Aalto EE’s Business of Culture program gave Søs Krogh Vikkelsøe new confidence as a leader, a powerful reminder of the importance of radical creativity and, most importantly, a strong new professional network and deep understanding of the cultural landscape across the Nordics.
The Culture Yard is a lively hub for concerts and theatre, which also features art exhibitions, an art school for children and families, and a popular restaurant in Elsinore, Denmark. Up to 600 cultural events are held annually at the impressive 13,000-square-meter complex by the sea.
At the helm of the cultural powerhouse is CEO Søs Krogh Vikkelsøe, who has upped her game as a leader at Aalto EE’s Business of Culture program.
“When I became the leader of The Culture Yard 3.5 years ago, I made an effort to map my own biases and identify blind spots,” she explains.
“I realized that I didn’t have the Nordic networks or understanding of Nordic cultural infrastructure that I felt were vital to thrive in this job. The Culture Yard was involved in several exciting EU projects, and very well-connected with partners in mainland Europe, but we lacked strong connections with our fellow Nordic organizations.”
For Vikkelsøe, enrolling in the Business of Culture program was an easy choice.
“Aalto EE clearly offers the best cross-national program for leaders shaping the cultural sector in the Nordic and Baltic region.”
“I knew it would allow me to gain a genuinely Nordic perspective and give me an excellent opportunity to make connections with other leaders in arts and culture.”
Strong connections for future collaboration
Vikkelsøe says the program was exactly what she had hoped for: an eye-opening, network expanding, invigorating experience.
Aalto EE clearly offers the best cross-national program for leaders shaping the cultural sector in the Nordic and Baltic region.
“The program provided confirmation that I am on the right track as a leader and helped me look at the business of culture in new, inspiring ways. It empowered me and gave me confidence.”
“I feel as if I gained a brand-new toolbox full of methods and insights that have allowed me to discover new perspectives and new ways forward. I have enthusiastically shared them with my colleagues here at The Culture Yard.”
Vikkelsøe describes the course content as relevant and thought-provoking. She found the case work particularly appealing.
“We worked on business cases that were in some ways very similar to what we do here at The Culture Yard, yet in other ways quite different, striking just the right balance that allowed me to reflect on our operations and my leadership, while simultaneously learning a great deal.”
For Vikkelsøe, one of the program’s greatest strengths was the thorough understanding it provided of the cultural landscape across the Nordics and Baltics.
“It allowed me to position myself in the Nordic dialogue, which was my prime objective. I had marvelous discussions with participants from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia and Iceland, and built strong connections for future collaborations with several institutions.”
I feel as if I gained a brand-new toolbox full of methods and insights that have allowed me to discover new perspectives and new ways forward."
“I also gained valuable insights that will help me collaborate with my new network in a more strategic way, with a longer-term vision. But what really blew my mind was the fact that I didn’t leave with just a new professional network. I also found genuine friendships,” she says with a smile.
A future filled with hope
Vikkelsøe says she was nothing short of delighted with the outlook the program took on economic growth.
“Economic growth is so much more than simply a matter of making more money. A more modern approach, which was very evident at Aalto EE, is taking a holistic perspective and finding solutions that bring the greatest benefits to the entire society.”
This is a topic Vikkelsøe is passionate about, as she knows firsthand just how important the culture sector can be to an entire community.
“Elsinore – or Helsingør, as we locals call our coastal city – added a new layer of meaning for everyone with its focus on culture, built on the strengths of our community. When Helsingør’s abandoned shipyard was transformed into the ‘Culture-harbor of Kronborg’, it created a future filled with hope.”
“Helsingør is now one of Denmark’s top tourist destinations, and The Culture Yard is one of the Culture-harbor’s prime attractions. We attract over 550.000 visitors every year.”
Vikkelsøe explains that Aalto University’s vision of radical creativity also ties into this holistic outlook of economic growth.
“As the leader of a cultural organization, I know how important radical creativity is, but Aalto EE’s way of being very specific about its power was highly important to me. Radical creativity changes how people, organizations, and societies operate.”
“It was such a good reminder of how we, as leaders in arts and culture, need to make sure we harness the power of radical creativity not only in our own institutions, but for the benefit of society as a whole. We need to actively communicate that this is something we excel at, so bring us in on the relevant discussions,” she emphasizes.
From insights to action
After finishing Aalto EE’s Business of Culture program, Vikkelsøe established a new network to further enhance the cross-border cultural scene between Denmark and Sweden. Around 40-50 key people from civil society and the culture sector participated in the network’s first roundtable talk.
As the leader of a cultural organization, I know how important radical creativity is, but Aalto EE’s way of being very specific about its power was highly important to me."
“We had highly enthusiastic discussions. It was a meaningful experience for me: for the first time, I saw myself as an active participant driving collaboration in the Nordics. I am looking forward to seeing what all we can achieve.”
Looking forward, Vikkelsøe has a strong vision of showcasing Nordic authors at The Culture Yard.
“I already initiated collaboration with a wonderful colleague from Finland, whom I met at Aalto EE.”
“We are planning on featuring Tove Jansson’s writing here at The Culture Yard: perhaps blending together sessions of reading her work with hikes by the sea, or arranging readings at a nearby island,” Vikkelsøe contemplates.
Vikkelsøe says she is pleased to recommend Aalto EE’s Business of Culture program.
“It’s a fantastic program. The leadership perspective is strong, and you need to have quite a few miles behind you to get the most out of this program. It is definitely best suited for experienced leaders in the cultural sector.”
“I’ve already recommended it to quite a few people here in Denmark. Denmark is a small country, and in the current geopolitical climate, it is more important than ever for us to work together with our neighbors in the north; people who share so many of our values, and understand what makes our way of life and our culture something to cherish.”