The Music x Media and the City of Tampere presented the Creative Economy Innovator Award again this year. The LUO(V)UUS Award, now in its third year, honors a person, entity, work or community that has developed dialogue between creative sectors and the creative economy and actively worked to reform it. The winner is selected by a jury of creative professionals.
The winner of the 2024 LUO(V)UUS Award is Pispala Clothing from Tampere, which combines ethical fashion and contemporary art in a unique way. Pispala’s responsibly produced clothes are unisex and include for example t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts. Founded in 2021, the company also creates opportunities and a source of income for collaborative artists, to whom 10% of sales are directly allocated.
Pispala Clothing has raised its growth funding from private investors and has even tripled its turnover. The company has also successfully collaborated with the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and ice hockey team Ilves. In the future, Pispala Clothing plans to internationalize and develop its digital customer experience. There will also be a collaboration collection with Tampere Filharmonia.
In addition to the online store, Pispala has a store in Tampere. The store has been designed to be a living room, where you can shop clothes and admire changing art exhibitions. The space has also been used for live performances.
Pispala Clothing is described as an active in society, versatile and creative operator that stands out as a creator of newer thinking and brings sustainable development to the fore in an imaginative way.
“Pispala Clothing’s approach of combining fashion, art and partnerships creates inspiring examples of how to innovate. This award recognises bold and creative efforts to promote sustainability and grow the business.”
– Maiju Viiki, Account & Project Manager at City of Tampere
The honor was given at the Industry Awards Gala, on Friday 4th October 2023.
Last year’s award was given to singer-songwriter LXANDRA, who is described as a determined and well-connected artist. Her songs have been featured in popular films and TV series in Europe and the United States. Through LXANDRA, several Finnish creative industry professionals are employed in high-profile international productions.
In 2022 the winner was Troll Visual Effects, a production house based in Tampere. In 2021, Troll VFX signed the largest subcontract in Finnish history and got a chance to create digital special effects for a Netflix movie. The production house works with ambition and determination, while encouraging other creatives.