Night of the Arts at Cable Factory 2025

Cable Factory cultural centre invites you to experience art and culture with all your senses during Night of the Arts. You are warmly welcome to discover, get lost and get inspired!

See & experience
Catch live theatre, open rehearsals, short films and dance performances. Dive into art exhibitions and peek inside artists’ studios. Step in front of the camera and get your portrait taken!

Taste & sense
Take a break in our cafés and restaurants – enjoy coffee, wine, and snacks. Explore food traditions and taste memories too!

Create & learn
Join workshops, make your own collage, decorate a jar with summer memories or try developing photos in a darkroom. Take a guided tour through exhibitions and the colorful history of Cable Factory!

Move & express
Jump into a live-action roleplay, join a group reading of a play or be part of a performance. Try out easy circus gear with tips from senior hobbyists!

PROGRAMME

GLASS COURTYARD

Info point
Glass Courtyard / at 11-21
You will find an info point in the Cable Factory’s main lobby where you can get information on the evening’s programme!

Cable Factory Round
Starting point: info point at the Glass courtyard, 1st floor / tours at 17.30 and 18.30
How well do you know the Cable Factory? The Cable Factory Round is a guided tour lasting about 50 minutes where you get to see the varied spaces at the Cable Factory, its rich history and colourful hall of fame, from an Olympic medallist to factory managers and artists. Tours are accessible. Maximum of 20 persons on one tour. Tours are held in Finnish or English, depending on the participants.

Cable Factory's Tehtaanmyymälä (factory shop)
Glass Courtyard / at 11-21
Grab a nice souvenir from the Cable Factory, like the popular Cable Factory bag or maybe a surprise gift for a loved one. Pay for your purchases at the adjacent info point. From the shop you can also get to the Cable Museums.

Dance House Helsinki: Free dance film screenings
Dance House Helsinki, Erkko Hall, entrance from the Glass Courtyard / screenings at 18 and at 20 (over 18 yrs.), duration 1 h
Dance Locale by Sydney Dance Company is a visually stunning series of five short films, created by Australia’s leading contemporary dance company during the COVID lockdown. Impermanence / Disintegration is a thought-provoking dance film that follows the creative process behind Sydney Dance Company’s stage work Impermanence. The screening also features selections from CAN DANCE, a short film collection by the contemporary music ensemble Bang on a Can All-Stars.

Book free tickets to the screening:
at 18: lyyti.fi/reg/Tanssielokuvia_Dance_en
at 20 (for over 18 yrs.): lyyti.fi/reg/Tanssielokuvia_Dance_K18_en

Tanssikoulu Balanssi Studiot / Tanssiurheiluseura Blue & White / Haapalainen SuutariJääskö Studios: Dance moments
Dance House Helsinki, Pannu Hall, entrance from the Glass Courtyard / at 16-18.

• At 16-17 Haapalainen SuutariJääskö Studios: Ballroom dance performances and short guided dance sessions.

• At 17 and 17.30 Balanssi Studiot ja tanssiurheiluseura Blue & White: The club’s children and junior dancers, as well as adult enthusiasts, present a variety of ballroom dances. At the end of both half-hour sessions, there will be an open dance lesson for everyone.

Restaurant Traba: Wine bar and café
Glass Courtyard / at 17-20
Come and enjoy café treats, as well as wines and other drinks!

Kallo Collective and Teatteri Metamorfoosi: Into the Wild
Turbiinisali, entrance from the Glass Courtyard / performances at 16 and 19, duration approx. 1 h
Into the Wild is a satirical, physical and visual theatre performance that through dark comedy guides us to restoring our relationship with nature, exploring the ambivalent relationship humans have with the natural world. The performance revolves around modern humans, survivors, hikers, berry pickers - you and me - who, coated in forever chemicals, trudge through birch forests and swamps, a Thermacell in our left hand, a mushroom basket in our right, a panda bear tucked under our arm and toilet paper poetry dangling from our pants. Two relentless narrators explore taboo topics related to nature, guiding us from environmental destruction, species extinction and pulp mills to healing rituals and complete silence, and where our desire for comfort can take us under just the right conditions. Age recommendation 13+.

PerformanceSirkus: Flea Market
Glass Courtyard / at 17-20
Theatre props and equipment for sale.

