Helsinki City Theatre’s curatorial meetings for independent artists in 2026
In 2026, the Helsinki City Theatre will organise monthly curatorial meetings for artists in the field of contemporary dance and contemporary performance. The meetings are looking for ambitious and forward-looking premiere ideas for larger stages. The meetings are intended for professional artists working in Finland.
The curatorial meetings offer artists the opportunity to present their ideas for their works and receive feedback on them. The aim of the meetings is to strengthen the Helsinki City Theatre’s cooperation with the independent field and to support the professional development of artists. We promote the most promising ideas through personal sparring.
The artists will have the opportunity to meet either Valtteri Raekallio, Director of Helsinki Dance Company, or Riikka Thitz, Curator of the Contemporary Performance Stage. The duration of the meeting is 45 minutes.
What should be taken into account when planning a proposal?
- We are working on the programme for about two to three years.
- The performances take place either on the City Theatre’s small stage (max. 318 seats, incl. wheelchair spaces) or in Studio Pasila (326 seats, incl. wheelchair spaces).
- Helsinki Dance Company’s performances are always group performances involving the group’s own dancers. Freelance visitors are possible.
- Our performances always have at least 10 performances.
- We do not program guest performances.
How can you prepare for the meeting?
- The meeting must reveal a clear concept: what is the idea of the work and how will it be implemented in practice?
- What kind of relationship does your work take with dance or contemporary art and the world around you?
- Please also include reference material such as video, audio, mood boards or other material in your proposal that will help us better understand your proposal.
Where and when will the meetings be held?
- Place: Helsinki City Theatre’s main building (Ensi linja 2) or Teams connection.
- Date: You can book a meeting for August–December 2026.
Appointment booking
Valtteri Raekallio, Director, Helsinki Dance Company
All appointments are currently booked
Riikka Thitz, Curator, Contemporary Performance Stage
All appointments are currently booked
More information about Helsinki Dance Company
More information about the stage of the Contemporary Performance
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Curator Meetings at Helsinki City Theatre for Independent Artists in 2026
Helsinki City Theatre organises monthly curator meetings in 2026 for artists working in the independent field of contemporary dance and performance. These meetings aim to identify ambitious, forward-looking premiere ideas for larger stages. The meetings are intended for professional artists working in Finland.
The goal is to strengthen collaboration between Helsinki City Theatre and the independent field, as well as to support artists’ professional development. The most promising ideas will be further developed through individual mentoring.
Artists can meet either Valtteri Raekallio, Director of Helsinki Dance Company, or Riikka Thitz, Curator of the Contemporary Performance Stage. The meetings last 45 minutes.
What should be considered when planning a proposal?
- Our programming is planned approximately 2–3 years in advance.
- Performances take place either at the Small Stage of Helsinki City Theatre (max. 318 seats including wheelchair accessible seats) or studio Pasila (326 seats including wheelchair accessible seats).
- Helsinki Dance Company productions are always ensemble works featuring the company’s own dancers. Freelance guest performers are possible.
- Each production has at least 10 performances.
- We do not programme guest performances.
How to prepare for the meeting?
- During the meeting, you should present a clear concept for your work: what is the idea of the performance, and how will it be realised in practice?
- How does your work relate to dance or contemporary art, and to the surrounding world?
- Include reference material in your proposal (such as video, audio, mood boards, or other materials) to help us better understand your idea.
Where and when are the meetings held?
- Location: Helsinki City Theatre main building (Ensi linja 2) or via Teams
- Time: Meetings can be booked for August–December 2026
Reserving a slot
Valtteri Raekallio, director, Helsinki Dance Company
At the moment, all timeslots are taken
Riikka Thitz, curator, Stage for Contemporary Performance
At the moment, all timeslots are taken
More information about Helsinki Dance Company
More information about Stage for Contemporary Performance