MARIMEKKO, THE FINNISH CHILDREN AND YOUTH FOUNDATI

Marimekko Corporation, Press Release 4 April 2017 at 9:00 a.m.

Marimekko's theme for Finland's centenary year is based on bold patterns and doing things together. Acting jointly with the Finnish Children and Youth Foundation and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, we aim to encourage young people seeking their own path to creativity and bold self-expression. We are arranging a workshop to encourage the creativity of young people in different life situations, drawing inspiration both from Marimekko’s prints and colours and from the digital age artworks on display in Kiasma's ARS17 exhibition.

In the workshop, young people express themselves by means of visual art and programming. Artist-counsellors from the Finnish Children and Youth Foundation guide the young people in the fields of pattern design. In addition, counsellors from the company Mehackit, developing creative technology education in upper secondary schools, and in upper comprehensives, provide guidance in using programmable electronics to achieve interactive, kinetic sculptures. The patterns designed by young people come to life with the help of light and shade, electric motors and sensors.

"Marimekko's aim throughout the years has been to encourage people to boldly be themselves and to express themselves freely. During the centenary year, we want to actively support creativity in the spirit of doing things together, which is one of Marimekko's core values. We want to inspire young people and bring them the joy of finding their own path through creatively doing things together," says Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, President & CEO of Marimekko.

"The Kiasma exhibition showcases the international new generation of digital natives for whom online and offline lives are interlinked. The artworks offer a fresh, new, visual approach while also providing the artists' sincere, critical and face-to-face observations on the times in which we live. Contemporary art speaks to us about things we have in common and it uses forms of expression that are familiar to us from everyday life," says Museum Director Leevi Haapala of Kiasma.

"Now if ever is the time we need boldness and encouragement in doing things together - Finland's youth are worth it and all the positive support we can provide. We are happy and grateful that Marimekko and Kiasma value the future builders of our country and want to invest in youth through concrete action," says Executive Director Tuula Colliander of the Finnish Children and Youth Foundation.

The young people will get to know the activities of Marimekko and Kiasma on two separate inspiration days in April, the first of which will be held at Marimekko's head office in Herttoniemi and the second at the Kiasma art museum. The actual workshop will be carried out in May in the form of a weekend-long event on Kiasma's premises.

The young people taking part in the Bold Patterns workshop will document the project and its progress can be followed in the social media: Facebook/rohkeatkuviot and Instagram/rohkeatkuviot, #rohkeatkuviot #nuori #marimekko #kiasma #suomi100.

Further details about Marimekko’s projects and events related to the centenary are available, inter alia, at www.marimekko.com. Further information: Asta Halme, Marimekko Communications Tel. +358 9 7587 233 asta.halme@marimekko.com

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Marimekko is a Finnish design company renowned first and foremost for its original prints and colours. The company’s product portfolio includes high-quality clothing, bags and accessories as well as home décor items ranging from textiles to tableware. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in about 40 countries. In 2016, brand sales of the products worldwide amounted to EUR 194 million and the company's net sales were close to EUR 100 million. More than 160 Marimekko stores serve customers around the globe. The key markets are Northern Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. The Group employs about 400 people. The company’s share is quoted on NASDAQ Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com

Kiasma is the Museum of Contemporary Art, making known and collecting the art of our times – what artists are creating today. ARS17 is a grand international exhibition of contemporary art filling Kiasma with art, presentations, events, discussions and workshops. ARS17+ expands the exhibition experience into the internet at: http://arsplus.kiasma.fi. Kiasma is part of the Finnish National Gallery.

The Finnish Children and Youth Foundation – No society can afford to lose its young people. This is why the Finnish Children and Youth Foundation helps young people in difficult life situations with creative and practical methods. With the help of these, young people can develop their own life skills and find a place in society for themselves. The foundation operates both in Finland and in developing countries together with local operators. Read more at: http://www.nuori.fi/en/about-us/life-skills/