ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012
Project Report
Contents
1. Introduction 3 2. Artistic program 4 2.1 Performance program 4 2.2 More, More, More 6 3. Seminar program 7 3.1 Discussions 8 3.2 Info cells 9 4. Meeting points and other program 10 4.1 Opening reception 10 4.2 Meeting points and get-togethers 11 5. Guests and participants 13 6. Organization 14 6.1 ICE HOT partners 14 6.2 Staff and human resources 16 7. Financing 18 8. Local partners and collaborators 18 9. Communication and marketing 20 9.1 Marketing and promotion 20 9.2 Press and media communication 21 10. Evaluation 23 10.1 Feedback from the registered participants 24 10.2 Feedback from the artists 26 10.3 Conclusion 27 11. Future 28 Attachments 29
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1. Introduction
ICE HOT is a Nordic collaboration concept and brand developed to present and promote Nordic contemporary dance. ICE HOT aims at promoting Nordic dance artists and companies internationally, enhancing their networking possibilities, and expanding international working and touring opportunities.
The collaborating partners are Dance Info Finland (FI), Dansens Hus Stockholm (SE), Dansens Hus Oslo (NO), Dansehallerne (DK) and Performing Arts Iceland (IS). The project is lead by the board of directors, formed by the directors of the partner organizations.
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform was created to present high quality and diverse Nordic contemporary dance for international dance professionals and local audiences. The platform consists of contemporary dance performances and artistic presentations by artists and companies from all five Nordic countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. In addition, the event acts as a broad discussion and networking forum for dance professionals from all around the world.
The project was launched in 2010 with the goal of creating grounds for future collaboration for joint international promotion and export of Nordic dance. The first ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform was arranged in Stockholm, Sweden, on December 1–4, 2010. The platform presented 22 stage performances, 12 artistic presentations and 2 panel discussions, and it attracted nearly 250 international guests from 34 countries worldwide.
The pilot indicated that the concept works: international dance presenters and programmers had wide interest and motivation for making the journey to the Northern Europe, when it was possible to experience dance from the entire area in one event. Encouraged with the positive feedback, the aim was set at establishing a biennial platform that would travel between the partner countries.
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 was arranged on December 12–15, 2012 in Helsinki, Finland. The main organizer of the event was Dance Info Finland. The platform featured 21 stage performances in the official program, 3 performances in the opening evening and 12 presentations from artists and companies in the program slot called More, More, More.
In addition to the artistic program, the platform offered 3 panel discussions on topics concerning the national claims behind dance art and artists and the concept of quality, 3 info cells presenting current projects and collaboration initiatives, informal networking possibilities in the morning and evening time, as well as space for several network meetings and get-togethers.
The platform attracted nearly 300 international guests from 40 countries and 6 continents. Above this, the 36 Nordic dance companies and independent choreographers that were part of the artistic program took with them more than 180 artists, technicians and managers to participate the platform.
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2. Artistic program
The artistic program for ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 was selected through an open call for Nordic contemporary dance performances. The open call was arranged from December 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012. During that period, 192 applications were received from artists based in or with the origins in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.
The criteria for a valid application were that any Nordic company or choreographer could apply, but only with one performance. The performance should have premiered and have a full-length recording of it uploaded on the video service Vimeo. The company and the performance should be prepared and available for international touring.
The board of directors had invited an international program committee to go through the applications and give their recommendations for the artistic choices, based on their thoughts on what would be internationally interesting.
The program committee consisted of three non-Nordic dance experts: André Thériault from Germay, the Artistic Director of TanzWerkstatt Berlin and Tanz im August, Eduardo Bonito from Brazil, the Director of Panorama Festival, and AeSoon Ahn from South Korea, the Artistic Director of Hanguk Performing Arts Center and Seoul Performing Arts Festival.
The program committee ended up giving 33 recommendations, which were all decided to be presented in the artistic program. In addition, the board of partners decided to open the event with an evening of 3 dance performances from internationally renowned Finnish artists and companies.
2.1 Performance program
The performance program consisted of 21 stage performances, out of which 6 were by Finnish dance artists, 8 from Sweden, 2 from Norway, 4 from Denmark and 1 from Iceland.
The total number of audience in all of the 24 performances together was 3 202, and the average percentage of house was 89 %. For the performances that were open for the general public, 331 tickets were sold (excluding the tickets sold by Helsinki City Theatre).
“I enjoyed the program a lot. The performances introduced different directions of nowadays dance field” (Dance writer, Estonia)
“I though it did a good job of highlighting choreographers from the Nordic countries, many of whom were not the ʻusual suspectsʼ at least not for someone more familiar with what makes its way to the US”
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Kiasma Theatre. Photo: Hanna Koikkalainen
December 12, 2012: Opening Evening, Alexander Theatre
• Tero Saarinen Company: Scheme of Things • Susanna Leinonen Company: And the Line Begins to Blur • Karttunen Kollektiv: Jemina – Act as youʼd know her
December 13, 2012
• Liisa Pentti +Co: The Weight of My Heart, Theatre Academy Studio 3 • Elina Pirinen (FI): Lover of the Pianist, Zodiak Stage • Eva Ingemarsson Dance Production (SE): Sisters – Tesoro III, Kiasma Theatre • Margrét Sara Gudjónsdóttir (IS): Soft Target, Stoa Music Hall • Recoil performance group (DK): Living Room, Stoa Theatre Hall • Helsinki Dance Company (FI): YOUMAKEME, Helsinki City Theatre Small Stage • Jefta van Dinther, David Kiers & Minna Tiikkainen (SE): GRIND, Media Centre Lume
December 14, 2012
• Bastardproduktion (SE): Roses & Beans, Theatre Academy Square • Per Sundberg (SE): Föreställningen, Theatre Academy Studio 3 • Marie Topp (DK): The Everyday Practice of Resistance, Theatre Academy Studio 4 • Off/Balance: On the Threshold, Zodiak Stage • Björn Säfsten (SE): Display, Kiasma Theatre • Maija Hirvanen (FI): Our Social Democratic Bodies, Media Centre Lume • Christine Borch (DK): the body that comes, Stoa Music Hall • Winter Guests (NO): Flawed, Stoa Theatre Hall • Carte Blanche (NO): Corps de Walk, Helsinki City Theatre Studio Elsa
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December 15, 2012
• Kitt Johnson X-act (DK): DRIFT or drive, Kiasma Theatre • Zoë Poluch (SE): Example, Stoa Music Hall • Skånes Dansteater (SE): On Invisible Pause, Stoa Theatre Hall • Eeva Muilu & Milja Sarkola (FI): In Human Disguise, Zodiak Stage • Gunilla Heilborn (SE): This is not a love story, Alexander Theatre
2.2 More, More, More
More, More, More is a concept for visual presentations. The concept gives the selected artists 15 minutes time to present their work off-stage, with speech and slide shows, video clips of performances or with movement. The form of presentation is up to the artists, but the time is limited.
