Riikka
Peltola

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live in Finland, in a city called Tampere. It’s the third biggest city in the country. I live in the center and I work in a textile studio 2 km away from my home. I moved here 3 years ago from the capital, Helsinki. I have lived in multiple cities in Finland and abroad, before moving in here.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

During fall and spring time, the most intensive relaxation for me is taking ice baths in the lake that is located few blocks away from my home. It’s the best helper for all sorts of anxiety! I have always found libaries as relaxing places as well. We have a very beautiful city library, Metso, designed by Reima and Raili Pietilä. I often have lunch at the library and just stare at the beautiful ceiling. My second favourite building is the church in Kaleva, also designed by Reima and Raili. Some might say, that it’s ugly from the outside, but from the inside, the acoustics are AMAZING!

When I want to go in a music gig, I chose usually Telakka or Vastavirta club, they are both places for alternative music. Since there is always a little anarchist within me, Vastavirta is good place to go, especially for punk gigs.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

I worry that my country isn’t doing enough for the environment and the climate change. How basic values seem to go in the wrong direction. It’s worrying how the resources in the public health care is draining the private sector. And how the majority of the population is fastly getting old but still,  Finland is sticking to it’s immigration policy.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?

What has developed very well here in the last 5 years and what has not? There has been a huge city developing boost over past years. We just got a new tram couple years ago and the city is growing a lot. That’s a really good thing, but it also means that living costs are getting higher.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

Yes! Things that are produced in my area:
– Designtori: Market opens up three times in a year, where Finnish brands are selling their design products. Good place to find clothes, accessorizes and home decoration items.
– Hiedenranta: Little shops and studios. Check at least Katz Studio. They are making beautiful glass vases.
– Good Guys Kombucha: Very good kombucha. You can find their bottles in regular grocery stores all over the country.
– Lokal Gallery: It is my favourite gallery in the whole country. They are selling Finnish handcrafts, made by artisans and designers.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

I was not born in Tampere, and the only reason I moved here 3 years ago was because I wanted to experience the city. In my mind, I fictionalize Tampere as my cozy nest. It’s my safe place, but I also want to look for other places in the world.

Since the city is not that big, it is easy to walk or bike to everywhere. Almost everyone in Finland have a good image of Tampere. It is seen as a cozy, friendly and an easy-going city.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

– Cafe Pispala: Enjoy the American style brunch here in the weekend

– Pyynikki Cafeteria: It is the best doughnut cafe in the city! It’s located in old observation tower.

– Pyynikin Liha ja Kahvi: It is a cozy cafe located in Pyynikki Square. Owners wish that you don’t use phones or laptops here.

– Cafe Amurin Helmi: It is a sympathic old style cafe, located in Amuri museum of historic housing. They are serving simple old style homemade food. Best cinnamon rolls!

– Konditoria Hopia: My favourite cafe, located in Töölö, Helsinki. It’s an old style small cafe established in 1949. Original owners were migrants from Karelia region, which used to be a part of Finland. Karelian pies are the best in here!

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

I’m very boring with the apps 😀
– Instagram
– Yle
– Helsingin Sanomat
– Twitter

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

– Helsingin Sanomat: The biggest newspaper in the country.
– Yle radio: The biggest broadcast company in the country. I usually listen political and historical programmes.
– Talking to friends and people, from social media.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?

Gosh, that’s a hard question. I would organize public face-to face conversation events, where all perspectives are valued. I would start by inviting people to public places and give them the opportunity to speak to each other. So yes, I’d like to encourage people for healthy discussions and give them a platform to use their voice.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?

In Iceland, definitely. I’ve been there for a few times for work and studies. I somehow find it easy to connect with the culture. First time I flied in there, I cried in the plane cause the land looked breathtaking. Second option would be the Netherlands. I love the vibrant, experimental and textile life in there!