The Big Pulse Intensives were originally designed for Big Pulse artists, producers and festival partners to share their experiences and better understand the needs of the sector as a whole. They brought artists and programmers together to build partnerships and deepen understanding of each other’s priorities and processes. They created an intensive environment for learning new ways of listening, discussing, challenging and managing people and projects. Key issues, questions and opportunities were explored with the help of invited experts, mentors, coaches and peers.

The Big Pulse Intensives took place in Sweden, Lithuania and Finland.

Connecting through collaboration

Big Pulse Intensive in Sweden

The Intensive brought artists, festival organisers, and producers together for a transformative week of dialogue, exploration and collaboration. Set in the serene backdrop of Drakamöllan and Malmö in southern Sweden, the event fostered meaningful discussions on urgent global topics, the power of listening, and the importance of time in creative processes. Participants shared experiences, challenged perspectives and built connections that will continue to ripple across the dance community, shaping the future of the artform.

Big Pulse Intensive in Lithuania

With a balanced schedule allowing time for reflection, participants explored urgent topics in the arts, shared knowledge and built connections that will shape future collaborations. From fostering inclusion to empowering emerging artists, the Intensive created a space for new ideas and strengthened bonds within the dance community.

Big Pulse Intensive in Finland

The final Big Pulse Intensive took place in Helsinki, Finland, September 2-6, 2024. The participants gathered to revisit and redefine the future of the European contemporary dance sector. Reflecting on key issues raised since the formation of Big Pulse Dance Alliance in 2020, festival directors, choreographers, and cultural professionals discussed the evolving landscape of dance, addressing both present challenges and future goals.

Key directions for future work were formulated, based on the current economic, cultural, ecological and geopolitical shifts that have occurred in the past four years. These discussions focused on fostering a sustainable and inclusive future for contemporary dance, ensuring that the sector adapts to the pressing needs of our time.

Photo: Virve Sutinen

Photo: Virve Sutinen

Exercise – Thinking About the Future?

How should artists think about the future in the face of severe budget cuts, increasing competition, and growing hostility towards arts and culture? The arts scene is constantly evolving, and artists need to be prepared to adapt and consider their future from a long-term perspective. These questions raise important considerations about artistic careers today. Is it time to prioritise thinking, reflecting and asking yourself important questions?

In the pdf How to Think About the Future, you will find a five-step exercise for future visioning and planning.

Photo: Virve Sutinen