Artistic Pulses

The main aim of the artistic programme was to support artists and increase stylistic, cultural, gender and geographical diversity in contemporary dance. Over the course of the project, the Big Pulse partners co-produced seven new major stage works as part of the Scaling Up Programme for mid-career artists, and three outdoor productions as part of the Open Air Programme, with a call for sustainable touring concepts. Both programmes sought to reach out to new communities and wider audiences for contemporary dance. The Visiting Artist Programme, focused on emerging artists who were invited to the partner festivals, offered a special programme of meetings with artistic directors, local artists and other participating artists while also taking part in the festival programme, increasing the variety of styles, as well as cultural, gender and geographical diversity in contemporary dance.

Curating Big Pulse

The artistic programme was selected by consensus between the artistic directors and curators of the partner festivals. During the programming meetings, the artistic directors discussed the artists of interest and shared their knowledge and experience of the state of contemporary dance. Although the number of artists co-producing with Big Pulse was limited, the exchange made the curators aware of many more artists working across Europe.

Artistic Growth and Collaboration

Jenni-Elina von Bagh at Zodiak – Side Step Festival, reflects on the transformative impact of Big Pulse Dance Alliance. She discusses how the initiative has enabled diverse programming, fostered connections between local and international artists, and addressed critical questions about supporting experimental and large-scale artistic processes in contemporary dance.

Quick Guide to Diverse Programming

The Big Pulse Scaling Up Programme addresses the critical underrepresentation of women choreographers and artists of colour on major stages. By promoting diverse perspectives in festival programming, the initiative enriches audience experiences with contemporary narratives and a broader spectrum of social dynamics.

The Diverse Programming Guide helps festivals showcase new and diverse talent, expanding the cultural canon on Europe’s major stages.

Advancing Dance Internationally  

Ari Tenhula, Managing Director of Zodiak – Side Step Festival, shares how the Big Pulse Dance Alliance has strengthened Helsinki’s connection to European programming and enabled access to resources for larger productions. By being part of this network, Helsinki has positioned itself at the forefront of internationalising dance arts in Finland.

New Alliances and Engagement
Jazmin Chiodi from Dublin Dance Festival talks about how Big Pulse Dance Alliance inspired the festival to rethink their curatorial approaches, forge new alliances and engage more deeply with their dance communities.

Strengthening Festival Collaboration
Assen Assenov, Director of One Dance Festival, shares how Big Pulse Dance Alliance has empowered festivals through co-productions and international collaborations. By fostering European exchange and delivering world premieres, the initiative has strengthened connections with audiences and elevated the contemporary dance scene.

Connecting Dance Across Europe

Ari Tenhula at Zodiak – Side Step Festival, reflects on how Big Pulse Dance Alliance has supported the development of Helsinki’s dance sector. From tackling challenges in programming and funding to embracing diverse aesthetics and audiences, the network has strengthened connections across Europe and fostered deeper collaboration within the contemporary dance community.

Balancing Art and Audiences

Programming for larger audiences while championing new artists comes with unique challenges. In this video, Ari Tenhula at Zodiak – Side Step Festival, discusses how festivals can navigate these complexities by fostering transnational collaboration, supporting artistic development, and staying mindful of audience expectations and engagement.

Tips for Audience Development and Accessibility – A Short Guide

Explore the strategies for engaging and developing dance audiences with our Tips for Audience Development and Accessibility – A Short Guide, inspired by the expertise of Agata Etmanowicz, president of the Impact Foundation. The guide delves into her A2 approach, which integrates audience development with accessibility, emphasising that one cannot exist effectively without the other.

Agata’s extensive experience across various roles in the cultural sector—from policy maker and advisor to curator and producer—has shaped her belief in the social utility of cultural engagement.