In June 2026, the nightless nights of Oulu, Finland, invite performing arts professionals from all over the world to explore change in a city glowing with art, ideas and dialogue as it celebrates its year as European Capital of Culture.
More than 400 performing arts professionals from 46 countries are expected in Oulu, Finland, for the international IETM Plenary Meeting, to be held June 15–18, 2026.
Inspired by Oulu 2026’s theme of Cultural Climate Change – which celebrates culture as a force for renewal – the IETM meeting will focus on the practical realities of what the cultural ecosystem needs to make that change real: how we create, collaborate and sustain our work in the cultural sector.
Talks and workshops with the theme of “Time for change” are at the core of IETM Oulu. The meeting will explore a wide range of perspectives on financing of arts and culture, communities, sustainable development, and the role of culture in times of crisis:
- 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?
- What kind of roles the cultural sector may take on in conditions of crisis and instability?
The artistic programme in Oulu features lots of contemporary circus as Circus Festival OU takes place at the same time. You can see shows by Arctic Ensemble (Ensembled), Jani Nuutinen (Une séance peu ordinaire), Lumo Company (Fineline) and “Based on Kimberly” (Yes Person).
Focus on Finland
New initiative in the programme is Focus on Finland – a networking session that 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.
At the heart of this session, Finnish performing arts professionals will present their projects and ideas in a live pitching session with Q&A.
The selected circus companies are:
- Lumo Company, Hanna Moisala: PHLOEM
- Arctic Ensemble, Armas Lintusaari: Karkelot
- Company Portmanteau, Luis Sartori do Vale: PYYKKI – Lost in Laundryland
The selected contemporary dance companies are:
- Kinetic Orchestra, Ville Mäkinen: Give Me 60 Seconds
- Milla Koistinen: UNSUPERVISED
- Liisa Pentti +Co, Liisa Pentti: The Ageing Body Pro Series #1
Registrations
Registrations are now open for IETM members, international non-members and Finland-based local professionals. Early bird deadline: 18 May 2026
IETM Oulu Plenary Meeting 15. – 18.06.2026
International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts home page