An invited public talk for CreativeMornings/Helsinki on the theme of Nakhlah — Palm.
“This theme is a tribute to resilience, generosity, and rooted creativity — symbolized by one of the most iconic trees in Arab culture. The palm thrives in tough conditions — just like creativity under pressure. The date palm is deeply woven into Saudi identity, found on the national emblem and in everyday life — from food to folklore.”
This month’s theme is chosen by the chapter in Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
Watch this video to discover why Khobar selected نخلة — Nakhlah — Palm
CreativeMornings/Helsinki is a gathering for curious minds, an inspiring space for open dialogue. CreativeMornings is a global platform where we can explore the different faces of creativity. Each month one person comes and shares an inspiring thought. We want it to tickle the mind and challenge us to make a positive change.
This event is hosted at the Architecture & Design Museum in Helsinki on Friday, August 28, 2026.
https://creativemornings.com/talks/palm-with-nitin-sawhney
About the speaker
Nitin Sawhney grew up amidst palm trees on the island of Bahrain, having spent his childhood in New Delhi, Tehran, and the Himalayas. His life experiences shaped his creative and community-based engagement in Palestine, Guatemala, Nepal, Moscow, and New York, integrating transdisciplinary interests in arts, technology, film, urbanism, and human rights advocacy.
Nitin has conducted participatory media workshops and co-directed documentary films with children in Gaza and indigenous communities in Guatemala, while curating collaborative art exhibitions and film festivals to showcase their interwoven narratives of conflict, struggle, and creative resilience.
Nitin moved from Brooklyn to Helsinki in 2020 to take up a professorship at Aalto University, having taught at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and The New School. He holds docentships in Computer Science at University of Helsinki and in Artistic Research at Uniarts Helsinki. His current research focuses on Inclusive, Responsible and Human-Centered AI in the Public Interest.
Through his work Nitin tries to nurture curious inspirations emerging from everyday encounters with people and places, that foster societal awareness and critical global dialogues.
Additional details
We´re a morning lecture series for Helsinki´s creative community that also take place in 252 cities around the world. We continue to strive to connect our audience with heard and yet-to-be heard voices that make Helsinki creative, beautiful and diverse.
Join us at our face-to-face event Friday 28.8.2026 at 8:15 am for the theme of NAKHLAH/Palm
Agenda for the morning:
8.15 am doors open & Breakfast is served
9:00 am Talk by Nitin Sawhney
10:00 am We wish you great and inspirational day!
Event accessibility: Event is held at Architecture & Design Museum. Entrance for wheelchairs and prams from Ullanlinnankatu street. Design Museum has an obstacle-free lift, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the basement level (floor K). https://creativemornings.com/cities/hel