&Espoo Theatre is taking part in the new European project EXPAND, which explores and develops new forms of performing arts through extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI). The two-year project offers artists and producers the opportunity to experiment, learn and develop digital and hybrid performance practices in an international context.
EXPAND is implemented through a partnership of three organisations: in addition to &Espoo Theatre, the consortium includes the French art and technology production agency Dark Euphoria and the Romanian national theatre Marin Sorescu National Theatre.
At the core of the project is an international capacity-building programme aimed at emerging performing arts professionals and their producers who are interested in exploring the creative potential of XR and generative AI technologies in theatre. The goal is to support artists in using new technologies in a creative and critical way as part of contemporary performance-making.
The open call launched today invites artist–producer duos to apply for the programme. Participants will engage with topics such as immersive dramaturgies, digital stages, virtual and augmented performance environments, and the artistic possibilities of artificial intelligence. The programme includes training sessions, workshops, mentoring and experimental performance projects.
Workshops will take place in Espoo, Avignon (France) and Craiova (Romania) during 2026–2027. The call is open to artist–producer duos based in Finland, France or Romania who do not yet have prior experience working artistically with XR and AI tools. The workshop in Espoo will be held in October 7–9, 2026.
EXPAND – Empowering the performing arts with XR and AI technologies, is a project funded by the European Union, in the framework of the Creative Europe Programme, European Cooperation Projects Small Scale.
More information about the open call is available here.
