Next year’s World Village Festival takes place on 27–28 May in Suvilahti, Helsinki. The theme for the festival is Force for Change! Call for programme submissions is closed.
The theme for the festival 2023 is Force for Change! It is difficult to change the world on your own, but together we can do it. Together we are a force for change. Inequalities and injustices are increasing. Human rights are being violated and restrictions are being placed on free civil society actors. The challenge posed by climate change to humanity is growing bigger every day. It will take all of us to reverse the unsustainable course that our planet is on. We believe that we can do it, but only as a united force acting together.
World Village Festival will bring individuals and communities interested in the Earth’s future together for solutions and actions in May 2023. Join in to change the word and to create a collective force for change!
Call for programme submissions is closed for 2023
The factual programme application is for speeches, interviews, films and discussions related to these programme numbers. The programme time is limited, so only carefully selected programme numbers that are clearly linked to the festival theme can be included. The Speaker’s Stage programme will be streamed online.
Organizations can also suggest kids’ programme, exhibitions, workshops, performances and other cultural programme numbers that are linked to the festival theme.
We are especially looking for programme suggestions that focus on development and global issues, are linked to the annual main theme and inspire people to act for a just world.
The selected programme partners are usually responsible for the programme content and participants, including programme rundown and possible interpretation. The programme producer is usually also responsible for the costs related to the programme, such as performer’s rights, travel costs, accommodation and salaries. In some situations, the festival may participate in covering costs.
The festival provides the required setting and technical equipment as well as support for programme production, training and information sessions for the selected programme partners. Programme partners also gain visibility in the festival programme.
Talks, Discussions and Films
Talks and discussions are held at the Speaker’s Stage located in Tiivistämö, at the Suvilahti event venue. Talks and discussions will vary from 15 minutes to 40 minutes in length. All talks and discussions are also live-streamed online. When making programme selections, preference is given to programme linked to the annual main theme. We would also like to receive submissions for films linked to the theme.
Programme selections will be made by 20 December 2022. There will be an emphasis in the selection process on talks and discussions related to the theme that are specific, multivoiced and bold and that reflect relevant expertise.
Proposal period closed 28 November for the 2023 festival.
Cultural Programme
Organisations can also make suggestions for kid’s programme, exhibitions, workshops, performances and other cultural programme numbers. Our hope is that the cultural programme is also linked to the theme as much as possible. Programme selections will be made by 15 February 2023.
Proposal period closed 15 January for the 2023 festival.
Street Art Area
The Street Art Area of World Village Festival is open for everyone, regardless of whether your thing is music, dance, circus, theatre, poetry, improvisation, Tai Chi demonstrations or any other performance. The festival is especially looking for street artists and amateur groups to perform in the Street Art Area.
The application period is from 1 March to 14 April 2023. More information can be found here.