In Brief

Based on the idea of combining practicality and beauty with sensible use of materials, Finnish design is an internationally renowned concept. For North American audiences, however, it is still largely a novelty. During the past five years, the Finnish Cultural Institute has been programmatically working for introducing up-to-date currents of Finnish design in New York. In collaboration with the Consulate General of Finland in New York and Design Forum Finland, the Institute launched a long-term design project in 2007. Since then the project has been organized in different locations during the New York design week in May. Past five events have featured both established Finnish design companies and individual Finnish designers. Events belonging to the constantly evolving multi-year project New Finnish Design have been: SCENARIOS (2011), STRAIGHTFORWARD (2010), PLAYFUL (2009), HARDCORE (2008) and VALVOMO (2007). The events have consisted of curated exhibitions, company showcases, workshops, thematic panel discussions and lectures, pop up stores and cafe, and Pecha Kucha presentations. Already before the New Finnish Design project, the touring SAUMA exhibition (2005-09) brought innovative contemporary Finnish design within the reach of US audience.