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Riikka Mäkikoskela, Doctor of Arts, appointed as Head of Radical Creativity

Published: 7.5.2021

Creativity is an important capability as we spark the game changers of tomorrow, and renew our society. A culture of radical creativity supports learning from exploration, experimentation and failure.

Riikka Mäkikoskela Photo: Juho Heikkinen

Radical creativity is one of Aalto University's three cross-cutting theme areas. Creative approaches provide diverse perspectives and skills to tackle topical challenges in a radically new way. Riikka Mäkikoskela, Doctor of Arts, has been appointed as Head of Radical Creativity as of 1 August 2021. Mäkikoskela has graduated with a doctorate from Aalto University's Department of Art in 2015.

The university has established this new position to ensure the long-term strategic planning and integration of creativity into all our activities. In addition, the tasks include increasing awareness and promoting Radical Creativity widely within the community as well as organizing annual events. The Head of Radical Creativity will be in charge of the theme in management teams and discussion forums.

Riikka Mäkikoskela will work in Leadership Support Services and report to development manager Sirkku Linna. She will also work closely with Tuomas Auvinen, dean of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, who is responsible for radical creativity at Aalto.

Riikka Mäkikoskela will move to Aalto from the joint position of the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Academy of Finland where she works as Secretary General of the Theme Year of Knowledge. Mäkikoskela has previously worked as Executive Director of The Finnish Association of Art Schools. She has also worked as a researcher and teacher at Aalto.

Photo: Mikko Raskinen — Kuva: Mikko Raskinen

Radical Creativity also strengthened in Communications

As of April 1, 2021, Tiina Toivola has started as Communications Manager, Radical Creativity. She has previously worked in Aalto University's Art and Creative Practices team and has experience in design and strategic development at design agency Kuudes and Metso Corporation.

Tiina Toivola has M. Sc. Econ. at Aalto University, majoring in International Design Business Management and Marketing. Tiina Toivola works in the content team and reports to Jaakko Salavuo, but she will also work closely with Tuomas Auvinen and Riikka Mäkikoskela.

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We enable experimental activities that challenge the status quo.

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