Artistic Collaboration Project (ACO)

The collaborative and multidisciplinary course between Theatre Academy and Aalto University has been organised since 1994.

Performer on red stage, bagpipe on her back, blowing to a plastic tube.
Katri Naukkarinen
Watch Sanni Prihas and Jaakko Ruuskos documentary The Collaboration.

Introduction

ACO project is biannually organized course. You will primarily work within the current framework of contemporary dance and performance, in multidisciplinary work groups and degree programmes, as well as within the framework offered by the Theatre Academy and Aalto University.

During an orientation course prior to ACO you will become acquainted with one another’s artistic projects and present your own artistic interests and references as a foundation for forming artistic work groups and promoting the artistic process. You also learn about theories of group dynamics to help you navigate the process. At the end of the orientation, you will form work groups for the collaboration.

The process leads to performances, that are presented for audiences in the facilities of Theatre Academy and Aalto ARTS (Kallio Stage). The performance period is usually at the end of the year, on November or December.

Participating study programmes

MA in Choreography
BA in Dance
MA in Lighting design
MA in Sound design
MA in Costume design
MA in Scenography

Photos from previous ACO performances

Black box space filled with objects, shared with audience and performers.
Sanna Kaesmae ACO 2018: This untitled prehension, choreography by Pietari Kärki & the working group
Iiris Laakso sitting on the performance space's floor, dressed up with a blue beanie and a white facial veil with eyes, nose and mouth drawn to it.
Sanna Kaesmae ACO 2018: large / vulnerable, choreography by Marika Peura, in the photo Iiris Laakso
A performer on a yellow stage.
Sanna Kaesmae ACO 2018: aavikko / desert, choreography by Karoliina Loimaala, in the photo Saila Pönkä

Contact information for the project

    • Kirsi Monni

    • Professor, Koreografian maisteriohjelma, Theatre Academy
    • +358405456350

    • Eeva Muilu

    • Professor, Tanssijantaiteen maisteriohjelma, Theatre Academy
    • +358456349704

    • Tomi Humalisto

    • Professor, Valosuunnittelun koulutus- ja maisteriohjelmat, Theatre Academy
    • +358405074551

Project name

Artistic Collaboration Project (ACO)

Time

01/1994

Funder

Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy & Aalto University