Open call
Pohjois-Karjalan kansanteatteri Pokka is seeking performances and workshops for the second VERSO Festival! Created for 13–18-year-olds, VERSO is a multi-arts festival taking place during the Children’s Rights Week, Nov 20–22, 2026. Come and help us build Finland’s coolest youth festival!
We are looking for content in three different categories. Read the details for each category below and apply by April 30, 2026.
Professional artists
We’re looking for performances, workshops, and art “stunts” by professional art makers. Your work can be something you’ve done before or something brand new created just for VERSO.
All art forms are welcome! It doesn’t have to be “made for young people” originally, but we do value pieces that resonate with a teen audience. We’re especially looking for artists from outside the capital region (Helsinki area), as we want to support employment in areas with fewer opportunities. But honestly? Everyone is welcome to apply!
- Venue: Theater space, outdoors, or a specific public spot in Joensuu.
- Group size: Max 4 people.
- The fee for the festival performance is either €350 (as a salary from an employment relationship, with OSK Pohjois-Karjalan Kansanteatteri as the employer) or €490 (invoiced, including any applicable VAT and invoicing fees). Please ensure the workload is proportionate to the agreed compensation! Additionally, we will cover travel expenses and arrange accommodation, depending on availability, either in a private home or a hotel. (Please scale your workload to the pay!)
- Perks: We’ll cover travel costs and arrange accommodation (home-stay or hotel, depending our final funding).
Apply by filling out the form and attaching a free-form application (max one A4). In your application, please tell us:
- Your concept/idea (+ duration if it’s a show)
- Short intro of the creators (mention your connection to North Karelia)
- Tech rider (what you bring vs. what you need from us)
- Space preference (inside/outside/specific spot)
- Preferred date/time
- Estimated travel costs
- Optional: Link to portfolio/website/demo & CV
Send it by April 30, 2026 to: info@versofestivaali.fi.
Selections will be made during Summer/Autumn 2026 by producers Sanna Kärkkäinen and Veera Snellman.
Youth call
Are you between 13 and 18? Got a band, a dance crew, or a drama club? Do you write poems, sing, or perform circus tricks? Want to set up an art exhibition or something totally different?
We want to hear from you! Drop us a message at info@versofestivaali.fi or DM us on Instagram @versofestivaali. Tell us briefly who you are and what your idea is. Let’s see if we can make it happen!
Satellite events
This one’s for associations, collectives, and active groups. We’re offering you the chance to link your own event or idea to the official VERSO program!
Note: For this category, we cannot provide financial or production support. However, we do provide the platform! Your event will be promoted on the VERSO website and our social media channels.
To apply, email us at info@versofestivaali.fi with the following:
- What kind of event or “stunt” are you planning?
- Who are you? (Short intro)
- Where would it take place?
- Confirmation that you can execute the event without financial support from VERSO.
- Feel free to attach photos, visuals, or links!
- Keep it short – that’s all we need.