Skip to content

The Riihimaki.fi website uses Google Translate.

The curator of the first Finnish Glass Biennale is Japanese design influencer Akira Minagawa

16.1.2025 Releases Culture and leisure Vigor Culture Glass city The Finnish Glass Museum Art Events

A man with Japanese features wearing a black shirt. He looks down with a calm expression on his face. Black background.
Akira Minagawa. Photo: Shoji Onuma

The first Finnish Glass Biennale (June 5–8, 2025) has been curated by renowned Japanese fashion and textile designer Akira Minagawa. Minagawa brings his broad creative perspective and international experience to the biennale, which beautifully complements the traditions of glass art and creates visions for the future.

Akira Minagawa (born 1967) is best known as the founder of his design company minä perhonen. His diverse career also includes collaborations with international brands such as Issey Miyake, Muji, Kvadrat, and Finnish brands Artek, Lapuan Kankurit, and Iittala. Minagawa’s aesthetic is characterized by a clear, minimalist approach that combines functionality and beauty, nature-inspired patterns, and an appreciation for artisanal traditions. Minagawa is a well-known expert on Finnish culture, which is also reflected in the name of his company. He has said that he found the words “minä” and “perhonen” in a Finnish dictionary. They reflect his desire to create products that are as beautiful and diverse as a butterfly’s wings.

Minagawa brings his broad creative perspective and international experience to the Finnish Glass Biennale, which complements the traditions and visions of glass art. The curator will participate in the planning of the main exhibition and a workshop for young designers. In addition, Minagawa will design a collection of unique glass art objects that will be seen as part of the biennale exhibition.

“The shift of the craft sector towards industrialization and mass production is a global phenomenon. In the midst of this, the Finnish Glass Biennale can provide a platform to reflect on the significance of handmade crafts and the importance of preserving the environment in which they were born. Historically, Finland has produced numerous artists and designers, regardless of genre. For this reason, it is particularly significant that the biennale is organized in Finland. I am very honored to serve as the curator of this first event,” says Akira Minagawa.

The program includes, among other things, the World Glassblowing Championship

The Finnish Glass Biennale will be held in Riihimäki, Nuutajärvi and Iittala. The main venues are the Finnish Glass Museum, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and located in the former factory of Riihimäen Lasi Oy, and the old industrial premises of Riihimäen Lasi. The program includes at least a professional seminar, events for glass collectors, a world glassblowing championship, expert visits, exhibitions of Finnish art glass and satellite events produced in collaboration with the local creative community.

“Inviting a curator to the exhibition, which will be held for the first time, lays the foundation for its future. The Finnish Glass Biennale aims to grow into an internationally significant institution. The Finnish Glass Biennale also reaches beyond traditional glass art and wants to invite creators from creative fields to explore the limitless possibilities of glass. Japanese Akira Minagawa is the perfect choice as curator and messenger for the first Finnish Glass Biennale,” says Kari Korkman, director of Luovi Productions.

The bienniale brings together glass art professionals, collectors and friends

The know-how of handcrafted glass was recently added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The appreciation of craft traditions and the demand for individually produced decorative arts are growing. The Finnish Glass Biennale responds to this interest by bringing together professionals, collectors and friends of glass art. The event offers city residents and culturally interested tourists the opportunity to experience unique art and discuss the combination of tradition and new creativity.

The international Finnish Glass Biennale creates unique experiences and invites glass lovers to Riihimäki, Iittala and Nuutajärvi for a week in early June. The first Finnish Glass Biennale will be held from 5 to 8 June 2025. Details regarding the media day will be announced soon.

The Finnish Glass Biennale is organized by the City of Riihimäki and the Finnish Glass Museum. The partner is Luovi Productions, the founder and producer of Helsinki Design Week and Fiskars Village Art & Design Biennale.

Finnish Glass Biennale website

Additional information

Hanna Mamia-Walther
Director of the Finnish Glass Museum
tel. +358 40 330 4100
hanna.mamia-walther@riihimaki.fi 

Kristian Keinänen
Development Manager, City of Riihimäki
tel. +358 50 465 2251
kristian.keinanen@riihimaki.fi 

Anni Korkman
program director
Creative Productions
tel. +358 40 846 5576
anni.korkman@luovi.com