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Seminar on the relationship between institutional theatre and the independent field

Wed 17 May at 11.00–15.00, studio Pasila

A seminar on the relations between institutional theatre and the freelance field

Wed May 17th 2023 at 11 am–3 pm at studio Pasila

(Scroll down for English.)

Sufficiently institutionalised is a seminar aimed at actors in the field of performing arts, which discusses the relationship between institutional theatre and the independent field in the light of the example provided by the Contemporary Performance Stage.

The relationship between institutional theatres and other art institutions operating with stable funding and the “free field” of art is a topic and a tangle of problems that affects those working in the arts from one decade to the next. Even in the 2020s, resources will be distributed unevenly, which will have a wide range of consequences. Different work cultures, different artistic styles, and different states of mind and body develop in different circumstances. The free field is a stereotypically uncertain, experimental, flexible and poor area, while the institution is safe, rigid, believes in tradition and is popular. The stage of the Helsinki City Theatre’s Contemporary Performance is an example of an experiment in which these different cultures, aesthetic genres, prejudices and experiences are placed in dialogue.

The stage for the contemporary performance was inspired by a petition sent to the Helsinki City Theatre in 2019 by professionals in the independent field of performing arts, proposing the establishment of a new stage to enable cooperation between HKT and independent operators. As a result of the petition, HKT launched a two-year pilot project, the first proposals of which were implemented in May and August 2022, and the second year of operation will take place in May-August 2023. In addition to the Helsinki City Theatre, the pilot project has been made possible by the support of the Kone Foundation.

Helsinki City Theatre has decided to transfer the project to the theatre’s permanent operations after the pilot phase. Now is a good time to assess, discuss and imagine future prospects. What have we learned? What should be taken into account in the future? What kind of information does this experiment offer to the Finnish performing arts field more broadly?

Participating in the event includes: Kati Korosuo, the August 2022 premiere artist of the stage of the contemporary performance, Kaino Wennerstrand of the guest performance duo Biitsi, Lauri Antti Mattila, the representative of the authors of the petition that launched the project, Kari Arffman, the director of the Helsinki City Theatre, and the curators of the stage of the Contemporary Performance Tuomas Laitinen, Riikka Thitz and Suvi Tuominen.

Program

11.00–11.30: Opening words and introduction
11.30–11.45: Presentation of the project
11.45–13.00: Speeches and discussion, part 1
13:00–13:45: Lunch break (Lunch is served.)
13.45–14.00: Artistic intervention
14.00–14.45: Speeches and discussion, part 2
14.45–15.00: Summary

The seminar is aimed at art influencers, financiers, creators and lovers. The languages of the discussion are Finnish and English.

 

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Institutionalized EnoughInstitutionalized Enough is a seminar directed to professionals working in the field of performing arts. It deals with relations between institutional theatre and the freelance field, in the light of the example set by the Stage for Contemporary Performance.

The relationship between regularly funded art institutions and the freelance field of arts nois a subject and a set of problems that touches those working with art decade after another. Also in 2020’s resources are distributed unevenly, which has various consequences. Different conditions create different working cultures, artistic styles and states of mind and body. The freelance field is stereotypically considered precarious, experimental, flexible and poor, while institution is respectively considered safe, rigid, traditional and popular. Helsinki City Theatre’s Stage for Contemporary Performance is an example of an experiment, in which these cultures, genres, prejudices and experiences enter into a dialogue.

The Stage for Contemporary Performance was set in motion by a petition organized by professionals working on the freelance field of performing arts and sent to Helsinki City Theatre. The petition proposed that the theatre would start a new stage to enable collaboration between Helsinki City Theatre and those working in the free scene. As a consequence, Helsinki City Theatre commenced a two-year pilot project, the first performances of which took place in May and August of 2022. The second season will happen in May-August 2023. The pilot project was funded also by Kone Foundation.

Helsinki City Theatre has decided to move the Stage for Contemporary Performance into its seasonal program after the pilot phase. Now is a good moment to evaluate, discuss and imagine future prospects. What have we learned so far? What should we think about next? What kind of knowledge does this experiment offer to the Finnish performing arts scene?

Speaking at the event are i.e. Kati Korosuo, whose performance premiered at the Stage for Contemporary Performance in August 2022, member of Biitsi duo, Kaino Wennerstrand, whose performance was also part of the programme in 2022, Lauri Antti Mattila as a representative of the writers of the appeal that launched the process in 2019, Kari Arffman, the director of Helsinki City Theatre and the curators of the Stage for Contemporary Performance Tuomas Laitinen, Riikka Thitz and Suvi Tuominen.

Program

11 am–11.30 am: Opening words and introductions
11.30 am–11-45 am: A short presentation of the Stage for Contemporary Performance
11.45 am–1 pm: Invited speakers and discussion, part 1
1 pm–1.45 pm: Lunch break (Lunch will be provided.)
1.45 pm–2 pm: Artistic intervention
2 pm–2.45 pm: Invited speakers and discussion, part 1
2.45 pm–3 pm: Summary

The seminar is directed to those working with performing arts, funding them and/or loving them. The event will be held in both Finnish and English.