Transformative Power Arena
Transformative Power Arena | 1–3 October | Utrecht, the Netherlands
All across Europe, people are building alternatives for the status quo, but how can they translate their efforts into transformative power?
The Transformative Power Arena is a 2.5-day event that brings together practitioners and academics from across Europe to take a deep dive into how power works, how it might be transformed, and what that means for the strategies, tactics, and practices of change initiatives.
The Arena brings together people actively engaged in innovative social initiatives working towards more sustainable, just, and democratic futures, from roles such as activist, policymaker, social entrepreneur, researcher, artist, or engaged citizen. Guided by experienced facilitators, we will work with methods rooted in storytelling, photography, theatre, and beyond to explore how power is shaped and contested in everyday practices of transformation. It is a space for collective learning and exchange, where participants connect around shared challenges and develop concrete next steps for their own work.
The calling question for this event is: How can we transform power relations towards more just, sustainable, and democratic futures?
Applications for this event are now closed. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our participants in Utrecht this October and sharing what we learn and experience together. Announcements regarding the next TPA taking place in fall 2027 will follow here later this year.
For more details about the event, please refer to our Q&A section below.
How can I participate in the Transformative Power Arena?
We would love to hear from you through the application form. You can apply via our short survey, which includes a few questions to help us curate a group that creates a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
You can find the application form here. The deadline for applying is Sunday 31 May 2026. We aim to get back to applicants in early June.
How do I know whether I am the right participant?
We are looking for people across Europe who are working on initiatives in the fields of democracy, energy, economics, or housing and who are interested to jointly develop ideas and practices on transformative power. Depending on your context, you might call this social innovation, changemaking, prefiguration or building alternatives. This includes initiators, entrepreneurs, activists, policymakers, engaged citizens, city makers, researchers, artists, and other creators who are curious about how power operates in social transitions and about their own role within these processes. If you are unsure whether you align with the description, we still encourage you to apply as we are open to different practices, ideas, and experiences and are always excited to welcome diversity into our space, or send us an email to: potransi@uu.nl.
Is participation free, and is funding available for travel or accommodation?
Participation is free of charge; the programme, facilitation, and venue are provided for by POTRANSI. We ask participants to actively engage and contribute to shaping the process together. A limited budget is available to support travel and accommodation costs for some participants. If you would like to be considered for reimbursement, you can indicate this in the application form.
What will the programme look like?
The Arena takes place in Utrecht, the Netherlands. It is an in-person event (exact location TBC), starting on Thursday 1 October at 14:00 and ending on Saturday 3 October at 13:00 (CEST).
Over 2.5 days, we will work with methods such as Theatre of the Oppressed, Photovoice, and storytelling to explore power in social innovation and transformative initiatives. These approaches invite embodied reflection, visual exploration, and shared narratives.
The programme is facilitated by experienced practitioners and designed to support both reflection and skill-building. At the same time, its direction is shaped by participants’ questions, experiences, and the dynamics that emerge within the group. A more detailed programme will be shared closer to the event date.
What if I am uncomfortable with embodied methods?
That’s completely okay. Participation in embodied exercises is always optional. You are welcome to step back, observe, or engage in a way that feels comfortable to you.
At any point, you can also step out of the room and take a break. We encourage everyone to take care of their own boundaries and participate at their own pace.
How many people will attend?
We aim to bring together a diverse group of around 30 participants, creating space for in-depth exchange, critical dialogue, and meaningful connection.
How accessible is the venue?
We are currently confirming the exact venue and will share detailed information on accessibility, as well as travel options (including public transport and cycling routes), as soon as possible.
Do I need to prepare or bring anything?
No specific preparation is needed, you are welcome as you are.
We invite you to bring your questions, experiences, and openness to learn. Comfortable clothing is recommended for more interactive or embodied sessions, and you may wish to bring a notebook for reflections.
Will food be available?
Refreshments will be provided throughout the three days, as well as lunch on Friday (2 October) and Saturday (3 October).
Do I need to participate in all three days?
To foster a strong collective process, we encourage participants to be present for the full programme.
At the same time, we understand that schedules can be complex. If you need to arrive later or leave slightly earlier, this is possible, let us know in the application form (under “any other comments”).
Will all places be filled through the open call?
Not all places are allocated through the open call. Some spots are reserved for people involved in POTRANSI case studies or previous working sessions.
Do I need prior knowledge of theatre, photography, or storytelling to participate?
No prior experience is needed. All methods are designed to be accessible to everyone. We invite you to bring the knowledge and experience you already have.
How do we handle possible emotions and conflict when discussing power and taking part in exercises?
Working with power can surface emotions, tensions, or discomfort. Our sessions are guided by experienced facilitators who create a supportive and respectful environment. At the same time, we see these moments as valuable opportunities for learning and ‘staying with the trouble’. You are always invited to ‘host yourself’ and are welcome to step out or take a break when needed.
What happens after the Transformative Power Arena?
The insights and experiences from this Arena event are meant to continue beyond the event, both in your own work and within the wider community.
We will share key learnings (with participants’ consent) through our newsletter and website, and integrate them into ongoing research. Participants will also have the opportunity to stay connected through the broader POTRANSI community, including follow-up gatherings (e.g. in Portugal next year, with further locations to be confirmed).
If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us at: potransi@uu.nl
If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us at: potransi@uu.nl