The inaugural edition of the Helsinki Biennial in Finland, which was due to open on 12 June 2020 has been postponed as a result of delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The highly anticipated international arts festival curated by Pirkko Siitari and Taru Tappola, was going to bring 40 artists and art collectives from around the world to the Finnish capital this summer.

During a press briefing the organizers declared that the crisis has meant production of the event is behind schedule and it definitely won’t open to the public on 12th June as originally planned. Over 75 percent of Helsinki Biennial works were newly made for the show and its site, the Baltic island of Vallisaari.

”We have two options, either to open Helsinki Biennial at the beginning of August, or to postpone it until summer 2021. With our decision, we want to ensure the health and safety of the public and our artists, partners and employees” said Jan Vapaavuori, the Mayor of Helsinki.