September starts on Friday 4 September with the opening celebration of Howard Smith (1928–2021), to which everyone is warmly invited. Presenting the artist’s work on an extensive scale, the exhibition pays tribute to the bold and distinctive expression of a beloved artist. During the evening, members of the EMMA team who worked on the exhibition, artists inspired by Smith’s work, and the artist’s spouse will share their perspectives. The opening night’s WeeGee Live: April Jazz concert features DANTCHEV:DOMAIN, known for its unique fusion of jazz and experimental music. At Restaurant Delicatessen WeeGee, DJ Sophia Wekesa will keep the dance floor moving throughout the evening. Free admission!

DJ Wekesa © Lumi Pulkkinen

Later in September, EMMA turns its attention to media art and exhibition-making practices. On Wednesday 16 September, an event organised in collaboration with Pixelache Helsinki presents a performance and media artworks exploring identity, technology, and societal change from global perspectives. On Friday 25 September, Curatorial and contemporary art commissioning agency PUBLICS’ symposium Positioning arrives at EMMA. The symposium brings together historical and contemporary exhibition practices while creating space for dialogue among local and international contemporary art professionals. Both events are free of charge, but advance registration is required through the event webpages.

Cao Fei’s Cosplayers will be featured in Pixelache Helsinki’s media art screening. © Cao Fei, Courtesy of Sprüth Magers and Vitamin Creative Space

On Finnish Literature Day, Saturday 10 October, EMMA offers programmes that invite visitors to slow down, focus, and reflect. Throughout the day, guided sessions inspired by Marina Abramović’s Counting the Rice provide an opportunity to concentrate on counting grains of rice and lentils at a personal pace. Afterwards, participants are invited to discuss their experiences and reflections together. An open art workshop offers a chance to create a large-scale salt mandala on the exhibition floor, while WeeGee Reads: Reading Retreat invites visitors to immerse themselves in reading and share thoughts inspired by books with fellow participants.

On Finnish Literature Day, visitors can focus on counting grains of rice and lentils in connection with Marina Abramović’s work. © Paula Virta / EMMA

During EMMA and WeeGee’s birthday week, from 13 to 18 October, a festive programme fills the building. On Tuesday 13 October, EMMA and KAMU will host joint architecture tours in Finnish, taking visitors behind the scenes to spaces that are usually closed to the public. The day will also feature celebratory music from different eras. The much-loved Art Break also begins on Tuesday, offering children inspiring creative activities throughout the week. On Wednesday 14 October, KAMU’s Historical Afternoon welcomes EMMA specialists to discuss Espoo’s public art, past and present. Following the talks, the Jade Community presents a selection of Chinese dances, and the day concludes with a poetry concert celebrating the work of Sirkka Turkka. On Friday 16 October, Tatskatytöt host their popular What the Quiz trivia night, while the evening guided tour offers not only insights into art but also an opportunity to meet fellow visitors through relaxed conversation. Saturday 17 October begins with Theatre Ilmi Ö’s Birthday Experience Simulator, where visitors can enjoy a customised birthday celebration in just one minute. Also performing on Saturday is Pikku Papun Orkesteri, whose energetic music will delight audiences of all ages. Welcome to celebrate EMMA and Exhibition Centre WeeGee as they leave their teenage years behind!

Theatre Ilmi Ö offers a tailor-made birthday experience in just one minute. © Paula Virta / EMMA

After the excitement of the anniversary week, the final weekend of October turns to dance, music, and remembrance. On Friday 30 October, VocalEspoo’s performance Intertwinings brings together soprano Meeri Pulakka and dance artist Sofia Keto-Tokoi in an exploration of intimacy, longing, and mortality. The following day, 31 October, visitors are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos with an art workshop and face painting activities. Emphasising togetherness, music, and joy, the celebration honours and remembers loved ones who have passed away. The event for all ages is organised in collaboration with Ninho ry. The day concludes with a shared festive gathering accompanied by DJ music.

Visitors can take part in an art workshop as part of the Day of the Dead celebration.

Discover more autumn events in our event calendar. New programme highlights and surprises will be added throughout the season. You can also find information on open art workshops, art activities for babies, and much more.