The project is sustainable and its potential to be applied across Europe is evident. In 2015, it was initiated in Central Finland. In 2016, Adopt a Monument’s efforts were rewarded with the Europa Nostra Grand prize, the highest of the European Union’s cultural heritage honours. In 2017-2018, “Adopt a Monument” grew at a rapid pace in Helsinki and Vantaa, as well as Satakunta.The practice still continues with great success today.

Objectives of the initiative:

As caretakers of these monuments, they contribute to raising awareness in the local communities about their heritage by researching the history of the site and holding events there. Adopt a Monument’ is a creative way to actively involve local inhabitants in the care and preservation of their local heritage and helps to encourage the protection of smaller, unprotected buildings As the monuments have often been left vacant for many years, this initiative helps to restore their visibility within their communities and greatly enhances their value.

Brief assessment of the initiative’s results:

‘Adopt a Monument’ has grown rapidly and has enjoyed tremendous popularity in Finland. New monuments are being added all the time and it has started to gradually spread throughout the rest of the country, an indication of its great success. The volunteers who arrange the ‘adoptions’ are supported by professionals in museums and the projects for the restoration of the buildings are aided by conservation professionals. The enthusiasm from the volunteers coupled with the expertise of the professionals has resulted in a credible and highly efficient project which has had a great impact despite its modest budget.

An interesting and very relevant aspect of this project is its focus on bringing these cultural heritage sites and immigrants to Finland closer together by providing meaningful, short-term activity to asylum seekers in a bid to foster understanding of Finnish culture.