Beyond the “Nordic style” –– how Finland makes good design available to all

In my years of hearing “Nordic design” frequently thrown around outside of Nordic countries, often in fields like product design and interior decor, the term refers to the kind of simplicity in forms, with an emphasis on function and quality materials.

That is not that far off based on what I heard and saw in Finland. Tuija Aalto-Setälä, Brand Manager of Fiskars Corporation, Finland’s largest ...  (continue reading)

The greatness & challenges of Finnish art and culture

As a journalist, reporting about arts and culture, this was my day: a chance to learn more about many artistic disciplines in Finland, from design to music and the fine arts.

We started at Design Forum Finland, a non-profit organization that aims to promote design as a key to success for companies.

According to Petteri Kolinen, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Design Forum Finland, Finland ...  (continue reading)

Finland found its way to my heart through its culture

I already know what to expect from my visit to Finland. My friend Daniel who participated in thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme a couple of years ago summed it up in one sentence: “The best month of my life”.

But my expectations are high both for the trip and for myself! I want to work hard on getting to know all there is to know. I want to find perspectives on Finland that ...  (continue reading)

Excess of These Five Things Will Make You Totally ‘Finnish’

After almost three weeks of being back from the FCP, I was wondering how Finns are different from the people in rest of the world and came up with a checklist, ‘excess of things that make you Finnish’.

a) Coffee: I am almost a Finn by now in this sense. Go for an official meeting, conference, seminar, music concert, family dinner..whatever it might be coffee is a must. You have ...  (continue reading)