Finland says DO TOUCH!

ANNOUNCING THE FIFTH HELSINKI DESIGN WEEK: September 4-13, 2009

 In a country noted for their cutting-edge design and names like Marimekko, Aarikka, Iittala, and more, Helsinki Design Week 09 brings design within reach of everyone. The theme of this year’s festival, DO TOUCH!, is manifested in events that encourage collaboration between creative professionals and festival visitors.

The 10-day “Week” celebrates collective creativity through a wide array of events that take place at the Cable Factory and in the center of Helsinki. The program includes workshops, exhibitions, fashion shows, seminars, festivities, visits to studios and closed-for-public spaces, plus shopping opportunities targeted for both the public and design professionals.

At the Cable Factory, this year’s main exhibition, Dutch Pavilion, exhibits the best of contemporary design from Holland. The collection showcases the country's latest trends in product development, fashion, architecture and industrial and interior design. It includes work by established designers as well as upcoming talents and aims to convey the collective energy underlying the Dutch success story in design.  Also at the Cable Factory, The New Draw exhibition introduces nine young and prominent Finnish architecture offices with a book launch that presents articles and tips for architectural sights in Helsinki.

On September 5 and 6, The Design Market at the Cable Factory is Finland’s biggest and most colorful design outlet sale and takes place at Kaapelitehdas where dozens of vendors sell domestic and international design products ranging from fashion to furniture. 

On September 9 and 10, The Open Studios allow visitor a firsthand look inside the studios, workshops and basements of designers, architects, artists, and other creative people in the Helsinki center.

From September 10-12, OpenHouseHelsinki offers guided tours take visitors to interesting buildings, interiors, and landmarks normally restricted to the public. The tours are free of charge and guided by local architects and Helsinki aficionados.

Throughout the Week, Shopping in Helsinki, throughout the Helsinki Design District features special shows, product launches, designer appearances and shopping within the Design District’s 25 streets and 170 locations.

Helsinki Design Week is an annual city festival that seeks to attune and introduce people to new design. Operating through various media, collaborations and events, the organizers invite design devotees to new experiences, encounters, and idea exchange.

For more Information visit

Helsinki Design Week at www.helsinkidesignweek.com

Visit Finland at www.visitfinland.com

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