Museum of the Near Future (MNF) is an apparatus for looking sideways at institutions, cities, time and space. In an attempt to challenge perceptions of what is possible, and desirable, between now and next, MNF produces places for imagination and discussion in site-specific, functional installations. They are set up in interaction with museum and other institutional contexts and contents, asking questions for and with their hosts.
The first MNF project manifests in a thematic book society and -shop, taking over the old space of Museum of Finnish Architecture in Kaivopuisto, Helsinki, as part of the museum’s attempts to revitalise it. It explores micro-political participation in a city undergoing grand urban projects, such as its rapid expansion to central harbour and industrial areas or the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 nomination. Using literature and related activities – like reading circles and performative publishing – as tools, MNF I experiments with the convergence of personal and public space, asking how value-based concerns of individuals could be turned into productive ways of living in Helsinki.
Museum of the Near Future is created by OK Do, the creative practice of designers, writers and curators Anni Puolakka and Jenna Sutela, and carried out in collaboration with organisations and individuals of different stripes. The project team for MNF I includes designer and curator Anna Mikkola, bookshop representative Matilda Tjäder (Motto), curator Cheyanne Turions and designer Tommi Vasko.
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Museum of the Near Future bookshop
9–18 September, 2011
Address:
Museum of Finnish Architecture’s villa in Kaivopuisto
Puistokatu 4, Helsinki
Open:
Tue, Thu, Fri 10–16
Wed 10–20
Sat, Sun 11–16
(Mon closed)
Programme:
Fri 9.9. Museum of the Near Future bookshop opens at 10 am
Sun 11.9. Museum of the Near Future morning party, including the Helsinki launch of OK Do’s OK Talk Helsinki/London book 9 am–noon (RSVP at hello@ok-do.eu)
Sun 11.9. Walk talk in Hernesaari, a Helsinki harbour area in development. Participants will be picked up by a water bus to Hernesaari at the Sea Harbour of Kaivopuisto (address: Merisatamanranta 10) at 1.30 pm and brought back by 4 pm (tickets 5 e, bookings at hello@ok-do.eu)
Tue 13.9. Reading circle I 6 pm–9 pm (free entrance, RSVP at helhello@ok-do.eu)
Fri 16.9. OK Do curates a film screening at Museum of Finnish Architecture’s backyard, Kasarmikatu 24, Helsinki 7 pm–9 pm (free entrance, to be announced at www.mfa.fi)
Sat 17.9. Reading circle II 12 am–3 pm (free entrance, RSVP at hello@ok-do.eu)
Sun 18.9. The bookshop closes at 4 pm
Coffee will be served by Café Aaltopelti!
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More information:
hello@ok-do.eu / +358 50 527 3123
www.ok-do.eu
www.mottodistribution.com
www.mfa.fi
www.helsinkidesignweek.com