Siiri Haatainen, Olga Kastemaa, Pilvi Mäkeläinen: PULP!
Glass Courtyard /performances at 17.30 and 18.30, duration approx. 15 min.
Movement experiments and contact work by dance artists Siiri Haatainen, Olga Kastemaa and Pilvi Mäkeläinen – part of the Theatre Museum’s space residency – can be seen twice during. These improvised movement moments are part of the group’s upcoming dance piece PULP (working title). PULP is not only a dance performance, but also an experiential and performative installation – like a moving artwork to be watched and felt.

Artist Barbara Tieaho’s video works
Baana, basement, entrance from the Glass Courtyard / at 16-21
Video works: Viisi V:n Voimaviiva / Polun varrella / Nyytti / Piiritanssi / Pas de Deux. Screening duration approx. 1 h 40 min. Screenings shown three times in a row starting at 16.

OUTER COURTYARD

PerformanceSirkus yhdistys ry: Non-stop circus workshops
In front of the C lobby door / at 18-19
Senior circus hobbyists guide Night of the Arts visitors of all ages in using easy-to-learn circus equipment. Try out the props freely and get to know the basics of circus art with the help of professional artists!

STAIRCASE A

Cable Factory's Kahvibaari (coffee bar): Kollaasityöpaja & lavaohjelmaa
Staircase A, 1st floor / at 10-21
Take a break at the Cable Factory’s Kahvibaari! Grab a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of wine from the counter. You’ll also find delicious treats and snacks here. Happy Hour prices at 16-21 – beer, cider, long drink, or a 12 cl glass of house wine for 5 €! In the Microgallery, check out the intimate and first joint exhibition Mikrola by Eljas Tuisku and Kaisa Vaara.

• At 16-18.30 Hki Kollaasi: Try Collaging! Hki Kollaasi brings a low-threshold pop-up collage workshop to the Coffee Bar. Create something new using old magazines and fascinating images from the Helsinki City Museum. The workshop offers visitors a creative breather, a chance to try out collage techniques in a relaxed atmosphere, and inspiration through shared creativity and visual expression.

• At 18.30-19.30 Kahvibaari stage: MUU Helsinki Contemporary Art Centre, MUU Matinee - Ana Gutieszcas live performance Solstice: The piece is a live techno performance, unfolding in synchronized layers of rhythmic
  intensity, brutal soundscapes and energizing superpositions that evoke a primal energy.

• At 20-21 Kahvibaari stage: Pam'YA_ta_TY project - Ukrainian short dance films from Finland: The project aims, through dance, choreography, and performance art, to draw attention to women who endure the trials of war without directly participating in armed conflict. These are the women who have done "nothing special" for the victory, yet—through loss, emotional exhaustion, forced migration, and the impossibility of living a "normal" life—are nonetheless direct participants in the war. Four films in total.

Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth: Open rehearsals for Tea at six o’clock & Café
Staircase A, 2nd floor / at 17-20
At the Hurjaruuth stage, you’re welcome to drop in on open rehearsals for Tea at Six, a new production premiering in September. Stay for just a moment or as long as you like! In the foyer, there’s a cozy pop-up café and a small crafts corner. And don’t miss the red hallway connecting the stage and the foyer – it’s lined with posters from past Hurjaruuth productions!

Helsinki Artists’ Association: Non-stop visual arts workshop
Staircase A, 3rd floor / at 17-19

B LOBBY

Artists’ organisation Suomen Taiteilijat ry: 57th annual exhibition
B lobby, Valssaamo, 1st floor / at 12-21

STAIRCASE B

Kameraseura Galleria West: Portrait photography and photographic art
Staircase B, 2nd floor / at 17-20
Free portraits on the spot – come get your photo taken! You'll receive a beautiful keepsake from the day, either solo or with a friend or family member. At the same time, explore the Kameraseura presents photo exhibition, on display throughout August. The exhibition showcases a wide and diverse selection of works by Kameraseura members. Come get inspired and discover the vibrant world of Kameraseura!

Etelän-SYLI ry: Exhibition about eating disorder
Staircase B, 4th floor / at 17-20


Painter Maaria Märkälä: Open doors at the studio
Staircase B, 4th floor / at 17-20

C LOBBY

MUU Helsinki Contemporary art centre: Lana Haga - Tuhat tasoa (A Thousand Plateaus)
C lobby, 1st floor / At 12-21
The exhibition features new sculptures made of post-industrial plastic, reliefs made of cotton twine and oil paint as well as a textile and mirror installation, works that explore continuous transformation across material, process and conceptual systems. An audio work created in collaboration with the French sound artist Fayf Abad aims to activate the works in the exhibition and to create an immersive and contemplative space.

