Highlights from the Turku 2011 programme

Eppu Nuotio

Eppu Nuotio is an actress, director and versatile writer who lives on Hiittinen Island, situated deep in Southwest Finland’s archipelago. She has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002.

Water – Sense and Sensation

My star sign is Aquarius, I live on an island, I want to protect the Baltic Sea, I’ve got to have a glass of water next to me while writing, I love to swim, float and keep my feet up in the water. I’ve been a patron for a campaign to build wells in Mozambique and I am very involved with Tanzanian villages and their struggle for water everyday. Water is my element. I really hope to see this exhibition at the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art.

Light: Chapel tour in the archipelago

I’ll go to Hiittinen Church on my home island to listen to Jukka Perko on 6 July. My husband and I have followed Perko’s career for a while now and have seen him a number of times. Perko played at Hiittinen last year, too, in an old circus tent. This year his sax will sound out from the second oldest wooden cruciform church in Finland. It’s great to have something this special on the island!

Under the reading light: Weekend of Nordic Darkness at the library

Summer’s about to arrive, thank goodness! November seems very distant and my thoughts are not in the dark right now, but since I intend to spend my summer very much outside – on the island, on piers, the sea, boats, flower beds, hammocks and on my bicycle – the November darkness is like a gift wrapped in black in my thoughts. When I open the wrapping tied with silk ribbons, I discover a note for all bookworms and people who love books: come autumn, we’ll again read under the reading light!