Location: Cultural Centre Valve - Valvesali
Address: Kaarlenväylä 2, 90015 Oulu, Finland | Venue Information | Event Map

Captions are available for this session

Focus on Finland offers a 360-degree view of the Finnish performing arts scene and its international connections. For artists, producers, programmers and cultural professionals looking to collaborate with Finland-based practitioners and organisations, it offers both strategic insight and practical opportunities to connect.

The session will highlight public funding and support structures that enable Finnish artists to engage internationally, alongside perspectives from presenters who bring international work to Finland. Participants will see how touring, exchange and collaboration intersect with research, innovation and development initiatives shaping the sector’s future.

At the heart of the session, Finnish performing arts professionals will present their projects and ideas in a live pitching session with Q&A, seeking international partners, co-producers and touring opportunities - providing a direct window into the country’s creative landscape and pathways for collaboration.

Confirmed speakers

Kimmo Aulake, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland
Henri Terho, Director of Arts and Culture Funding, The Finnish Arts and Culture Agency, Finland
Lotta Nevalainen, Circus Dance, Finland
Petra Hannus, Circus Dance, Finland
Linnea Stara, TINFO Theatre Info, Finland
Matilda von Weissenberg, & Espoo Theatre, Finland
Pirjo Yli-Maunula, Flow Productions, Finland
Mira Kolanen, Acting Executive Director, JoJo, Oulu Dance Centre, Finland
Julia Heikkinen, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Moderated by Anu-Maarit Moilanen, CEO Oulu Theatre, Finland

Selected works:

Circus

Lumo Company, Hanna Moisala: PHLOEM
Arctic Ensemble, Armas Lintusaari: Karkelot
Company Portmanteau, Luis Sartori do Vale: PYYKKI – Lost in Laundryland

Contemporary dance

Kinetic Orchestra, Ville Mäkinen: Give Me 60 Seconds
Milla Koistinen: UNSUPERVISED
Liisa Pentti +Co, Liisa Pentti: The Ageing Body Pro Series #1

Multidisciplinary arts

WAUHAUS, Samuli Laine: Garden on the Grave
Teo Ala-Ruona & Sanna Ritvanen: DAMNAT
Harold Hejazi: Legend of Harri Kala

Theatre

Sinna Virtanen: Arkakne
Grus Grus Theatre, Sanna Soni: Full Measures
Katariina Havukainen: Jumppatytöt