Background

The foundation of the Runosong Academy began to be planned in the 1990s, when Pekka Huttu-Hiltunen, the principal of the Kuhmo Music School, outlined folk music development projects. One of the goals of was to establish an institution focused on the research of traditional folk music. The first Traditional Music Research, Recording, and Revitalization project was started in 1998.

Thus, the roots of the Runosong Academy are in the Kuhmo Music School, but an important partner from the beginning was Juminkeko. In 2006, the traditional music project activities were transferred under the auspices of Juminkeko, and in 2010, the Runosong Academy was founded. Since 2015, it has been maintained by its own support association as a cultural and research center.

A distinctive feature of the Runosong Academy’s operation is that it is located in the runosong area, in Eastern Finland, Kainuu, and Kuhmo, immediately near Viena Karelia. In addition to its immediate circle, it is strongly networked both domestically and internationally.

The fundamental values influencing the activities of the Runosong Academy include equality, fairness, openness, and respect for diversity. The Runosong Academy has always emphasized the principle of culturally sustainable development in its activities, which means that cultural heritage is promoted – also in business activities – in a way that simultaneously strengthens its foundation.

Runosong tradition is part of the cultural heritage of the Baltic Finns.