Finnish Tech, Design and Art (FTDA), a non-profit organization that promotes Finnish creativity in the US through artistic expression, debuted The House of Finland this month in New York City. An exclusive four-day pop-up shop and festival featuring a series of events showcased Finnish art, design, music and gastronomy at Broome Street Gallery on 345 Broome Street.
The pop-up featured interactive sessions, multi-content exhibitions, concerts and evening events with the creatives who brought the works of art to life. The evening festivities included concerts and cocktail parties with Finlandia Vodka and Finlandia Cheese. The House of Finland is a unique immersive experience celebrating Finnish art, heritage and culture.
Produced by creative collective and agency, Black Swan Projekt, the festival highlighted an array of dynamic, up-and-coming creatives, including a debut single release gig by avant-garde pop act GEA, live painting and latest collection by illustrator and textile designerSusanna Sivonen, selected designs from a newly launched art and fashion brand CHAÎNE and The Routes of Helsinki sound installation by Mikko H Haapoja. The Routes of Helsinki installations have been actively presented in many galleries, Helsinki Music Centre and in public city space, including metro platforms of Helsinki Central Railway station. Currently sound art piece The Routes of Helsinki – Beeline can be heard in Helsinki City Museum’s main exhibition Helsinki Bites.
Friday evening introduced modern, experimental Finnish Folk music featuring Project Vainiolla and Meriheini Luoto. Saturday evening highlight was a Fashion party with a Finnish fashion app IVALO, representing 70 most interesting and upcoming Finnish fashion brands. Additionally Finnish real estate technology startup CubiCasa was present at events. CubiCasa is redefining the real estate content marketing business model with on-demand digital indoor space service. They offer complimentary BETA program for NYC real estate agents: direct access to 300,000 apartment floor plans.
Another highlight of the festival was international illustrator and textile designer, Susanna Sivonen who showcased her latest collection, which was created to capture beautiful, articulate details in art and Scandinavian life. GEA’s debut single ‘Pink’, premiered on the opening night, and captured the landscape of the singer-songwriters’ native Finland; cool, cascading, vibrant and serene. GEA’s sound is light and airy, full of magic and mystery.
The pop-up shop will be sponsored by boutique, contemporary hotel, Arctic Light which was ranked #11 on Travel + Leisure’s “Best New Hotels On The Planet” list, as well as the gourmet deli cheese and butter company, Finlandia Cheese Inc., Finlandia Vodka, Red Flower and Aller Media.