More, More, More was very popular amongst the participants in Stockholm, and the concept was brought to the platform in Helsinki, as well. More, More, More was, yet again, proved successful: the guests rated this program section with an average number of 4,08 on the scale from 1 to 5. The total number of audience in the three sessions was 212.
More, More, More. Photo: Hanna Koikkalainen
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In Helsinki, 12 artists and companies had the chance to present their work in More, More, More. Finnish artists gave 4 of the presentations, 4 presentations were from Sweden, 2 from Denmark, 1 from Norway and 1 from Iceland.
The presentations were arranged in a rehearsal studio at Theatre Academy. There were 4 presentations on each day, and the program was moderated by Sanna Suonsyrjä, producer for dance and theatre performances at Theatre Academy.
“More, More, More was an excellent format.”
“I found the Pitching program, ʻMore, More, Moreʼ really excellent with some quality presentations”
December 13, 2012, Theatre Academy
• Annika B. Lewis / Kassandra Production (DK) • Heli Meklin (FI) • Salka Ardal Rosengren & Mikko Hyvönen (SE/FI) • Sara Gebran (DK)
December 14, 2012, Theatre Academy
• Art of Spectra (SE) • Quarto (SE) • Sidney Leoni (SE) • Steinunn and Brian (IS)
December 15, 2012, Theatre Academy
• Janne Eraker & Jorg Schellekens (NO) • Laura Koistinen (b. Vesterinen) (FI) • Saara Töyrylä & Mikko Hyvönen (FI) • Simo Kellokumpu & Vincent Roumagnac (FI)
3. Seminar program
The platform acts also as a broad discussion forum, where dance professionals around the globe may share knowledge and best practices, as well as dive into current and hot topics on the field of culture and dance art.
The seminar program of the platform in Helsinki consisted of 3 panel discussions and 3 info cells. The total number of audience in the 3 panel discussions and 3 info cells was 277, and the participation between the sessions varied from 42 to 53.
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3.1 Discussions
The first panel discussion dealt with the contradiction between dance as an international and global art form and the national claims behind dance artists, funding systems, and even platforms. The discussion was arranged in collaboration with RepNet, a network for repertory dance companies in Northern Europe, and the discussion was lead by the Director of Tanzcompagnie Oldenburg, Honne Dohrmann.
The two other panel discussions were built around the concept of quality. The discussions were moderated by Peggy Olislaegers, the Director of Dutch Dance Festival, and both panels had representation from an artist, dance critic, funding body, dance presenter and audience. The first day with the topic focused on defining the concept of quality, and the second day searched for the tools for creating quality in the process of creating art.
“Peggyʼs talk on Saturday was rewarding and chaired with great aplomb”
December 13, 2012, Theatre Academy
RepNet Creates Debate: Dancing Under the Flag – National Claims on an International Art Form • Moderator: Honne Dohrmann, director, Tanzcompagnie Oldenburg (DE) • Key note speakers: John Ashford, director, Aerowaves (UK); Sanna Rekola, director, Dance Info Finland (FI) • Panelists: Fleur Darkin, artistic director, Scottish Dance Theatre (UK); Bruno Heynderickx, artistic director, Carte Blanche (NO); Lára Stefánsdóttir, artistic director, Iceland Dance Company (IS); Å̊sa Söderberg, artistic director, Skånes Dansteater (SE)
December 14, 2012, Theatre Academy
Defining Quality • Moderator: Peggy Olislaegers, director, Dutch Dance Festival, independent dramaturge (NL) • Panelists: Janet Archer, director, Dance Strategy, Arts Council of England (UK); Jefta van Dinther, choreographer (SE); Tina Tarpgaard, choreographer (DK); Nina Jääskeläinen, freelance critic (FI); Sanna Saastamoinen-Barrois, photographer, designer (FI); Johanna Tuukkanen, artistic director, ANTI Festival (FI)
December 15, 2012, Theatre Academy
Creating Quality • Moderator: Peggy Olislaegers (NL) • Panelists: Felizitas Ammann, Head of Dance Department, Pro Helvetia (CH); Margrét Sara Gudjónsdóttir, choreographer (IS); Alan Lucien Øyen, choreographer (NO); Jesper de Neergaard, artistic director, Bora Bora (DK); Lisa Rinehart, freelance critic, (US); Jaakko Kaartinen-Koutaniemi, journalist, Internet producer (FI)
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3.2 Info cells
The 3 info cells introduced current and interesting projects from the ICE HOT partners and collaborators.
The first info cell focused on Nordic-Baltic collaboration and it presented 2 projects: the Nordic-Baltic project keðja and a Nordic-Baltic producersʼ network. keðja acts as a platform for the Nordic-Baltic dance community, and it aims at developing the concept of and the possibilities for contemporary dance in the region. The network for Nordic-Baltic producers aims at increasing cooperation for dance in the North and to exchange knowledge, experience and visions.
