Transformative Power Arena
Join the Transformative Power Arena
1–3 October | Utrecht, the Netherlands
We invite people working on social change from across Europe to join the Transformative Power Arena: a 2.5 day event where we take a deep dive into how power works, how it might be transformed, and what that means in terms of strategy, tactics and practices of initiatives.
All across Europe, people are building alternatives for the status quo, but how can they translate their efforts into transformative power?
This Arena event brings together practitioners and academics to co-create insights for dealing with power in just sustainable transitions. 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 programme is guided by experienced facilitators to support skill-building and reflection: we work with methods rooted in storytelling, photography, theatre and beyond to explore how power is shaped and contested in everyday practices of transformation. We provide the building blocks – the content of the programme is guided by participants’ own questions and experiences.
The calling question for this event is: How can we transform power relations towards more just, sustainable, and democratic futures? This includes discussions on how a deeper understanding of power might help to act more consciously and effectively, dilemmas that arise in the process, and what change initiatives need to strengthen their capacity to engage with power.
By participating in the Transformative Power Arena, you:
- Gain deeper insight into how power operates and can shift;
- Receive an introduction into state-of-the-art research on transformative power;
- Discuss with peers how to navigate power dilemmas in your own work;
- Engage with creative and participatory methods for understanding power;
- Contribute to the co-creation of knowledge, practices, and frameworks;
- Build connections with others working on social change across Europe.
We are looking for participants who are:
- Actively engaged in an innovative initiative related to democracy, energy, economy, or housing. While POTRANSI focusses on Portugal, the Netherlands and UK, we invite motivated applicants from other European geographies.
- Are curious about how power works in transformations and open to learning through creative methods;
- Bring experience from roles such as being part of initiative or as an activist, policymaker, social entrepreneur, engaged citizen, researcher, artist, or maker.
- Available to join the Arena in Utrecht from 1–3 October (from Thursday afternoon to Saturday afternoon).
We aim to bring together a diverse group of participants and carefully review all applications with this in mind. A limited budget is available to support travel and accommodation costs; participants can indicate in the application form if they would like to be considered for this reimbursement.
Apply via the form here. Deadline: Sunday, 31 May 2026
For more details about the event, please refer to our Q&A section :
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