The tenth OULU DANCE HACK will take place in Cultural Centre Valve from 19th – 23rd May 2025. TaikaBox is currently looking for participants to join us in exploring the relationship between dance and technology. Applications are invited from dancers, choreographers, musicians, coders, media artists, designers, engineers and any professionals who work with technology and the moving body.
ODHX is a special edition of Oulu Dance Hack, focusing on participants from the Nordic and Baltic region, in preparation for increased activity during 2026 when Oulu becomes a European Capital of Culture.
ODH is a carbon-neutral project. All participants who travel to Oulu must use train/ferry/bus – no air travel is involved. TaikaBox will cover travel and accommodation costs.
The Dance Hack method is all about collaborating on new ideas. It is not a platform for showcasing readymade work, but a safe space for collective experimentation. It focuses on improvisation and communication and aims to provide participants with inspiration and new skills for incorporating dance and technology into their practice. It’s also a great networking opportunity.
The application process involves uploading a single PDF where you tell us why you want to be part of the project, and include some details about relevant projects you have been part of, and links to an online portfolio/gallery/video channel.
The working language of ODHX is English.
FAQ:
Which countries/states are eligible to apply?
Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Åland, Iceland, Greenland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania.
I am not an EU national, but I live in one of the listed countries – can I apply?
Yes – if you are a resident of one of the above countries and have a local social security number, then you can apply.
Can I travel by airplane if I pay for my own tickets?
No – ODH projects only allow more sustainable travel options.
I work with another artist/in a group – do you accept group applications?
For this particular Dance Hack, we will consider applications from duos/groups – depending on circumstances/location – but priority will be given to individual artists. Dance Hacks tend to work out better when all participants are meeting for the first time.
What kind of technology will we be using?
To be honest, we are not sure at this point in time. It will involve cameras, computers, projectors, realtime manipulation of sound, light and video environments, and more. We will be working in a fully-equipped black box theatre, and we have full-time tech support. ODH is supported by Troikatronix, who supply us with temporary licenses for Isadora, and we are currently negotiating with various tech companies, including Bosch Sensortec, Beatsurfing and Pipo Interfaces.
Can I bring my own technology to the Dance Hack?
If you have some kit that you would like to share with the rest of the team, then sure – cameras, sensors, mocap suits, etc are all welcome. We discourage the use of preparation and presets though, so think about how much time does your tech need? Are you the only person able to operate it? Will working with it actually take you out of the group for long periods? The Dance Hack ethos is about keeping things simple and working together on discovering new ways to use things in a performance context.
Does it cost to take part?
No.
So, do you pay anything?
This year we will pay each of the participants a small fee, but we don’t know how much this might be until later in the year. We will provide accommodation in Oulu if required, and will reimburse travel expenses on receipt. Journeys will be worked out together beforehand and may include overnight cabins or hotel accommodation en route, and these costs will be covered.
How do I apply?
Fill in this application form before the end of January (You need a Google account to be able to upload your application PDF)
When do I find out how I got on?
We will notify all applicants before the end of February.
ODHX is supported by Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture, Oulu City and Taike – Arts Promotion Centre of Finland.