The second info cell presented Korea-Finland Connection, a collaboration program between Korea Arts Management Service and Dance Info Finland. The aim of the program is to create cooperation projects between Finnish and Korean actors in the performing arts and dance field.
The final info cell introduced the diverse continent of South America through the actors and organizations in their local fields of dance and performing arts. The info cell was one of the first steps in building collaboration opportunities between the Northern Europe and South America.
December 13, 2012, Theatre Academy
Nordic/Baltic collaboration • Presenters: Kamma Siegumfeldt, Project Manager of keðja, Dansehallerne (DK); Emmy Astbury, Producer at SITE Projectroom (SE)
December 14, 2012, Kiasma
Korea-Finland Connection • Moderator: Pirjetta Mulari, Manager, International Affairs, Dance Info Finland (FI) • Contributors: Euna IM, International Development Dept. KAMS CONNECTION, Korea Arts Management Service (KR); Sari Palmgren, choreographer-dancer (FI)
December 15, 2012, Kiasma
Towards South America: Far Away – So Close • Moderators: Ása Richardsdóttir, President, Performing Arts Iceland (IS); Bush Hartshorn, Artistic Director, Dansehallerne (DK) • Contributors: Natacha Melo, South American Dance Network, RSD (UY); Nayse Lopez, Panorama Festival, Rio de Janeiro (BR); Haydé Lachino, South American Dance Network (MX); Mariana Soares, Cena Contamporânea – Festival Internacional de Teatre de Brasilia (BR); Maria José Cifuentes, Domestic Scenes Festival, Santiago (CL); Malco Oliveros, Granhøj Dans, Århus (DK)
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Info Cell: Towards South America. Photo: Hanna Koikkalainen
4. Meeting points and other program
Networking was one of the main purposes that the registered participants named to be their motivation for taking part in ICE HOT. The platform offered a selection of informal meeting points and networking opportunities to mingle with colleagues and find prospective new collaborators. In addition to the meeting points arranged by the organizer, other Finnish organizations took initiative in hosting get-togethers, and several international dance networks chose to meet during the event.
4.1 Opening reception
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 was officially opened on the night of December 12, 2012 in Alexander Theatre. All registered participants, performing artists and collaborators were invited to the event, along with a number of decision makers and key players of the Nordic cultural field. Tickets for the evening were also sold to the public.
Director of Dance Info Finland, Sanna Rekola, opened the evening on the behalf of the main organizer and the ICE HOT Nordic partners. Additionally, Alexander Stubb, the Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade of Finland, and Riitta Kaivosoja, the Director General of Ministry of Culture and Education of Finland, gave their greetings for the international dance community. The welcoming words were followed by 3 dance performances.
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Sanna Rekola, Alexander Stubb and Riitta Kaivosoja. Photos: Hanna Koikkalainen
4.2 Meeting points and get-togethers
The platform included 2 daily meeting points for the artists and guests, one in the morning called Rise & Shine, and a late night meeting point in the evening time. Rise & Shine took place through Thursday to Saturday mornings at 10–11 at Theatre Academy Square. The guests were offered a place to meet, and some coffee and snacks to get the day started.
From Wednesday until Friday night, the late night meeting point gathered the participants to eat and mingle at KokoTheatre. After the last performance of the day, the guests had a chance to discuss what they had seen, and meet up in an informal environment. During the 3 nights, the late night meeting point attracted all together 403 visitors.
On the last evening, December 15, 2012, the late night meeting point was replaced with a closing celebration, the “ICE HOT party”. The party was arranged at the former power plant, nowadays an arising cultural district of Suvilahti. The Kattilahalli hall was filled with nearly 300 guests.
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki was officially closed with a farewell brunch at Restaurant Kaisaniemi on Sunday morning. The torch of Nordic dance was handed over to the Norwegian Dansens Hus, hosting the event in Oslo in 2014. The partners also presented shortly the plans for the international outreach of ICE HOT. The brunch gathered around 50 participants.
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Late night meeting point at KokoTheatre. Photo: Hanna Koikkalainen
In addition, Zodiak – Center for New Dance organized a mingle at their foyer in Kaapelitehdas on December 13, Helsinki Dance Company hosted an evening party at Helsinki City Theatre on December 14, and Arts Management Helsinki invited the guests for a sauna at Kotiharju Sauna on December 15.
As a side effect of the broad international gathering, a total of 13 other network and collaboration meetings were arranged during the platform.
Network meetings during ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012
• Act Your Age Project Meeting, December 13, Theatre Academy • Australia-Finland Dance Exchanges, December 11 & 16, Zodiak, Restaurant Kaisaniemi • Departs Network Meeting, December 12–13, Alexander Theatre, Zodiak • EARS on Performing Arts, December 11–12, Kiasma, Svenska Teatern • European Dance House Network Informal Meeting, December 14, Theatre Academy • Informal Nordic Brunch, December 13, Theatre Academy • Kedja Partner Meeting, December 13, Theatre Academy • Kedja: Think Tank, December 12, Theatre Academy • Kedja: Writing Movement Partnersʼ Meeting, December 12, Theatre Academy • Nordic Collaboration in APAP, December 14, Theatre Academy • Nordic-Baltic Producersʼ Network Meeting, December 11, Alexander Theatre • Nordic Combined Meeting, December 13, Theatre Academy • SAMARA Network Meeting, December 13, Q Theatre
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“[I especially liked] The networking opportunities; the exchange with Nordic venues, festivals and institutions; the possibility of strengthen the relations with old and new partners and the organization.”
“[I especially liked] Meeting both old and new contacts and having the possibility to combine this with seeing many relevant performances”
5. Guests and participants
The platform was primarily targeted for international dance presenters and programmers, who would be able to enhance the international touring and working opportunities for the presented artists. The registration for dance professionals was open from September 13 to October 31, 2012. The registration was carried out electronically and the fee for participation was 80 Euros per person. Some guests were exempted from the fee payment as part of the support for their participation.
