(UPM, Helsinki, 30 June at 09:00 EET) – UPM is one of the partners of this year's Helsinki Festival, and is working in close alignment with the festival's “Focus China” programme. “Focus China” presents one of the most comprehensive looks into Chinese art and culture seen in Europe in recent years.
As part of the Helsinki Festival programme,
there will be an exhibition at UPM's Biofore House at Töölönlahti by the Chinese
master painter Wei Qingji between 13 August and 31 October
2015. Wei's art reflects the opening of China to the world. UPM is bringing Wei
Qingji's exhibition to Finland in cooperation with the Chinese Centre of
International Cultural Exchange.
"UPM already has a strong presence in
China in many business areas. And we understand the value of culture in building
bridges between people and businesses. That's why we wanted to play a part in
bringing Chinese culture here, to be witnessed and experienced in all its
richness at the Helsinki Festival", explains Elisa
Nilsson,Vice President, UPM Brand and Communications
.
In addition, hundreds of other leading artists
from China representing different forms of art will also participate in the
festival, which will take place towards the end of summer. Among other things,
the Focus: China programme will include acrobatics, painting, contemporary
dancing, design, club festivals, symphony, comics, kites, street food and much
more.
Bioforum — A citizens' living room full of
experiences
The Helsinki Festival is one of the most
significant recipients of culture sponsorship in Finland, and a forerunner in
establishing cooperation with companies.
"Cooperation with the Helsinki
Festival is natural for us, because we want Bioforum to be the citizens' living
room, a place where people can just come in and enjoy art. The exhibition by the
Chinese artist is also a perfect fit with the festival's theme", Nilsson
continues.
"We are overjoyed to have a new high-profile exhibition space
provided by UPM right in the centre of Helsinki. We are also pleased to add an
interesting artist and an exhibition of the highest quality to the “Focus China”
programme. Wei Qingji's art is a valuable complement to the Helsinki Festival's
ensemble of Chinese contemporary visual art", says Helsinki Festival Director
Erik Söderblom.
The Helsinki Festival takes place
annually between late August and early September. This year the festival will
take place between 14 August and 30 August. Last year, the festival was attended
by more than 230,000 visitors.
For further information, please contact:
Elisa Nilsson, Vice President, Brand and
Communications, tel. +358 40 500 3150
Full programme of the Helsinki Festival: http://www.helsinginjuhlaviikot.fi/
UPM,
Media Relations
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588 3284
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The Helsinki Festival is the
largest multi-art festival in Finland, and takes place annually between late
August and early September. The festival aims to offer unique art experiences to
visitors from both Finland and from abroad. In 2015, the Helsinki Festival will
take place between 14 August and 30 August. The Night of the Arts event will
take place on Thursday 20 August 2015. Last year, the festival was attended by
more than 230,000 visitors.
Centre of International Cultural
Exchange (CICE) is a not-for-profit organization subordinate to
Ministry of Culture, People’s Republic of China and a comprehensive institution
engaged in cultural exchange programs. Aiming at promoting Chinese culture to
the world and spreading the charm of Chinese culture, CICE has set up a close
link with and provide essential support for worldwide Chinese embassies,
consulates, and specially China Cultural Centres. Every year CICE organizes more
than one hundred cultural events, including exhibition, performance and forum
etc. in various cities, regions and countries.