Kollektiivi Track

Kollektiivi Track – Contemporary Circus and Arts Education in Lapland

Piste Kollektiivi is a professional collective of artists and educators based in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. Founded in 2007 under the name Monitaideyhdistys Piste ry , it brings together specialists in contemporary circus, dance, theatre and many other artistic disciplines.

Its activity is based on three complementary axes: the creation of shows , the support of artists and the development of artistic education projects accessible to different audiences.

A multidisciplinary artistic collective

Piste Kollektiivi brings together 23 professionals from different disciplines: contemporary circus, dance, theatre, puppetry, music, visual arts, digital arts and lighting design.

This diversity allows the collective to create works that combine several forms of expression.

The artists work together to develop original creations, experiment with new methods and share their skills.

The collective favours a collaborative approach in which exchanges between artists directly contribute to the creative process.

Contemporary circus at the heart of the creations

Contemporary circus plays an important role in the activities of Piste Kollektiivi.

Several members are professional artists specializing in circus disciplines.

The collective participates in the production and distribution of shows combining acrobatics, juggling, movement and stage expression.

The creations can also combine circus, dance, music and theatre.

This approach allows circus techniques to be used as means of artistic expression and storytelling.

An important activity in Lapland

Piste Kollektiivi is based in Rovaniemi , but operates throughout Lapland as well as in other regions of Finland.

The collective also presents creations internationally.

Its activity is particularly important in the rural areas of northern Finland, where access to professional shows can be limited by distances.

Tours allow circus arts to be introduced to audiences who rarely have the opportunity to attend this type of performance.

Shows in schools

Piste Kollektiivi develops projects aimed at children and schools.

In 2026, the collective notably participated in the tour of the show Tiitiäisen satupuu , produced with the Rovaniemi theatre.

This creation combines poetry, theatre and circus elements.

It has been presented in several locations in northern Lapland, particularly to young audiences.

Circus becomes an accessible artistic language, allowing texts to be brought to life through movement and bodily expression.

Tours dedicated to contemporary circus

The collective also organizes tours of professional shows.

In the spring, a tour in eastern and northern Lapland allowed for the presentation of several contemporary circus creations.

Among the scheduled shows were Viimeiset hitaat , by Roni Heimo and Annika Heinonen, as well as Boxing , by Antti Nerg and Markus Nivala.

These works notably utilize juggling, stagecraft, and humor.

Performances were organized in several municipalities, including Posio , Utsjoki and Ivalo .

A participatory approach to arts education

Piste Kollektiivi believes that art should be accessible to all, regardless of age, experience or personal circumstances.

The collective develops educational methods based on participation, cooperation and collective creation.

Its artists work with diverse audiences, including families, young people, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Projects can take the form of workshops, artistic gatherings, or participatory creations.

Art as a means of encounter

The social dimension is an important component of the collective's identity.

Artists view artistic practice as a way to create connections between people.

The projects can bring together several generations and encourage the participation of people who do not usually frequent cultural venues.

Artistic work then becomes a space for expression, experimentation and encounter.

Support for professional artists

Piste Kollektiivi also contributes to the development of the professional arts sector.

The collective provides rehearsal spaces and hosts projects in residence.

He supports artists in preparing shows and promotes collaborations between disciplines.

His collaborative working method, called SideBySide , is based in particular on the collective development of creations.

Sipola11, a space adapted for the circus

Piste Kollektiivi has an art space called Sipola11 , located in Rovaniemi.

This venue hosts rehearsals, artist residencies, performances and events.

The room has a total area of 159 m2 and a practice area equipped with dance mats measuring 9.5 meters by 9.5 meters .

It has four mobile aerial attachment points, two of which are located at approximately 5.1 meters high and two at approximately 4.5 meters .

These facilities make it possible, in particular, to accommodate contemporary circus projects requiring aerial installations.

An intimate performance venue

Sipola11 can accommodate up to 50 spectators .

This capacity allows creations to be presented in a setting that promotes closeness between artists and the public.

The space hosts performances by the collective as well as guest artists.

It can also be used for professional rehearsals, training sessions, and cultural events.

An artistic creation geared towards the public

Piste Kollektiivi develops works intended for different audiences.

Some creations are aimed at families and children, while others offer more experimental artistic experiences.

The shows can be presented in theatres, cultural spaces or unconventional venues.

This diversity allows projects to be adapted to different environments and fosters interaction with the audience.

A recognized figure in the Finnish art scene

The collective plays an active role in contemporary creation in Finland.

His projects contribute to the development of circus arts and interdisciplinary practices, particularly in the north of the country.

In 2026, the show Vesisaaren Alma , created with the Rovaniemi theatre, received the Thalia prize .

This distinction highlights in particular the quality of the encounter between theatre and circus arts in this production.

A professional structure rather than a traditional school

Piste Kollektiivi does not operate like a circus school offering a permanent weekly program for children.

Its activity is based primarily on professional creations, educational projects, workshops and support for artists.

Nevertheless, it is an important player in the transmission of circus arts, particularly through its interventions in schools and its participatory projects.

Piste Kollektiivi stands out for its commitment to contemporary circus, its multidisciplinary artistic approach and its work to make live arts accessible to the inhabitants of Lapland.