Interview with Marika Häkkilä. ENCATC Magazine.
- Päiviö-Häkämies, L. & Poprawski, M. (2025). Pioneering ESG Principles (Environmental, Social, Governance) for Galleries, Libraries, Archives & Museums. Väläyksiä Humakista, 9.
- Poprawski, M. (2025). Cross-innovation and Performing Arts. The ekip Policy Lab perspective. Väläyksiä Humakista, 9.
- Poprawski, M. (2025). Socially responsible Music Professionals. The Musethica Approach and IHMESI Creative Europe. Väläyksiä Humakista, 9.
- Röksä, J. (2025). Video. Interview with Arthur Brooks: About Happiness, Youth and Entrepreneurship. Humak.
- Kraatari, E. & Poprawski, M. (2024). Cross-Innovation with Performing Arts — Scoping Note. EKIP-project.
- Poprawski, M. (2024). Audience companions leave no one behind: Spotlight on audience development practice and values in Finland. In A. Aspegren (ed.), Audiences: 15 stories about audience development (pages 83-93). The Danish Centre for Arts and Interculture & RasmussenNordic.
- Poprawski, M. (2024). Crafts-led Innovation — Scoping Note. EKIP-project.
- Poprawski, M. (2024). Crafts-led Innovation — Policy Recommendations. EKIP-project.
- Poprawski, M. (2024). Policy Landscape Analysis. EKIP-project.
- Poprawski, M. & Wittchen-Barelkowska, A. (2024). A Socially Responsible Music Institution. Sinfonia Varsovia.
- Poprawski, M. & Kuligowski, W. (2023). Festivals and Values: Music, Community Engagement and Organisational Symbolism. Springer Nature.
Contact
Laura Päiviö-Häkämies, the Principal Researcher of the Thriving Through Experiences research programme.
