Zodiak – Center for New Dance has appointed choreographer Jarkko Partanen as its next Artistic Director. His term will begin at the beginning of 2026.

During the application process, Partanen impressed the recruitment team with his in-depth understanding of the production environment, as well as his vision for developing programming and curatorial practices within the Finnish contemporary dance field. His education, professional experience, and institutional knowledge provide him with an excellent foundation to further deepen Zodiak’s relationship with both artists and audiences.

“Expectations for the next four years of Zodiak’s activity are high, based on the inspiring, energising and open critical discussions we’ve had with Jarkko Partanen,” says Lilja Lehmuskallio, Chair of the Board of Zodiak Presents Association. 

“He also has a uniquely relevant educational background for this role, which both the recruitment group and the board saw as a sign of strong motivation and a systematic pursuit of the position of Artistic Director.”

Jarkko Partanen is best known for his work with the interdisciplinary art collective WAUHAUS, of which he is a founding member. He holds a Master’s degree in Choreography from the University of the Arts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy, and will complete his Master of Arts from the Praxis – Curating and Exhibition Studies program at the University of the Arts Helsinki by the end of this year. Throughout his career, Partanen has also been active on the international scene of the performing arts.

“Zodiak is a vital institution in the field of dance and performing arts in Finland. I want it to be a place where artists can develop and challenge themselves – and their audiences,” says Jarkko Partanen about his upcoming role.

“Premiering new works will remain the backbone of the organisation, but I also want to create space for other forms of encounter and artistic presentation. I hope the Zodiak of the future will be a place of gathering, dialogue, and vibrant events – one where artists, art lovers, and first-time visitors all feel equally welcome.”

“I wouldn’t be where I am today, as a person or as an artist, without WAUHAUS and the work we’ve done together – and that collaboration will no doubt continue in the future. However, over the next four years, I will remain in WAUHAUS as an absent member,” he adds.

The recruitment process for the new Artistic Director attracted eight applicants. Jarkko Partanen’s term will span four years, starting in early 2026.

Zodiak’s current Artistic Director, Jenni-Elina von Bagh, will return to working full-time as an artist after her three-year term concludes at the end of 2025.

Jarkko Partanen

Education

  • 2025 MaF Praxis, Curating & Exhibition Studies, Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki

  • 2012 MA Choreography, Theatre Academy, Helsinki

  • 2010 MA SODA (guest student), HZT Berlin & UDK Berlin, Berlin

  • 2008 BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance – 1st Class Honours, Laban, London

Engagements in Companies / Festivals

  • 2016 Founding member of W A U H A U S - Arts Collective

  • 2014 Founder, co-curator and co-manager of the Wonderlust-festival

Board Memberships

  • 2023-2024 Mad Housen ystävät ry / Board member

  • 2016- W A U H A U S ry / Chair of the Board between 2016-2020, Board member since 2020,

  • Chair of the Board 2020-2021, Board Member 2022-

  • 2015- Wonderlust ry / Chair of the Board since 2015

  • 2013-2021 Zodiak - Center for New Dance / Vice chair of the board 2016-2020, Chair of the Board 2020-2021, Board member 2024-2025 (resigned in July 2025)