Article categories: News
Vaasa Cultural Achievement of the Year awarded to local photographer Esa Siltaloppi
Published: 22.4.2024
Photographer Esa Siltaloppi, organiser of the nostalgic Vaasa-themed photo exhibition, has been awarded the Vaasa Cultural Achievement of the Year 2023. The Vaasa Culture and Sports Committee grants this recognition to a cultural act that enhanced and diversified the cultural landscape of Vaasa during the previous year.
Many Vaasa residents were amazed by last year’s exhibition, which showcased photographs of Vaasa from the 1970s and 1980s. Photographer Esa Siltaloppi’s exhibition Mustavalkoinen 70- ja 80-luvun Vaasa (transl. Vaasa of the 70s and 80s in monochrome), was rewarded as the Vaasa Cultural Achievement of the Year 2023.
The Vaasa Culture and Sports Committee names the exhibition’s significant public interest and its evident emotional impact on numerous attendees as grounds for their decision. Over 3200 visitors attended the exhibition at Galleria Ibis from April 22 to June 11, 2023.
The committee also highlighted Esa Siltaloppi’s skill in selecting photographs that evoked cherished and vivid memories of youth for many viewers. For younger audiences, the exhibition was as a compelling snapshot of Vaasa during the 1970s and 1980s. The works on display comprehensively covered diverse themes, including the evolving urban landscape, sports, youth culture, events, and Vaasa’s waterfront areas.
The award amounts to €2000, and it was now granted for the fifth time. Last year’s awardee was the Sudenmorsiamet and Weljet group.
Vaasa residents were invited to propose candidates for the award earlier in the year. The award ceremony will take place in May.