hackIT! – Boosting the Digital Knowhow of Performing Artists

At the core of the project is the creation of a new mentoring method based on peer learning, designed to address the long‑recognized need for practical digital support in the performing arts sector. The project brings together artists and technology companies to experiment with digital tools and methods directly within artistic processes.

Objectives:
- Enhance practical digital skills among performing arts professionals.
- Strengthen collaboration between artists and technology companies.
- Develop a scalable Artist‑in‑Business mentoring model.
- Produce openly accessible e-learning materials.
- Improve accessibility and remote‑work possibilities within performing arts.

Actions:
1. Four three‑day seminars in spring 2026.
2. Four Artist‑in‑Business experiment periods (1–2 weeks) in autumn 2026.
3. E-learning materials and a final report to be published spring 2027.

Impact:
hackIT! improves artists’ capacity to operate in an increasingly digital sector and opens new collaboration and employment opportunities within the technology field. The networks created during the project support the long‑term development of the performing arts ecosystem.

The project is funded by the European Structural Funds – European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and implemented by the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute and TaikaBox ry. TaikaBox ry is acting as the main implementer of the project.