(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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UPM leads the reformation of bio and forest industries. We are building a sustainable future in six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Paper Asia, UPM Paper Europe and North America and UPM Plywood. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. We serve a global base of customers. We employ approximately 20,000 people, and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10 billion. UPM's shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. UPM – The Biofore Company – www.upm.com
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.
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