All together 299 international presenters, programmers, artistic directors, managers, artists, and other dance enthusiasts registered for the platform. The amount includes 36 managers or other representatives of the artists and companies that were part of the artistic program.
The participants came from all over the world: from 6 continents (Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America & South America) and 40 different countries. Approximately 23 % of the participants were Finnish, 31 % came from another Nordic country, 34 % from another European country, and 11 % from outside Europe.
In order to reach such a large number of participants, Dance Info Finland reached out to institutes and organizations around the world to invite and support with travel and accommodation costs for the international guests. All together 9 organizations committed to cooperation, and 31 guests received funding for their travels and accommodation through them.
Organizations supporting invited guests
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland • The Finnish Institute in London • Finno Finsk-Norsk Kulturinstitutt • Danish Arts Council • Goethe-Institut Finnland • Embassy of Finland in London • The Norwegian Embassy in London • Performing Arts Hub Norway • The Swedish Institute
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In addition, Dance Info Finland budgeted for the travels and accommodation of another 31 participants, and 4 Latin American guests were supported from the overall budget for ICE HOT project to advance the networking with prospective partners, in the reach towards Nordic activities in South America.
All together 66 guests received support for some or all of their travel costs. An average amount, which Dance Info Finland invested per guest, was 568 Euros. The other supporting organizers usually covered for the flights to and from Helsinki, and hotel accommodation in Helsinki for 4 nights. The invitees covered by the other institutions arrived from Europe, Asia and North America, and thus the costs of the airfares varied a lot.
On top of the amount of registered participants, the platform hosted 36 dance companies and independent choreographers that were part of the artistic program: either performed on stage or presented their work in More, More, More visual presentation program. With these companies travelled 183 choreographers, performers, technicians and managers. The artists and their companies arrived from all the five Nordic countries.
Dance Info Finland cooperated with 6 hotels in Helsinki: Scandic Paasi, Scandic Simonkenttä, Cumulus Hakaniemi, Cumulus Kaisaniemi, Hilton Helsinki Strand and Holiday Inn West Ruoholahti. The artists and guests spent a total of 714 hotel nights in these hotels, out of which 480 nights were paid by Dance Info Finland or another supporter. Additionally, some participants chose other accommodation options – hostels, apartments and other hotels – that are not shown in these numbers.
6. Organization
6.1 ICE HOT partners
The ICE HOT project is lead by the partnersʼ board of directors. In 2011 and 2012 the board was formed by Sanna Rekola (Director, Dance Info Finland), Virve Sutinen (Artistic Director, Dansens Hus Stockholm), Un-Magritt Nordseth (Artistic Director, Dansens Hus Oslo), Bush Hartshorn (Artistic Director, Dansehallerne), Ása Richárdsdottir (President, Performing Arts Iceland).
The board gathered 7 times during 2011–2012: in January 2011 in Stockholm, in May, October and December 2011 in Helsinki, in March 2012 in Copenhagen, in September 2012 in Stockholm and in December 2012 in Helsinki.
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Board of directors. Photo: Hanna Koikkalainen
The partners collaborating in ICE HOT are central national dance organizations in the five Nordic countries. The partner organizations bring in their expertise on their national dance community, and also represent different angles of the field.
Partner organizations
• Dance Info Finland is an expert organization charged with promoting the development of Finnish dance art through service and advisory work, international promotion, reporting and development projects.
• Performing Arts Iceland is an umbrella organization focused on creating international working opportunities for Icelandic artists through promotion, international collaboration projects and sharing information.
• Dansens Hus Stockholm and Dansens Hus Oslo are national venues for dance, presenting both domestic and international dance on their stages, and arranging other activities to promote dance.
• Dansehallerne in Copenhagen is a centre for contemporary dance with stage performances and other activities, and as part of the centre operates also the Danish Dance Information Centre.
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6.2 Staff and human resources
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 was lead and arranged by Dance Info Finland. Dance Info Finland hired Erika Härkönen as Production Manager for the project in September 2011, Technical Manager Kimmo Räsänen started working in March 2012, Production Coordinator Nelli Reinikainen was hired in August 2012, and Production Assistant Sanja Karppinen was arranged through internship also in August 2012. The production team worked for approximately 23 months in working hours for ICE HOT.
Dance Info Finlandʼs own staff contributed into the production and arrangements significantly. The key roles were taken by the Director Sanna Rekola for the project administration and board work, International Affairsʼ Manager Pirjetta Mulari for the project administration, invitations process and seminar program, Communications Officer Elina Manninen for the press and media communication, and Communication and Office Secretary Katarina Lindholm for the production of More, More, More.
In the autumn of 2012, the entire staff of Dance Info Finland gave their efforts for ICE HOT. During 2011–2013 (until February), the total amount of manpower arose to 16 months of working hours, as in-kind contribution from Dance Info Finland.
Dance Info Finland team. Photo: Hanna Koikkalainen
Additionally, ICE HOT bought web programming services from Christer Rydeborn and graphic design from Beatrice Nordén. Rydeborn and Nordén, both Swedish, were already
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working for ICE HOT in 2010, and the well-working collaboration was decided to continue for this platform, as well.
The collaborating venues in Helsinki contributed with their technical and production staff, in the execution of the performances in each venue. On top of that, Dance Info Finland hired 18 extra technicians for a total of 545 working hours.
As in many festivals and events, a lot of the work during the event was leaning on the efforts of voluntary workers. Dance Info Finland reached out to the Finnish dance community, and ended up with 32 volunteers giving a total of 446 working hours for the event. Volunteering was experienced to be a fun task, and an opportunity to connect with the international guests and other artists. All staff and other human resources counted together, the platform was realized with 48,5 months of working hours.