Restaurant Hima & Sali
C lobby, 1st floor / at 8.30-21
The restaurant is open all evening! Available: salmon soup (10 €, includes a salad selection and bread), treats like Finnish mocha squares and Biscoff doughnuts (4,50 €), or just pop in for a drink! While you’re here, check out the art exhibition Kuun kurkistus by Kati Varjolinna-Seppälä.

Helsinki Art Association: Rhythms Annual Exhibition 2025
Puristamo, entrance from C lobby, 1st floor / at 11-21, performance at 19.
Step into the world of rhythms – the ones you find in nature, in people, in everyday life, and in art. See how rhythms repeat, break, and form new layers through the works on display. Featuring 132 member artists and over 200 artworks. Come and see Anniina Rönkä’s abstract dance solo Connection through rhythm, traces in the air, music by Edouard Ferlet – Rythmoïd. Duration about 3.5 min, starts at 19.

Bela Biennial VII Edition
Merikaapelihalli, entrance from C lobby, 1st floor / at 11-21
The seventh BELA Biennial brings together contemporary art from Europe and Latin America. The exhibition aims to promote artistic diversity, intercultural dialogue and the sustainable preservation of indigenous heritage and nature. Free entry on the Night of the Arts!

STAIRCASE C

Galleria Idea: Matti Sääski - Ainiaan
Staircase C, 2nd floor / at 16.30-20
Art exhibition intro, DJ LevyAutoMatti, vinyl singles, 45s only.

KOM-teatteri: Live band, flea market and non-stop Speakers’ Corner in the rehearsal hall
Staircase C, 2nd floor / klo 17-19
Come to KOM-teatteri’s new rehearsal hall and meet the creators of this autumn’s production Hölmölä – The Great Economic Forum! The Hölmölä band will be rehearsing and the flea market offers vintage show posters for sale. Drop by the non-stop Speakers’ Corner to share what you think is the greatest foolishness of our time – you might end up as part of the performance! Everyone who appears on video will be entered into a draw to win 2 tickets to Hölmölä (performances on 15.–18.10.2025).

Aikido & Taido Pop-Up Sessions at Awasen Dojo
Staircase C, 4th floor / at 17-20
Come and try Aikido and Taido! Throughout the evening, there will be 15 min. pop-up training sessions open to anyone interested in Aikido, Taido, or movement in general, as well as those who already practice these arts. Join one session or as many as you like.

STAIRCASE D

Sculptor HEMULOORDI: Open Doors and small art sale
Staircase D, 3rd floor / at 17-21
Step into artist HEMULOORDI’s studio to see ceramic sculptures and browse a selection of small works for sale!
Visual artists Rauha Aaltonen and Maisa Majakka will also be thereselling art, ceramics, and handmade items.

Helsingin Wushu ry: Open doors
Staircase D, 4th floor / at 17-19
Come and ask questions, have a chat and watch the training in action!

STAIRCASE E

Ateljee Aapeli: Artist Paula Pitkänen - open doors
Staircase E, basement / at 17.30-21
You can also join the artwork lottery!

Ateljee Aapeli: Aino Keinänen - open doors
Staircase E, basement / at 17-21

Ateljee Aapeli: Sari Aino Tolonen - open doors
Staircase E, basement / at 17-21
The artist demonstrates the encaustic wax art technique at 18-19.

Free Art school: HÄMÄRÄ II - Student group exhibition and workshops
Staircase E, Galleria Vaaga, 4th floor / at 17-21

• Come meet the artists of the exhibition!

• At 17 and 18 Collage music workshops: Participants create small visual collages and hear the music inspired by them. Led by Eevi Oittinen (graduating from Free Art School in 2025) and musician Livia Schweizer. Duration approx. 40 min. Language: Finnish and English.

• At 19 Movement-based workshop to tune into viewing: participants try simple exercises that open up new ways of experiencing the artworks. Suitable for adults and for children who can stay engaged, accompanied by a guardian, also accessible for wheelchair users. Led by Minna Harri: MA in Theatre Arts, massage therapist, Somatic Pilates instructor, Axis Syllabus teacher candidate, and visual arts student.

