Open call for program proposals
KÄÄNNE Festival is opening the call for its 2026 program! The festival takes place on 17–18 January at Korjaamo in Helsinki – right in the middle of the coldest winter, in the warm spirit of coming together.
We are looking for program proposals that could take the form of discussions, performances, workshops, experiments – or something entirely different that we haven’t yet imagined.
KÄÄNNE is a new and internationally unique festival that brings together art, politics and social debate – sometimes seriously, sometimes playfully, often in surprising ways. The festival provides a platform for new ideas, unexpected alliances, culture and political dialogue. The first two editions of KÄÄNNE have already gathered over 4,500 visitors along with decision-makers, researchers, artists, activists and citizens across borders.
KÄÄNNE is a non-partisan platform that seeks to challenge the supposed lack of alternatives of our time, the politics that deepen crises and worsen living conditions, and the shortage of imagination. We believe that in the face of serious challenges, we must come together and grow stronger collectively.
What are we looking for?
We want program that is bold and honest – sometimes light-hearted, sometimes serious, sometimes poetic. You are welcome to apply as an individual, with a group, or together with an organisation. At the heart of the festival’s values are equality, sustainability, joy and breaking conventions. The open call is open to everyone, regardless of background, but we do not include programming produced solely by political parties or commercial operators.
What do we offer?
Selected proposals will be provided with Korjaamo’s spaces and technical resources as agreed. Please note that we cannot offer rehearsal or storage spaces, and setup and strike times are limited. KÄÄNNE Festival is made possible through volunteer efforts. Production costs are covered through donations and grants. We therefore do not pay speaking or performance fees, but we are open to negotiating individual production needs and costs (such as travel expenses). All productions selected for the programme will be featured in the festival’s communications, on the website and on Instagram.
Decision-making principles
Applications will be evaluated by the festival’s organising team. Proposals that best meet the following criteria will be taken forward:
- alignment with the goals of the festival
- topicality and social relevance
- feasibility and suitability for Korjaamo’s spaces
We also pay attention to diversity in the program: we want to create an ensemble where different makers, perspectives and forms of expression meet and complement one another.
We will contact applicants in October to continue the conversation with selected proposals. Final decisions on the program will be made in November. Please note that we do not provide feedback on individual applications.
Application period
5 September – 7 October 2025, 23:59 EET
OPEN THE APPLICATION FORM HERE!
Questions? Send us an e-mail with the heading OPEN CALL to kaannefestival@gmail.com