“I am in love with all Finnish people: the ability to be dead stone faced serious combined with a no-shit attitude – and still create an event and an atmosphere, where everything runs smoothly and in a relaxed happy mood” (Senior Advisor, Denmark)
“Best platform I have ever been to in terms of organization. So efficient, so friendly, so well conceived in every respect.” (Project Director, Belgium)
Staff and human resources in ICE HOT Helsinki 2012
Included in the project budget • Production Manager Erika Härkönen, September 2011–February 2013, 14 months • Technical Manager Kimmo Räsänen, March–December 2012, 3 months • Production Coordinator Nelli Reinikainen, August–December 2012, 3,5 months • Production Assistant / Intern Sanja Karppinen, August–December 2012, 2,5 months • Web Programmer Christer Rydeborn, November 2011–December 2012, 2 months • Graphic Designer Beatrice Nordén, September 2011–December 2012, 1 month • Extra technicians (18 persons), December 2012, 2,5 months
In-kind / Dance Info Finland • Director Sanna Rekola, January 2011–February 2013, 3 months • International Affairsʼ Manager Pirjetta Mulari, January 2011–February 2013, 4,5 months • Communications Officer Elina Manninen, January–December 2012, 2,5 months • Communications & Office Secretary Katarina Lindholm, August 2012–February 2013, 3,5 months • Communications Officer Katri Riikonen, May 2011–December 2012, 1,5 months • Communications Officer Piia Ahonen, August–December 2012, 1 month
Volunteers • 32 persons, December 2012, 3 months
Total: 48,5 months / 4 years
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7. Financing
The platform was mainly financed with Nordic funding and national funding from all the five partner countries. As the main organizer, Dance Info Finlandʼs self-financing from the organizationʼs yearly budget formed a large share of the total budget. The total project budget was 351 600 Euros.
Nordic funding, approximately 152 000 Euros • 750 000 DKK from Nordic Council of Ministers • 250 000 DKK from Nordic Culture Fund • 18 000 Euros from Nordic Culture Point
National funding from partner countries, approximately 40 300 Euros • 18 000 Euros from the Swedish Arts Council and the Swedish Arts Grants Committee • 18 000 Euros from Dansens Hus Oslo • 3 100 Euros from Performing Arts Hub Norway • 1 200 Euros from Performing Arts Iceland • (travel support for Danish artists from Danish Arts Council)
Other support and grants, approximately 12 400 Euros • 10 000 Euros from the City of Helsinki Cultural Office • 15 000 NOK from the Norwegian Embassy in Helsinki • 400 Euros from the Danish Embassy in Helsinki
Self-financing and other income, approximately 146 800 Euros • 135 200 Euros from Dance Info Finland • 6 400 Euros from the registration fees • 1 300 Euros from advert sales for the program book • 2 200 Euros from the box office • 1 700 Euros from meal ticket sales
The project was also supported with Dance Info Finlandʼs and collaborating venuesʼ in-kind in staff, office, technical equipment and space. In addition, Danish Arts Council supported most of the travel costs for the performing Danish artists, and some invited guests received travel and accommodation support from other institutes and organizations. These numbers are not shown in the project budget. The detailed budget of expenses and income is attached to this report.
8. Local partners and collaborators
Dance Info Finland collaborated with a bunch of local organizations in Helsinki with the production and arrangements of the platform. ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform spread into 7 venues with 11 stages for the performance program, and 3 additional venues for the meeting points and social events.
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Collaborating venues
• Theatre Academy Helsinki • Alexander Theatre • Helsinki City Theatre • Kiasma Theatre • Media Centre Lume • Stoa the Cultural Centre of Eastern Helsinki • Zodiak – Center for New Dance
• KokoTheatre (Late night meeting point) • Kattilahalli (Closing celebration) • Restaurant Kaisaniemi (Farewell brunch)
Theatre Academy acted as the main venue, where the registration and info desk was located, the More, More, More presentations took place, and most of the seminar program was arranged. Three performances were presented in the studios and one on the square of Theatre Academy, and it was also the place for the several network meetings arranged during the platform.
Bastardproduktion: Roses & Beans at Theatre Academy Square. Photo: Hanna Koikkalainen
Dance Info Finland subcontracted various local organizations regarding technical production and equipment, transportation, catering, decorations, and closing celebration party. The subcontractors played a key role in obtaining the needed special expertise and
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human resources. Additionally, BMW Finland sponsored the event with cars to use during the platform.
“Well thought logistics with the ticket for public transports in combination with the buses. Very good staff and voluntary workers that always were somewhere near to answer questions” (Dance developer, Sweden)
9. Communication and marketing
9.1 Marketing and promotion
The platform was marketed for international dance presenters and programmers, other dance professionals, and for the local audience. Marketing for the general public was, for most parts, carried out by the collaborating venues, and Dance Info Finland focused on engaging the international participants.
Marketing actions
• Marketing plan as a student assignment from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences • Adverts in Made in the Nordic countries catalogue 2012, International Arts Manager magazine no 1/2012, Ice Storm program booklet 2012, and internationale tanzmesse nrw visitorsʼ guide 2012 • Info Flash and Picnic at internationale tanzmesse nrw 2012 • ICE HOT Mingle at CINARS 2012 • Polar bear shaped flyer, 5 000 examples, printed in October 2011 • Pin backs, 1 000 ex, printed in August 2012 • Posters (40 ex) and roll-ups (4 ex) for visibility in Helsinki in December 2012
The most efficient way to get their attention was through the networks and contacts of the five partner organizations, and most of the marketing and communication was done through the web, or face-to-face. ICE HOT was promoted in more than 20 international events during 2012.
