A Whale Farmer is a term for a person who, despite their environmental concerns, is an active protector and enforcer of the marine environment.

Whales are mechanical water mixers in the oceans, ensuring that water masses continue to mix. As the climate warms, the temperature of surface waters rises, and the waters no longer combine due to the temperature difference. This leads to a situation where the basis of the marine ecosystem's food chain – phytoplankton production – collapses within a hundred years. No plankton –> no fish. Within a hundred years.

Fern Orchestra’s event, which combines science and art, will interpret scientific research findings on the future of the Archipelago Sea during the second week of June 2026.

The week-long event offers research data and the opportunity to discuss the future of the seas with scientists and artists. 

At the Old Great Square, algae yarn will be prepared to crochet the textile sculpture Keijusto. Everyone is welcome to join in crocheting and creating the artwork throughout the event.

Whale Farmers’ week culminates in the community dance performance Keijunta. The performers through open call are united by their love for the seas.

Monday, June 8
2:00–6:00 p.m. 
Pop-up Algae Yarn Workshop: Come make and crochet seaweed yarn for the community art installation Keijusto.

2:00–6:00 p.m. 
Open Studio: Scientists and artists at work—come meet them and discuss the oceans of the future.

Tuesday, June 9
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
Pop-up Algae Yarn Workshop: Come make and crochet seaweed yarn for the community art installation Keijusto.

10:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m. 
Open Studio: Scientists and artists at work—come meet them and discuss the oceans of the future.

Wednesday, June 10
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
Pop-up Algae Yarn Workshop: Come make and crochet seaweed yarn for the community art installation Keijusto.

10:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m. 
Open Studio: Scientists and artists at work—come meet them and discuss the oceans of the future.

Thursday, June 11
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
Pop-up Algae Yarn Workshop: Come make and crochet seaweed yarn for the community art installation Keijusto.

10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. 
Open Studio: Scientists and artists at work—come meet them and discuss the oceans of the future.

6:00-8:00 p.m.
Open rehearsal: Keijunta community dance performance

Friday, June 12
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
Pop-up Algae Yarn Workshop: Come make and crochet seaweed yarn for the community art installation Keijusto.

10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. 
Open Studio: Scientists and artists at work—come meet them and discuss the oceans of the future.

6:00 p.m.
Premiere: Keijunta community dance performance

Saturday, June 13
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 
Pop-up Algae Yarn Workshop: Come make and crochet seaweed yarn for the community art installation Keijusto.

10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. 
Open Studio: Scientists and artists at work—come meet them and discuss the oceans of the future.

3:00 & 6:00 p.m.
Keijunta community dance performance

7:00 p.m.
The event ends.

Working Group

Collaborators

SOS - Centre for Sustainable Ocean Science, Åbo Akademi, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, The Baltic Sea Challenge, The Regional Dance Centre of Western Finland, Turku City Theatre, The city of Turku and Old Town Celebration