Dear Reader,

There’s no getting around the fact that these are very hard, very strange times. In years to come, we will look back at 2020 as the year of the global pandemic, when what ‘business as usual’ looks like changed forever. What the new normal is, no one quite knows – but already, organisations and businesses everywhere are stretching and shedding, showing off their agility and dipping toes in new waters in a bid to demonstrate that they will be part of it, no matter what happens.

While the Swedish approach to the coronavirus challenge has been notably different from that of most other countries across the world, including indeed the country’s Scandinavian neighbours, the impact of the crisis will be felt everywhere – and the entrepreneurs, designers, creatives and business leaders we’ve spoken to for this issue of Scan Magazine all have ideas and strategies for not just coping, but getting out the other end of the disaster strong, healthy and thriving.

As our Swedish fashion masterminds know, we will still need to get dressed even if our societies change – but our demands and desires may be different. In Greenland, with its vast landscapes, social distancing may be child’s play – but how are tourism managers and business leaders bridging those gaps? Our need for fun and entertainment sure won’t stop either, and we’ve spoken to a few Danish and Norwegian cultural leaders about what’s coming next – even if they’re having to learn on the job about postponed shows and flexible opening hours.

One fashion brand that sure has walked both strong and healthy (and colourful!) through plenty of ups and downs is Marimekko, the lead designer of which is on this month’s cover. And what better brain to be inspired by than that of a feminist, sustainability-mad designer who puts functionalism first and throw-away trends in the bin? I know I, for one, will take on board many of her sentiments as I try to make sense of what this tough time of turmoil means to me.

Stay safe, and mind each other – at a safe distance.