TIME FOR CHANGE
In June 2026, we will meet in Oulu, Finland, where the nightless nights invite us to explore change in a city glowing with art, ideas and dialogue as it celebrates its year as European Capital of Culture.
Inspired by Oulu 2026’s theme of Cultural Climate Change - which celebrates culture as a force for renewal - we’ll focus on the practical realities of what our cultural ecosystem needs to make that change real: how we create, collaborate and sustain our work.
What skills and knowledge can help us generate funding and finance in ways that are fair, creative and future-ready? Who do we need beside us and how do we build the communities that make lasting change possible?
During the Plenary week, Oulu offers a glimpse into its European Capital of Culture year programme. The city’s wild spirit spills art and creativity into streets, parks, and public spaces, inviting you to explore, connect, and reflect - and perhaps experience a touch of Midsummer madness. Join us to explore the evolving ecology of the performing arts, and to build the tools, connections and confidence to shape what comes next.
The Plenary will also offer a rich artistic programme showcasing the best of the Finnish cultural scene, including Layers of the Peace Machine, Circus Festival OU and Bang Bang Riviera. You can find out more about Oulu2026 and all it has to offer here.
Registrations
Registrations are now open for IETM members, international non-members and Finland-based local professionals. Find out a detailed breakdown of the fees here.
How to best prepare yourself for the meeting...
Warm-Up for Fresh Faces
If you are hesitant about network meetings or want to meet some participants beforehand, register for the online Warm-Up for Fresh Faces facilitated by IETM members Anikó Rácz and Katja Sonnemann
Date: Tuesday 2 June
Time: 13:00 - 14:00 CEST (calculate your timezone)
Register for the Warm-Up session
Visas
If you need an invitation letter to apply for a visa, please contact [email protected] with the subject line ‘VISA LETTER - Your Name’. Please note that we require at least 10 days notice prior to when you need your invitation letter by, in order to allow sufficient processing time. We are unable to process any last minute requests.
IETM Oulu Plenary Meeting 2026 is co-organised by IETM, Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture, and the City of Oulu.
Photo banner credits: © Kevin Kallombo - Oulu2026: Concrete Cathedral & Silo Dance 2024, Ilona Jäntti for Flow Productions
What is an IETM Plenary meeting?
The Plenary is IETM’s biggest in-person meeting of the year, bringing together between 400 - 600 cultural practitioners from across the world. Open to IETM network members and non members alike, participants typically represent different genres and disciplines within the contemporary performing arts, and include artists, producers, presenters, students, academics, consultants, government officers and funders.
A typical Plenary programme provides opportunities to:
- Discover the artistic work and important discussions taking place in the host city;
- Unpack the most pressing topics facing the international performing arts sector today through talks, discussions and workshops;
- Network and make connections.
The Plenary meeting is also the forum in which IETM’s annual General Assembly takes place, where the network’s members come together to discuss key decisions, finances and to vote on new members for the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee.
More details about the Plenary will be released in early 2026. In the meantime, start preparing for your trip to and around Oulu by consulting our practical information page for travel tips, hotel deals and more.