Since autumn 2019, Umeå's creators have taken place in the city centre and shown a way for the transformation of future city centres. Through a wide range of experiences, creativity and innovation, new ways of meeting in a traditional mall have been developed. In mid-March, when the corona pandemic made its appearance in Västerbotten, the eXpression Pop-in suspended its activities in accordance with the recommendations of the Swedish Public Health Agency. With renewed vigour, and conditions permitting, we look forward to reopening the eXpression Pop-in in autumn 2020, when creators, entrepreneurs and organisations will be welcomed to take up space with their activities once again. Not least, the city and its citizens will be welcomed to an opportunity to come together in a creative environment in a much anticipated everyday setting.

Already in early autumn 2019, eXpression Umeå and the property owner Mofab began discussions about what the vacant premises in the MVG gallery could be used for. This was also the seed of what would later be named eXpression Pop-in.

On 14 November, the opening of the eXpression Pop-in was celebrated. The opening was preceded by a design sprint with students from the School of Design, the School of Architecture and the School of Economics led by designer Anna Parry, Proto Projects, which led to the design of a welcoming, inspiring and creative environment, designed by Maria Östenstensson, Östensson Design Studio.

During the autumn and winter of 2019-2020, more than 30 artists, creators, companies and organisations have taken up residence in the MVG gallery environment. This is part of challenging the traditional retail space, showcasing and exploring new business models based on collaboration, and increasing the flow of citizens and visitors into the gallery.

• The environment has served as a testing ground for entrepreneurs and creators for co-creation, networking and marketing. An opportunity to sell and showcase their goods and services in the form of exhibitions, events, pop-ups, workshops and lectures. Collaboration and sustainability have been keywords and new forms of collaboration have been tested and seen the light of day and we are very happy that Umeå's creators can continue to take place and lead the way towards a change in eXpression Pop-in, says Marlene Johansson, CEO eXpression Umeå.

Below is a selection of the activities carried out: 

Film and clips: John Sandin

Photographer cover image: Oskar Sandström

For more information:

Anna Wikholm Kjellberg
Anna.wikholm@expressionumea.se

Annakarin Nyberg
Annakarin.nyberg@expressionumea.se