In the end, the minus was less than expected. Paulina Ahokas, who is negotiating the export of ice ballet to the world, would like the state to create a permanent support package for international productions.
A major production of the Snow Queen ice ballet, presented in Tampere at the turn of the year, ended up with a small loss. Although there were some hiccups in advance ticket sales, three of the five performances were almost sold out.
Only the New Year’s Eve performances fell slightly short.
He points out that just moving the event forward by almost a year resulted in an extra cost of €780 000.
Things do not happen quickly
Ahokas answered the phone from New York. He is currently negotiating to take the Snow Queen ice ballet to the world. At the same time, the presentations for Tampere Hall’s future programs are under investigation.
In November, Yle reported on the production’s plans to conquer the world.
Getting a new cultural project into international distribution does not happen by snapping your fingers. Ahokas describes working as a project of perseverance. Things don’t happen in months or even years.
Negotiations on the international distribution of the production have already taken place, are currently underway and are also about to begin.
The prospects are promising, because there have been comments from international arenas that this is the first time art of this level is being made for arenas.
– Now it’s about which promoter dares to launch a completely new brand with us, says Paulina Ahokas.
He considers it a great thing that in the Snow Queen Ice Ballet negotiations, they have been able to have discussions with exactly the promoters and arenas that they had hoped for.
Supporting cultural exports would also generate income and visibility
Paulina Ahokas considers it a weakness that there is no funding for cultural exports in Finland.
In some countries, cultural exports are also supported by the government. Ahokas mentions a couple of examples.
– When Cirque du Soleil goes out into the world, the Canadian government contributes millions of dollars to the launch. Likewise, Max Raabe and the Palast Orchestra receive support from the German state whenever they make a new production and go on a world tour.
Ahokas considers culture to be a significant opportunity that increases Finland’s visibility and recognition, and it raises interest in Finland.
– On the other hand, it is also a business, employment and export income.
*You can discuss the topic until 23:00 on January 13.*