The main international events, where ICE HOT was promoted in 2012
• APAP, January 6–10, 2012, New York, United States • British Dance Edition, February 2–5, 2012, London, United Kingdom • TPAM, February 13–19, 2012, Yokohama, Japan • German Dance Platform, February 23–26, 2012, Dresden, Germany • IETM Spring Plenary Meeting, March 28–31, 2012, Copenhagen, Denmark • Springdance, April 19–29, 2012, Utrecht, Netherlands • New Baltic Dance, May 2–7, 2012, Vilnius, Lithuania • Kunstenfestivaldesarts, May 4–26, 2012, Brussels, Belgium • Dublin Dance Festival, May 11–26, 2012, Dublin, Ireland • Mov-S, 14.–17.6.2012, Cadiz, Spain
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• Kuopio Dance Festival, 14.–20.6.2012, Kuopio, Finland • Festival International Montpellier Danse, 22.6.–7.7.2012, Montpellier, France • Cena Contamporanea, 17.–29.7.2012, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • ImPulsTanz, 12.7.–12.8.2012, Vienna, Austria • Aerowaves Spring Forward / Operaestate Festival Veneto, B.Motion, 24.–26.8.2012, Bassano, Italia • Internationale tanzmesse nrw, 29.8.–1.9.2012, Düsseldorf, Germany • KedjaTallinn encouter, 18.–20.9.2012, Tallinn, Estonia • Danse lʼAfrique, 28.9.–7.10.2012, Johannesburg, South Africa • PAMS, 8.–12.10.2012, Seoul, South Korea • IETM Autumn Plenary Meeting, 25.–28.10.2012, Zagreb, Croatia • Panorama Festival / Rio de Janeiro Dance Platform, 2.–18.11.2012 • CINARS, 12.–18.11.2012, Montreal, Canada
The web marketing took place on the platformʼs own website, on Facebook and on Twitter. The website continued with the same domain, www.nordicdanceplatform.com, and the page was created, also this time, with the programmer Christer Rydeborn and the designer Beatrice Nordén.
The website was opened with an info page in November 2011, and the page was fully launched in the beginning of December 2011. As part of the website, ICE HOT blog was opened in January 2012. The blog was used as a marketing and communication tool for both strictly informative messages and, on the other hand, for more casual communication and branding. The platform has a Facebook page since August 2010, and a Twitter account was started in October 2012.
Web visibility in numbers
• 2 771 visits from 1 892 different visitors on the website in 2012 • 37 % of the visits came from Finland, 28 % from another Nordic country, 22 % from another European country, 10 % outside Europe, 3 % unknown • 64 % of visitors came from Facebook, 90 % landed first on the blog • 24 blog posts in 2012
• 1 763 followers on Facebook in the end of 2012 (800 in the end of 2010) • 47 posts or status updates in 2012 • an average of 431 persons were reach with each post
• 36 followers on Twitter • 89 tweets in 2012
9.2 Press and media communication
Dance Info Finland contacted also the international and domestic media. Critics and journalists were invited to accredit for the event through an electronic accreditation form that was open from September 24 until the end of October. All together 11 international and 11 Finnish media representatives arrived to the platform.
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Project Report 21 (29)
Along the road, a total of 7 press releases were published in both Finnish and English, and sent out to more than 300 journalists and media representatives, out of which about 100 were international media contacts. The ICE HOT web page had also a separate section for press and media, where they could discover the needed information and photos.
On the first day of the platform a press conference was arranged, and it gathered around 20 guests. The moderators for the event were Elina Manninen and Pirjetta Mulari from Dance Info Finland, and the invited speakers were Sanna Rekola from Dance Info Finland, Virve Sutinen from Dansens Hus Stockholm, choreographer Maija Hirvanen from Finland and Norwegian choreographer Alan Lucien Øyen, both part of the performance program.
The press and media communication lead into 40 published articles, reviews and reports, and 10 other mentioning and references in the media (released until February 2013).
FEATURING ARTICLES
International Media
Artery (AU) • Feb 13, 2013, “Dance is ice hot in Scandinavia” Dance.lv (LV) • Dec 11, 2012, “ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform, Helsinki Finland 12-15 Dec, 2012” Frettabladid (IS) • Dec 12, 2012, “Norræn dansmessa” • Dec 13, 2012, “Margrét Sara dansar í Helsinki” • Dec 19, 2012, “Landamæri og þjóðerni óræð í nútímadansi” International Arts Manager (UK) • no 24/2012, “Nordic dance gets global platform” Koreadance.kr (KR) • Feb 12, 2013,“Dance stakeholder networking is really important” Tanz (DE) • no 12/2012, “ICE HOT”
Finnish Media
YLE Kultakuume (RADIO) Dec 14, 2012, 10 min report, “ICE HOT -kuumaa pohjoismaista nykytanssia”
Helsingin Sanomat • Dec 4, 2012 (web), “Pohjoismainen nykytanssi esittäytyy Helsingissä” • Dec 8, 2012, “Pohjoismainen nykytanssi Helsinkiin” • Dec 12, 2012 (web), “Päivän menotärppi: Ice Hot Nordic Dance Platform -festivaalin avajaiset Aleksanterin teatterissa” • Dec 12, 2012, “Kuumia tanssiryhmiä kylmistä maista” • Dec 13, 2012, “Ice Hot esittelee pohjoismaista tanssia” • Dec 15, 2012, “Talo parantaa tanssin asemaa” • Dec 16, 2012, “Kävely vie pitkälle” • Dec 16, 2012, “Itseinhosta syntyi pelottavan hieno tanssiteos” Huvudstadsbladet • Dec 15, 2012, “Längtan efter att bli sedd”
Aamulehti • Dec 12, 2012, “Ice Hot esittelee pohjoismaista nykytanssia”
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Project Report 22 (29)
Kaleva • Dec 12, 2012, “Ice Hot esittelee pohjoismaista nykytanssia” Pohjolainen • Dec 14, 2012, “Ice Hot esittelee pohjoismaista nykytanssia” Salon seudun sanomat • Dec 12, 2012, “Ice Hot esittelee pohjoismaista nykytanssia” Turun Sanomat • Dec 2, 2012, “Pohjoismainen nykytanssi esittäytyy Helsingissä” • Dec 12, 2012, “Ice Hot esittelee pohjoismaista nykytanssia”
Helsingin uutiset • Dec 7, 2012, “Nykytanssin kerma koolle” Helsinki-info • no 6/2012, “Palkittua nykytanssia” Helsinki Times • Dec 6, 2012, “The best of Nordic contemporary dance” Metro • Dec 12, 2012, “Pohjoismainen nykytanssi on näytteillä Helsingissä”
Demokraatti • Dec 18, 2012, “Ice Hot näytti pohjoismaisen tanssin nykytilan”
