Cultural producer Kitari Mayele
It is difficult for an immigrant to find work in the arts because he or she is not allowed to make the same mistakes as others. Despite the prejudice, it is worth trying. You just need patience and to do double the amount of work. Immigrants have to use their common sense and train.
Kitari Mayele, 41, is a cultural producer at Helsinki’s International Cultural Centre Caisa. He coordinates production and heads cultural projects.
Ourvision, which was developed in response to the European Song Contest, is one such project. The competition is for immigrant artists who do not perform professionally.
“Caisa acts as a sort of bridge between minorities and the world around them. The projects make a good form of employment because many immigrants cannot commit to anything long-term. They are not necessarily sure about their residence permit or if it will be extended.”
Mayele studied to be an electronics engineer in Congo’s capital of Kinshasa, but he enjoyed the arts, especially the theatre in his native country. After moving to Europe the world of culture attracted him even more.
“ The Cultural Centre supports immigrant artists who do not have a lot of money.”
When in 1991 he settled in Oulu, he was employed at first in technical work, and then founded a theatre group with a Finnish friend. He wrote scripts and directed performances. The group drew praise, toured Finland with their productions, and also went to Germany.
Mayele studied arts and culture in Oulu and Helsinki, where he moved 10 years ago. He also gained a qualification in youth work and worked at Caisa first as a youth leader, and later as a cultural director.
“We did theatre and organised events; we looked after the venues and cleaned them ourselves. Over the years Caisa found its own niche. We’ve now got 15 employees. The salaries are paid by the City of Helsinki.”
As a cultural producer Mayele is responsible for planning the programme of events. He works closely with the embassies and individual asylum-seekers. Some of the programme he puts together is produced by partners, but Caisa also has its own cultural offerings.
“I’m responsible for practical matters relating to our output. I make sure that the programme looks good and works as a whole. A cultural producer has to understand what needs to be done and for whom.”
Mayele is a busy man. He is often on the phone or having meetings with his own people or partners. With his 10 years’ experience he is able to advise immigrants who intend to go into the arts and culture.
“There is not always any clear training or career path. You have to know about culture, but the most important think is to be willing to learn about things that are new to you. Immigrants have to be patient and overcome any prejudices against them.”
Text and photograph: Anu Likonen, Jukka Vuolle and Nanni Akkola
The Ministry of Employment and the Economy