PRESENT Together Alone: Artists share their experiences from virtual open call projects

In March The Finnish Institutes' network launched an open call for artists who had lost work opportunities because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project called Together Alone (https://www.togetheralonefi.com/) looked into international art projects that didn't require physical contact. Out of 437 project suggestions 20 were chosen. Working in a new situation required artists to bravely develop new skills and try out new digital approaches.

Choreographer–artistic director Sonya Lindfors brought her communal workshops online (https://www.softvariations.com/archive/esete). Choreographer Emrecan Tanis directed a dance video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6gRDiweEkQ) through Skype. Circus artist Sakari Männistö made a performance (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLltM8ZzG2BJMkWpO0Gl9P3timWY3x_6zl) for 360 degrees camera. We invited them to share their experiences and learnings! The discussion was moderated by Jaakko Nousiainen, head of arts and culture programme at the Finnish Institute. The conversation was documented by business illustrator Virpi Oinonen (https://www.businessillustrator.com/author/admin/).

Present is a series of discussions focusing on the future of cultural events programming. Read more about the series here (https://archive2025.fininst.uk/events/present/).