Research Article

Peer-reviewed Article: Local Authorities Artists and Intermediaries Working in Synergy

This research explores the establishment of purposeful collaboration between local authorities, artists, and intermediaries working in synergy for joint sustainability goals. Drawing on insights from the emerging CCI4Change collaboration model and the five illustrative case studies, the study advocates a systematic approach to local authority–driven partnerships with artists supported by intermediary parties. It examines the essential factors that foster collaboration, analysing the capacities, roles, and interrelations of each actor, local authorities, artists, and intermediaries, while identifying both the prerequisites and barriers to effective cooperation. 

Authored by Krista Petäjäjärvi (Doctoral candidate at the University of Lapland) with co-authors Heini Haapaniemi (Aalto University / South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Xamk) and Anu Vainio (Xamk), the peer-reviewed article was presented in June 2025 at the "Cumulus Conference: Ethical Leadership – A New Frontier for Design" as part of the track "Managing new ethics of public design". The article is a forthcoming publication in the e conference journal in 2025/26.


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