Max 20 participants per workshop. No advance registration needed.

Teatteri ILMI Ö: Open doors and non-stop working method
Staircase E, 5th floor / at 17-20
Come explore our activities and the new studio space! On display: photographs, trailers, video works, and a great opportunity to take part in a non-stop studio poetry working method!

CABLE MUSEUMS

Entrance from the Glass Courtyard, through Tehtaanmyymälä (factory shop).

At 18 Triple the fun: joint guided tour of the Cable Museums (starting from the museum lobby):
During the tour, you’ll get a small taste of the exhibitions at the Finnish museum of photography, the Theatre museum, and the Hotel and restaurant museum. The tour is limited to the first 20 participants. No advance registration. Duration approx. 1 h.

The Finnish museum of photography: Exhibitions and guided tours, non stop darkroom workshop, and lasso demonstration
Basement and 1st floor / at 17-21

• At 17–20 Nonstop darkroom workshop (basement): Come try out the darkroom and make photograms – images made without a camera! New participants can join as space becomes available. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Kids under 10 accompanied by an adult.

• At 19–20 Guided tour of current exhibitions (1st floor): Karoliina Paatos: Heroes & Cowboy Girls and Activestills – Documenting life, death and resistance in Palestine. The tour starts inside the exhibition space.

• At 18–19 Ever wanted to try lassoing? (Process space, 1st floor): Test your cowboy skills! Artist Karoliina Paatos will guide you through your first lassoing attempts. This activity is part of the Heroes & Cowboy Girls exhibition programme.

Theatre Museum: dance performance, live roleplay and reading Lou Salomé
2nd floor / at 17-21
The Theatre Museum is full of things to see, do, and experience for both kids and adults all evening long!

• At 18 Theatre ILMI Ö - ForestLarp (in Maneesi): In this live roleplaying game for the whole family, you become part of a forest ecosystem, where all species depend on one another. The game master will assign you a role that you can play in your own way. Will you be the sun, water, carbon dioxide, an aphid, a spruce tree, a bee, a blueberry – or something else? You’ll find out soon! Welcome to join in! Duration approx. 25 min.

• At 19–20.30 Reading Lou Salomé (in Maneesi): When was the last time you read a play? Looking for reading suggestions? Come and join the discussion about reading plays! Organised by the Finnish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild, the event features readings of scenes from the play Lou Salomé by playwright Aina Bergroth. Duration approx. 1,5 h. Max 75 audience members. No advance registration, places are filled in order of arrival.

• Exhibitions Kolmas soitto, Arkadia Theatre the temporary exhibitions Anna Kontek - Enchanted Space and On Tour – Kajaani city Theatre’s regional group presents are open all evening.

Hotel and restaurant museum: Harvest time!
3rd floor / at 17-21
Welcome to preserve your summer memories, taste the seasonal harvest treats and join in the adventures of the City bunny!

• From 17 Tastings from restaurant Kuurna’s veggie shop, available while supplies last.

• From 17 Guided tour: NAM YÖK HÄH – What are food traditions made of? With the guide, explore and reflect on the diversity of food traditions. Max 20 participants. No advance registration, places are filled in order of arrival.

• At 17.30 City bunny and the hiker performance: Theatre ILMI Ö's energetic, participatory performance invites the audience to join in. The City bunny meets a hiker who suddenly appears, but the hiker seems to have lost their survival skills! Together with the audience, we help guide the hiker in a playful and joyful way.

• At 19.30 City bunny’s forest party performance: In this improvised and participatory performance by Theatre ILMI Ö, the audience is invited to say words related to the forest or celebrations, and then watch what kind of forest party the two bold City bunnies come up with!

Both City bunny performances are suitable for the whole family. Duration approx. 10–15 min. Max 20 participants per performance. No advance registration, places filled in order of arrival.

• At 18–20.30 preserving summer memories for winter, nonstop workshop: Autumn is the time for harvest and when the fruits of the garden and forest are quickly gathered for the winter. What kind of summer memories would you like to preserve for the colder months? In this workshop, you’ll draw and decorate jars filled with delicious memories. Suitable for the whole family.

• Explore the exhibitions: Nam Yök Häh – What are food traditions made of? Taste Matters – Perspectives on food and drink culture and restaurant Kuurna – 20 years.