Outi Niemensivu: Internationalization of Arts Universities – Towards Social Sustainability

Full title of the dissertation: Internationalization of Arts Universities – Towards Social Sustainability

• Opponent: Terhi Nokkala 
• Custos: Toni-Matti Karjalainen

Programme

Opening of the public examination 
Lectio praecursoria 
Statement of the Opponent 
Examination of the dissertation 
Closing statement of the Opponent 
Audience questions 
Closing of the public examination

Abstract

Niemensivu, Outi (2024): Internationalization of arts universities – Towards social sustainability. Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. Studia Musica 98. 

This doctoral dissertation on the internationalization of arts universities draws on the idea that arts and culture can be used as a mediator in advancing social sustainability. The aim is to understand how and to what extent the internationalization of arts universities contributes to social sustainability in the domestic context as perceived by stakeholders within the university: senior managers, faculty, and students. The focus is on how higher music education institutions within arts universities advance social sustainability in forms such as diversity, inclusion, equity, social well-being, and social cohesion by engaging with difference. As a part of its third mission, an arts university can contribute to the cohesion and interaction between culturally diverse members of society. 

This interdisciplinary arts management research draws on three theoretical discussions: the internationalization of higher education, sustainability, and community engagement. Within sustainability the focus is on social sustainability. The research is a qualitative case study of two European arts universities and their higher music education institutions: University of the Arts Helsinki and University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. 

This study proposes that to be socially sustainable in the domestic intercultural context, traditional music education should be reimagined in cooperation with all levels of music education. Lowering the barriers raised by the elitism of music education, the dominance of Western classical music, and a narrowly defined view of quality requires a change in the strategy, governance, and policies of the institutions. Proactive engagement with local communities, the participation of the whole university community as well as collaboration with local communities and external partners are requisites for a shift towards social sustainability. 

This research contributes to the scholarly discourse on the social and societal impact of arts universities. It extends the research of the internationalization of higher education into arts universities and their higher music education institutions with an interdisciplinary approach. The research offers fresh perspectives and emerging visions for stakeholders related to international activities within and outside arts and scientific universities as well as for internationalization scholars.

About Outi Niemensivu

Outi Niemensivu holds a Master of Music degree in Arts Management (Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, 2018) as well as a Master of Arts degree in English Philology (University of Helsinki, 1984). She has supplemented her studies at the University of Massachusetts, USA, and the University of Münster, Germany. During her studies at the Sibelius Academy, Niemensivu has been an active member of the university community as a member of several boards. Before re-joining the academia, Niemensivu had an international career in the translation and localization industry as an entrepreneur/managing director and senior manager. 

Outi Niemensivu’s academic interests include internationalization of higher education, social and cultural sustainability as well as community engagement. 

More information

Outi Niemensivu
outi.niemensivu@uniarts.fi