Cult24.fi • Feb 21, 2012, “Pohjoismaisen tanssin katselmus houkutteli lähes 200 hakijaa” • Jun 28, 2012, “Ice hot tuo Helsinkiin pohjoismaalaisen nykytanssin parhaimmiston” • Dec 5, 2012, “Pohjoismaisen nykytanssin huiput saapuvat Helsinkiin” • Dec 12, 2012, “Ice Hot Nordic Dance Platform Kiasma-teatterissa 13.-15.12.” Kulttuurihaitari • no 4/2012, “Pohjoismainen tanssin katselmus Helsingissä” Kulttuuriuutiset • Dec 5, 2012, “ICE HOT -tanssikatselmus esittelee pohjoismaisen nykytanssin kirjoa Helsingissä” Liikekieli.com • Dec 19, 2012, “More, more, more -tanssipresentaatioita Ice Hotissa” • Dec 20, 2012, “Miten määritellä ja luoda laatua tanssitaiteessa?” • Dec 21, 2012, “Sinä teet minut – toistuvasti?” • Dec 22, 2012, “Norjan ja Ruotsin suurimmat nykytanssiryhmät Helsingissä Ice Hot – Pohjoismaisen tanssin katselmuksessa” thisisFINLAND • no 12/2012, “Ice Hot dancers descend on Helsinki”
10. Evaluation
In order to evaluate the project, and develop the future platforms, Dance Info Finland asked for feedback from the registered participants and from the presented artists. The registered participants were first approached right after the platform with a preliminary questionnaire, and the official surveys were made in January 2013.
In addition to analyzing the received feedback, Dance Info Finland evaluated the project from the organizerʼs point of view: how the project had succeeded and how should the platform be developed in the future.
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Project Report 23 (29)
10.1 Feedback from the registered participants
The preliminary questionnaire consisted of 5 open questions, and 34 participants submitted their answers. The questions dealt with how did they find out about the platform, what did they think about the program and the practical arrangements, would they suggest any improvements, and would they come again.
The more thorough questionnaire for the participants dived into more details and asked for evaluation from various angles. The detailed questionnaire received 87 responses.
The majority (73,2 %) of the guests participated in ICE HOT for the first time now in Helsinki, and only about a quarter had been in the event in Stockholm. Most of the guests had found out about the platform from either directly from Dance Info Finland (53 %) or from another partner organization (37,7 %).
For most guests, the main reason for participating were the networking opportunities (says 81 %) of the event. Other significant motivations were general interest towards Nordic dance (71,4 %) and the interesting artistic program (50 %).
The ratings for the practical arrangements were overwhelming: an average rating on the scale from 1 to 5 was 4,25. Also in the preliminary questionnaire, the feedback for the arrangements was excellent.
“[The practical arrangements were] Best I ever experienced.” (Director, Australia)
“I could concentrate on the performances and didnʼt have to worry about how to get to the performances.” (Dance writer, Estonia)
The artistic program, as usual, raised a bit more diverse experiences and comments. Some wished there would have been more performances from big and renowned names, others wished to have seen more young and upcoming artists. Some were after for more movement-based dance, and others wished for more conceptual performances in the future.
All in all, the performance program was, however, found to be diverse and interesting, and a good overview on Nordic dance. The More, More, More program was enjoyed even more, and the concept was found to be suitable for young artists, especially.
“About 1/3 of the shows seen were very interesting, that's a very good average for a platform; usually 1/10 is interesting”
“I saw 2 really good pieces I would happily present”
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Project Report 24 (29)
Overall ratings (5=excellent, 4=good, 3=average, 2=satisfying, 1=poor)
Information given about the platform through • Website 4,10 • Blog 3,75 • Facebook 3,67 • Twitter 3,73 • Flyer 4,29 • Program book 4,42 • Emails 4,19
Practical arrangements • Registration and ticket reservations 4,37 • Travel and accommodation 4,58 • Transportation and logistics in Helsinki 4,53 • Schedule 4,05 • Venues and locations 4,17 • Snacks and food 3,77
Program • Performances 3,59 • More, More, More 4,08 • Discussions and info cells 3,81 • Rise & Shine 3,69 • Late night meeting point 3,82 • ICE HOT party 3,94 • Other networking possibilities 4,04
ICE HOT experience as a whole 4,30
The concept and the structure for the event should stay about as they are, according to the views of the participants. The scale of around 20–24 performances, 1–2 seminar sessions per day, and 200–300 participants, and the length of 3–4 days were said to be the optimal scales according to the most responders.
A significant majority of the responders (85,2 %) would like to attend the future ICE HOT platforms, and even the rest of them (14,8 %) might like to attend.
“The whole experience was excellent: a great mix of activity and options, well organized, shows starting on time, great transport, plenty of information, friendly and helpful hosting”
“I have taken much away with me, and Iʼm talking to several companies about the future.” (Programmer, UK)
“This was my first visit to a Nordic country. I was very impressed by the quality and diversity of the program besides the extraordinary organization and generous attention to
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Project Report 25 (29)
us all. Your welcome was outstanding and we will commit all our efforts to pursue relationships between our artists in the future.” (Director, Australia)
“What a perfect event for me. I did exactly what I hoped—planned my last season of programming. Which will end with a small Scandinavian festival I hope! I came with the idea of one company for the fall of 2013. Now my idea is four small companies for the early spring of 2014. So I am afraid ICE HOT made my plans more complicated but I am grateful!” (Director, USA)
10.2 Feedback from the artists
Another questionnaire was sent to the choreographers and managers of the 33 dance companies and independent choreographers in the program, and 24 responses were received.
