The international event explores the concept of artistic identity. The programme also offers a chance to enjoy the OuDance Festival and discover the 2026 European Capital of Culture.
As part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year, JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre is producing a major international dance event titled Stretch Further – Exploring Identity.
The two-day event, held in Oulu on Wednesday and Thursday, 9–10 September 2026, combines the international Keđja Stretch event with the national Kiertoliike Professional Forum, organized annually by the The Finnish Network of Regional Dance Centre. It offers professionals opportunities for community-building, networking, and deepening their professional identity and artistic vision.
This large-scale event is connected to the annual OuDance Festival, which will take place from 9–13 September 2026.
The event explores artistic identity as lived, experienced, and conceptualized within academic discourse. The keynote speakers are Norwegian playwright, dramaturg and researcher Tale Næss and performance artist, artistic director, director of the Saari Residence and doctoral researcher Leena Kela from Finland.
Particular attention is given to the influence of the environment on identity: how different working environments, as well as time and the various stages of a professional career, shape and construct an artist’s identity.
The programme includes talks by experts and artists, a panel discussion, a wide range of workshops, dance performances and films, as well as evening clubs. Member organizations of the Keđja and Kiertoliike networks come from Finland, Iceland, the United Kingdom (Scotland), Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and Estonia.
More information and preliminary programme on JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre’s website.