Information for Artists

What kind of performances can apply for Finfringe Festival?

Finfringe welcomes performances from all fields of the performing arts! Whether your work is circus, dance, theatre, music, performance art, puppetry, stand-up, storytelling or a combination of different art forms, we invite you to be part of Finfringe’s exciting programme!

We will select 20–30 performances for the festival programme, each with a maximum duration of 60 minutes. We are looking for performances that dare to step outside the mainstream – works that speak to audiences, evoke emotions and aren't afraid to take a stand. At Finfringe, we have a soft spot for bold, thought-provoking and unconventional performances!

How can you apply to perform at Finfringe?

There are three different ways to apply: through the international Artist Call shared by the Nordic and Baltic festivals (BNFN), through Finfringe’s own open call, or through the FFOFF open call to be part of Finfringe’s off-programme.

• BNFN Artist Call - One application, seven festivals!
  Baltic Nordic Fringe Network (BNFN) is a collaborative network of Fringe festivals across the Nordic and Baltic region. You can apply to seven independent arts festivals through one joint artist call. 
  Read more on our Artist Call page and apply here!
   
• Finfringe Artist Call - Just Finfringe? Apply directly!
  You can also apply directly to Finfringe through our own open call.
  Read more on our Artist Call page and apply here!
   
• FFOFF - The streets are your stage!
  The Finfringe Festival OFF programme is looking for all kinds of performances for the market square and surrounding streets. FFOFF performances are free of charge and open to everyone - they bring performing arts into everyday spaces, allowing audiences to stumble upon unexpected performances while walking down the street or visiting a shopping centre.
  Find out more and apply here!

How does the application process unfold?

The open call for performances opens in the autumn before the festival. Once it closes, we will review every application. All applications for the main line-up receive equal consideration, and we will notify all applicants of the results by the end of February.

What do we offer artists?

• A venue
• Basic technical equipment and technical staff
• 80% of the ticket revenue from your show
• Marketing for your show, in our festival brochure, website and social media accounts
• A free daily lunch, plus light snacks and refreshments
• Access to the Festival Hub, shared by artists and festival staff
• Free entry to other performances (if there's room)
• Access to the official Finfringe Awards closing party
• The right to use photos taken of your performance
• Support and guidance throughout the process

We also help create opportunities for Finnish productions and Finfringe Award-winning shows to take the stage at other Fringe festivals around the world.

What do we expect from artists?

• Taking part in the Finfringe Festival and following the festival guidelines
• Submission of promotional materials and a technical rider by the given deadlines
• Active involvement in promoting your own performance
• Payment of the application fee and entry fee by the given deadlines

Venues

During the festival week, a wave of performing arts spreads across Turku, bringing art, encounters and unexpected experiences to theatres, public spaces and the streets of the city. 

This year's festival venues include:

• Turku City Theatre - Sopukka Stage
• Linnateatteri - Tampuuri Stage and the Main Stage
• Various spaces at Art House Turku (Taiteen talo)
• Turku Market Square
• Hansa Shopping Centre
• Local bars
• Unconventional venues in iconic Turku locations

Set-up and rehearsal times

Our venues usually host several different shows throughout the same day, so careful scheduling is key to making everything run smoothly. Each performance gets around 2-3 hours of rehearsal time on stage, depending on its needs and technical rider. Set-up and take-down around each show usually take about 30 minutes. Our technical crew will generally be on hand to assist you on stage, depending on the venue and the needs of your show.

Rehearsals usually take place either on the day of your first performance or the day before. Please note that as several shows may share the same venue during the day, other artists may use the stage for their rehearsals or performances between your rehearsal and showtime. We’ll send all performers the detailed technical schedule during the spring.

Festival Hub

The Festival Hub is a home base for artists, festival staff and volunteers, right in the heart of Turku. You’ll find lunch, light snacks and coffee, as well as a small lounge area where you can take a break and relax. The Hub is open every day throughout the festival and is a great place to hang out between performances, meet other artists and catch up with the festival team.

Promotional events

During the festival week, Finfringe organises various promotional events where performers can take part and spread the word about their shows. These events offer artists a chance to perform a short excerpt from their work and tell audiences a little more about it. We encourage all performers to make the most of these opportunities!

Awards

The Finfringe Festival wraps up each year with the Finfringe Awards closing party, where prizes are presented to selected shows from the festival programme. The winners are chosen by a jury whose members attend performances throughout the festival week. The awards are made from recycled materials and feature a new design every year – except for the volunteers’ You Nailed It! perpetual trophy.