ELABORATING THE CONCEPT OF ETHNOGRAPHIC VILLAGE ON THE BASIS OF THE KARELIAN-FINNISH EPIC KALEVALA

Abstract

This study aims to elaborate of the concept of ethnographic village based on the Karelian-Finnish epic Kalevala. Creating such a village will foster academic research on the common ethnic background of Karelians and Finns, the culture and literary language developed due to this epic and will become a key point for its further use as a tourist center in business projection. Relevant research Literature and academic conference papers were used to achieve the above objective. To confirm that the right choice was made of the epic as the foundation of the future thematic entity and to investigate the target audience and the touristic relevance of the project among fifty-four travel agency managing directors, the authors adopted the peer reviewing method worked out by the "Yuminkeko" - Foundation, - a cultural center located in the town of Kuhmo, Finland, whose tasks include preserving Kalevala-related culture, promoting cultural exchanges between Karelia and Finland and carrying out international projects. The concept presented in present study won an investment proposal competition as part of the Russia- EU Crossborder Cooperation Program. Currently, an ethnic village business plan is being developed with a view of attracting investment.