The questionnaire focused on the benefits that the artists had received through their participation in the platform. The fact that it usually takes time for the concrete results of any promotion to show was taken in consideration, and there will be a follow-up questionnaire made within about a year.
Most of the artists (77,3 %) said that through their participation they gained a wider network and received touring opportunities. Acknowledgement (68,2 %) as well as experience and knowhow (59,1 %) were also mentioned to be obtained. Some had even made new collaborators and received residency opportunities and competence for international touring.
Already by the end of January 2013, majority of the artists (72,7 %) informed having received some enquiries for their work. The artists had been approached with all together 63 enquiries, mostly by European organizations and independent curators, but also from Asia, and some from the Nordic countries, North America and Australia.
“[We received] Enthusiastic comments and an invitation to a residency for next autumn” (choreographer/director, company founded 2010)
“[We got] Three performances sold, and some nice comments” (independent dance company, founded 2012)
Overall ratings (5=excellent, 4=good, 3=average, 2=satisfying, 1=poor)
Application process • Instructions and rules for applying 4,19 • Electronic application form 4,25 • Information about the selection process 3,05
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Project Report 26 (29)
Practical arrangement and production • Amount, relevance and clarity of information 4,05 • Travel and accommodation arrangements 4,29 • Other practical arrangements before the platform 4,45 • Other practical arrangements at place 4,32
Circumstances and conditions for the performance/presentation • Financial conditions 3,05 • Technical possibilities 4,23 • Placing in the schedule 4,29 • Suitability of the venue (from other than technical viewpoint) 4,23 • Audience 4,00
Other program • Artistic program 3,35 • Discussions and info cells 3,64 • Rise & Shine 3,75 • Late night meeting point 3,56 • ICE HOT party 3,71 • Other networking possibilities 3,58
Experience of being part of the program as a whole 4,24
Majority of the artists (68,2 %) announced that they would like to apply for the next ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform, and also rest of them (31,8 %) told that they might want to apply.
“We got promotion, enhanced our network and got international touring out of this project. What can we say… It works, but we also prepared ourselves well.” (Independent dance company, founded 2004)
10.3 Conclusion
From the organizerʼs point of view, the project was successful: the project followed the project plan, most of the feedback from the participants and artists was positive, and the goals set were well reached.
As the platform was carried out mainly with applied grants and support, and in the beginning the performances were not yet selected, there were some natural changes to the original budget. There was also a need to increase the human resources, and a production coordinator was hired to assist the production manager. The total budget was, however, in the end corresponding to the original frame, and the budget stayed balanced throughout the project.
Everything that was planned was also realized: the amount of performances, the extent of the other program, and the number of participants followed the original plan. The feedback
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Project Report 27 (29)
from the participants and artists also indicated that the basic structure for the event works and the platform was realized with success.
When organizing an event that serves to a wide range of dance professionals, the challenge is to find the best possible balance between different wishes and motivations the participants might have. Some participants wish to see as many performances as possible, and the others would need more time to reflect. Some wish to have choices in what they see, and the others donʼt want to miss a single performance.
Among both the artists and the guests were raised some questions regarding the selection process. As the event should present a wide and diverse selection of dance from five countries, finding the best way of making the artistic choices has proved to be a challenge. This is perhaps the most challenging part in organizing a joint Nordic platform, and the board of directors will continue on deliberating the process.
The aim of the platform was to increase the international working and touring opportunities for Nordic dance artists. Until the end of January 2013, more than 70 % of the artists informed to have received enquiries for their work. These kinds of results might take even years before becoming reality, and it was not expected to have such great concrete results already at this point.
The feedback from the guests and the wide international interest and participation indicated that, already in its second edition, ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform has gained its place in the international field of dance art, and become a significant event for dance professionals around the globe. The platform is the place for meeting the key players, connecting with colleagues, starting collaboration projects – and experiencing the diversity and quality of Nordic dance.
11. Future
ICE HOT is a unique collaboration concept, where 5 countries genuinely join forces and work for common goals with a shared strategy. In addition to the acknowledged advantages that arranging joint Nordic platforms give to the international participants, the concept itself has raised interest around the globe.
Nordic collaboration has proved to be successful and it has gained more ground again within the past few years. There are various Nordic projects taking place, but what really defines ICE HOT is the long-term collaboration and planning, central organizations as collaborating partners, and the competence of both presenting and promoting, gained through the diverse expertise of the partners.
ICE HOT collaboration will go on with the biennial platforms arranged in the Nordic countries. Additionally, the preparations for finding partners and arranging activities in North and South America will continue. In 2013, a further evaluation and report of the entire project so far will be made, and a web page and graphic design for ICE HOT Nordic Dance will be launched.
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Project Report 28 (29)
The next ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform will be arranged in Oslo in December 2014. The organizing partner for the event is Dansens Hus Oslo.
“I liked the whole [idea of] Nordic platform for Nordic artists, and how this can encourage the general public to be proud of their heritage and culture”
“This is an important forum, not only for programmers and the dance companies that get to show their work, but also for the possibility of information, networking and cooperation between the dance folk in the Nordic countries!” (Dance developer, Sweden)
“Nordic collaboration is here to stay!!! See you in Oslo!”
Attachments
Attachment 1: Project budget for ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Attachment 2: Numbers of audience Attachment 3: List of registered participants Attachment 4: Summaries of the discussions
ICE HOT Nordic Dance Platform Helsinki 2012 Project Report 29 (29)