Zodiak’s programme is artistically curated. The work of the curators and the programme selections are primarily based on this open call for applications, but some productions will also emerge through collaboration projects and from other sources.

The applications are reviewed by a workgroup consisting of three members, chaired by Zodiak’s artistic director Jenni-Elina von Bagh. The other members of the workgroup are choreographers and dancers appointed into the workgroup for one year at a time.

The Zodiak Laboratory and Zodiak CoProduction categories are open for all artists at any stage of their professional careers. In 2024 the CoProduction category is only open to artists from or working in Finland. We will develop our international co-production model during the autumn. Our next international co-productions will focus on the Nordic-Baltic framework. Please follow Zodiak's communication throughout the autumn for more information. 

We encourage all applicants to consider which category would be the optimal environment for your project or concept. Do you have an idea for a performance that you would like to test in the form of a short residence project? Or do you already have a fairly clear plan for the performance idea, working group and maybe even the production model? 

A separate application form is available for each category. Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with the application forms in advance. A more detailed description of each production category and links to the application forms are available in the corresponding subpages.

Please only apply for one category with each of your projects. This category should be the primary category you are applying for. If you have more than one idea or project, please submit a separate application for each. The curating team also reserves the right to suggest another production category when the entirety of the season's programme begins to take shape.

We are primarily looking for premieres that are performed either on Zodiak Stage or in Dance House Helsinki. However, you can also suggest visiting performances and reruns. These applications should be submitted to the Zodiak CoProductions category. Please note that all Zodiak performances have an entry fee, and audience targets are set for each of them. Performances produced with non-professional participants may also be suggested in both categories.

We are interested in receiving suggestions for workshops, lectures and other events. These suggestions you can send us any time via email. Contact persons: artistic director Jenni-Elina von Bagh and audience engagement manager Elina Tervonen (workhops). (See Contact Info and Staff)

Co-production agreements will no longer be concluded with private individuals, but the working groups selected for CoProduction must have a registered legal entity as a partner at the time of the conclusion of the co-production agreement, which can act as Zodiak's contractual partner and invoice Zodiak for the co-production support. Zodiak still can pay a fee to an individual in the Zodiak Laboratory category.

Together with the productions selected for the programme, we will examine the realistic possibilities of realising the production along the way, up to the conclusion of the co-production contract. Until then, programming decisions are conditional.

Details about Zodiak CoProduction

Details about Zodiak Laboratory

Attachments and Work Samples

Attachments to applications:

  • Working plan, including description of the workgroup (3 pages maximum)
  • Resumés of workgroup members
  • Cost estimate and financing plan (not required for Zodiak Laboratory applications)

Naming the members of the workgroup in the production plan is recommended. We consider especially the performers an important part of the artistic idea. If you have any major commitments that will affect your production schedule, please state them in your working plan.

Please include your attachments with the production support application form. Acceptable file formats include PDF, DOC, DOCX, TXT, RTF, XLS, XLSX and ZIP files.

Providing samples of earlier work is recommended. Samples should be provided in the form of online video links provided in the application form. Please also include any passwords or other credentials required to access the video.

For more infromation, please contact:

Jenni-Elina von Bagh, Artistic Director, jenni-elina@zodiak.fi
Tommi Kokkonen, Producer, tommi.kokkonen@zodiak.fi, tel. +358 44 243 3492