The project addressed the challenges of the resources required and the linguistic demands placed on performers when producing work internationally by focusing on performance concepts. By examining how artistic concepts could be shared and adapted to new linguistic and cultural contexts, the network explored ways to extend the life cycle of contemporary works while developing more sustainable mobility practices. 

 

The initiative was supported by a mobility grant from Nordic Culture Point. The project brought together a diverse group of partners: Theatre Info Finland (TINFO), Performing Arts Centre Iceland, Konträr (Sweden), Hangö Teaterträff (Finland), Sirenos Festival (Lithuania), and Showbox Festival (Norway).

 

During the year, the network organised five workshops, three of which coincided with contemporary performance festivals in the region. These meetings explored issues related to concept-based works and mapped existing performance concepts. Participants also shared case studies to better understand how these works could be adapted and presented in different cultural contexts. In addition, the network met with local artists working internationally in each partner country.

 

Through this collaboration, Portable Sharing explored ecological, socially sustainable and financially viable ways for contemporary performance to circulate across the Nordic-Baltic region. The project also helped lay the groundwork for continued dialogue and potential future collaboration around concept-based mobility and co-production.

 

The final network meeting was held in Oslo, where the Feminist Secrets Society of Helsinki opened the Showbox Festival for Young Audiences with their concept work Encounters, previously staged in Helsinki and Vilnius.

 

As part of the project, two articles were commissioned and published by TINFO: the Feminist Secret Society writes about their experiences of producing their concepts internationally, while Inkeri Borgman, CEO of Gigle, discusses the need for new revenue streams in the cultural sector.