The youth organization Oranssi ry, which has been operating in Suvilahti since 2014, aims to bring people together and support grassroots culture in various forms. Oranssi is active in Suvilahti almost year-round, and its café hosts weekly events.
Oranssi ry was originally founded in the 1990s to draw attention to youth homelessness and the lack of cultural spaces. Today, the organization is actively involved in cultural and civic activities, with its primary goal being to facilitate social interaction.
Funded by the City of Helsinki, Oranssi is located in the Valvomo building in Suvilahti, where, in addition to daily activities, the Oranssi café is typically open three days a week. The café hosts a variety of activities for both locals and visitors from elsewhere.
Working Together Across Boundaries
Although Oranssi is a youth organization whose target group consists primarily of young adults, its activities are mainly aimed at people of all ages. “We want to facilitate intergenerational encounters and a sense of community regardless of age,” says Emma Vuorio, Executive Director of Oranssi ry .
According to Vuorio, there are a limited number of venues in Helsinki where age-restriction-free events can be held and where young people themselves can act as event organizers. Oranssi’s events range from interdisciplinary arts events to circus workshops, theater performances, and concerts. “The spaces are versatile and can be adapted to different needs, such as workshops, seminars, or just hanging out,” she explains.
“The Suvilahti area is often seen as just a transit zone, but there’s a lot going on here.”
— Emma Vuorio, Executive Director of Oranssi ry
Oranssi’s facilities host not only Oranssi’s own activities but also those of others. Vuorio emphasizes that Oranssi aims to serve as a facilitator for others, such as independent youth groups and smaller organizations, as well as the services they provide. The organization’s activities vary from year to year depending on different projects and funding.
Suvilahti: A Versatile Home for Activities
Oranssi’s café operates largely on a “pay what you can” basis. Tea and coffee are always available, and pastries are often on offer as well. On Mondays, visitors can enjoy soup and handmade crafts. In October, the café will host, among other things, a video editing workshop and an open mic night.
According to Vuorio, Oranssi attracts people from all over Helsinki and the greater Helsinki area. She hopes that, going forward, locals will also find their way here more easily. “The Suvilahti area is often seen as just a place people pass through, but there’s a lot going on here,” Vuorio points out. He encourages people to check out what’s happening in the area and to actively suggest low-threshold activities to Oranssi, whether it’s a flea market or an exhibition.
Oranssi’s operations are non-commercial and non-partisan, and are partly based on volunteer work. “People are also welcome to come try their hand at volunteering,” Vuorio encourages. “We want as many organizations as possible to be able to host their events here.”
The café will remain open at least until the end of 2022.
Read more about the Oranssi Café.