People are the foundation of all cross-border cooperation. Interreg Aurora is happy to present the people and different professions working across borders with the aim to improve our daily lives.
Meet Mats Granfors, Senior Music Lecturer, Novia University of Applied Sciences
Mats is an entrepreneur, musician, and songwriter who serves as a lecturer in music at Novia University of Applied Sciences in Jakobstad.
Promoting our regional music talents
I’m a part of the team in the Interreg Aurora funded project ICH North that is dedicated to preserving and transmitting our regional musical heritage to the next generations. My work involves using an entrepreneurial approach and fostering innovative ideas within regional networks. The aim is to discover new, innovative ways to leverage our cultural heritage. The seven participating project partners in Finland, Sweden and Norway collaborate with various networks of professionals and amateurs in traditional music, as well as entrepreneurs and the tourism sector.
The ICH North project contributes to preserving cultural heritage, fostering innovation, and promoting regional music on a global scale. This benefit musicians, cultural entrepreneurs, and the broader community by creating opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and enhanced visibility of our regional talents.
Cross-border cooperation expands your expertise and networks
Working in a cross-border network like the Interreg Aurora projects is very inspiring. It provides opportunities to meet new colleagues who share similar interests and passions. These interactions often lead to new contacts and friendships, expanding our knowledge and expertise through larger networks. The Interreg Aurora projects stand out due to their length, budget, and scope. Unlike typical cultural projects, which are often short-term with limited funding, Interreg Aurora projects span three years. This extended timeframe allows for meaningful innovation, thorough testing, and effective implementation of successful results. The impact of these projects is substantial, enhancing competitiveness, sustainability, and attractiveness through comprehensive collaboration and resource sharing.
Sustainable job opportunities
I wish for people to recognize the importance and potential of the creative industry in our regions. The creative industry is growing rapidly, presenting new job opportunities. With today’s technology, it’s possible to live outside major urban centers and still work within the industry. This is a significant opportunity for us in the Nordic countries.
I also want to highlight the sustainability of what we create. Our products are born from creative ideas, not from extracting natural resources like traditional industries. I hope that policymakers and other stakeholders will place greater emphasis on the benefits and opportunities within the creative industry.
Learn more about the Interreg Aurora funded project ICH North and the project partners Centria-ammattikorkeakoulu, Universitet i Tromsø – Norges arktiske universitet, Kulturens Bildningsverksamhet, Kansanmusiikki-instituutti, Stiftelsen Länsmuseet Västernorrland, Svenska Österbottens förbund för utbildning och kultur och Yrkeshögskolan Novia.
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