Program

FRIDAY

Tattooing only 14-20
SATURDAY:

11-21 Tattooing

12-13:30 DEMO/ACTIVIST SAFETY In Finnish 1,5h. 

13.30~14.15 BLACK PANTHERS & EAR ACUPUNCTION TALK

14.30-15.30 Cake Contest 

15.30-16.30 ABC Moscow

16.30-18 SOLITRAKTORI (videos, presentations, small group discussions) (Tampere) 1h30min 

18 - 19 Small discussion and presentation of a new project that shall lead to a survival support structure in the context of patriarchal violence (45min)  In English 

19-20 Stage poetry
Aura Siltala + TBA



OFF STAGE

LETTER WRITING
Space for writing letters, postcards, and emails for political prisoners. Open whole weekend.

14-16 Taste of Freedom, Eugenie 1-on-1 performance

SUNDAY: 

11-18 Tattooing 

12-14 TRANSSEXUALIZE YOURSELF: All You Really Need To Know About DIY HRT 2h 

12-14 EAR ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT (upstairs)

14 - 14.30 BUDAPEST CASE updates 30min 

14:30 - 15:30 Bingo

15.30 - 16 NCDK: POLITICAL PRISONERS IN IRAN AND ROJHELAT 30min In English

16-18 Cultural appropriation reading circle


OFF STAGE

11-14 BASS: Harvest season soli brunch

On Sunday morning there will be a fundraising brunch for imprisoned anti-fascists. Food will be served starting at 11.00 until at least 14.00 or nothing is left. Everything will be vegan with gluten free options. The menu includes seasonal cold and warm dishes and deserts.
More info on those supported: basc.news + freenanuk.noblogs.org

LETTER WRITING 
Space for writing letters, postcards and emails for political prisoners. Open whole weekend.

TAROT 12-18


Confirmed distros:
  • NCDK (Kurdish democratic society center)
  • VARIS
    Varis promotes a society based on equality, freedom and mutual aid; a society in which people are not driven to compete against each other. We work against all forms of discrimination both in the society and within our own network as well. Our ideals are an uncompromising opposite to the misanthrophy of capitalism, which is most completely embodied in fascism.
  • TOTES FORMAT
    muSICK+less, anarchist experimental music and noise distro, mad pride, outsider art + a few zines on anarchism in context to indigenous anti-colonial resistance.
  • Caring Chamomile
     Distro with a zine selection about anarchism, community, and care.
  • HAK HĂ€meen anarkokustannus
  • Mustan kanin kolo
    A volunteer-run anarchist infoshop and antiquarian bookshop in Helsinki.
  • VAPAA LIIKKUVUUS/ Freedom of Movement Network
    Through our work in Helsinki and Tampere, we support the struggle of migrants for their rights. We cooperate with various Finnish human rights organizations working on with refugees and migrants. We produce and share information on controls of movement, their consequences and struggles against them in Finland and abroad. In Helsinki and Tampere, we give advice to migrants and their supporters on matters concerning residence permits and the realization of fundamental rights. We regularly organize an open cafe, Coffee Without Borders, where people interested in migrants’ rights and freedom of movement may meet. Along the years, we have also been involved with resistance against deportations, campaigns for residence rights of asylum seekers, and defending EU-migrants’ right to housing in Helsinki.

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

    KESKUSTELU: VASTARINNASTA JA REPRESSIOSTA
    Kahtena viime itsenÀisyyspÀivÀnÀ poliisi on pyrkinyt voimakeinoin hajottamaan Töölöntorille tai sen ympÀristöön kokoontuneen Helsinki ilman natseja  mielenosoituksen, muun muassa mielivaltaisia kiinniottoja tekemÀllÀ ja hevosia vÀkijoukkoon juoksuttamalla. ItsenÀisyyspÀivÀÀ edeltÀÀ yleensÀ poliisin kommentit, joissa annetaan ymmÀrtÀÀ, ettÀ oman turvallisuuden vuoksi antifasistien on parempi jÀÀdÀ kotiin.

    Kyse ei ole pelkÀstÀÀn itsenÀisyyspÀivÀstÀ. Poliisi jÀrjestÀen suojelee ÀÀrioikeiston marssia ja muita kokoontumisia antifasistien toimintaa tukahduttamalla samalla kun ÀÀrioikeisto ja oikeistopoliitikot kannattajineen hyökkÀÀvÀt tahoillaan vÀhemmistöjÀ ja antifasisteja vastaan. On entistÀ tÀrkeÀmpÀÀ asettua tÀtÀ vastustamaan. Tilanne ei hiljenemÀllÀ paremmaksi muutu.

    Millaisia keinoja poliisi, oikeistopoliitikot ja ÀÀrioikeisto meitÀ vastaan kÀyttÀÀ ja miten varautua vaientamisyrityksiin, joita em. tahot antifasisteihin kohdistavat?

    A TASTE OF FREEDOM
    A Taste of Freedom is a one-on-one conversational performance where I, together with whoever decides to join me at my table, explore the topics of taste and freedom, how they connect (or do they), from most abstract to most concrete levels. This performance had its debut at KissMyArs gallery in Kumpula and then made continued its journey to Shadow Flow festival. I am excited to bring this performance to Tattoo Circus: I am hoping the environment and topic of this specific festival will inspire some very insightful conversations. Come join me!
    Performance offstage by Eugenie: “I am Eugenie, artist and activist, poet and speechwriter, word warrior and conversation curator. Come meet me in person, let’s not live life online. If we do not know each other yet – well met. If we do – happy to see you again, friend. Free Palestine, from the River to the Sea. I can’t wait to walk the streets of my homeland, hand in hand with all those who returned and with all those who helped us free her.”

    BLACK PANTHERS & EAR ACUPUNCTURE
    Five-point ear acupuncture is a method developed for the treatment of addictions, but it has also been used successfully in treating insomnia, stress, depression, and anxiety.
    Ear acupuncture also has a revolutionary history. In the 1970s, the Black Panthers ran clinics in poor black and Latino neighborhoods, where people recovering from addictions were treated using the methods of Chinese medicine.
    * Treatment: You are also welcome to come and try yourself: On Sunday acupuncture starts at 12, and it’s not possible to arrive late so that treatment of others won’t be disturbed. Maximum of 10 people. You can sign up in advance at the info table. Treatment is done by a healthcare professional.

    CAKE CONTEST
    All Cakes Are Beautiful but one will win the hearts of an expert jury at the legendary Tattoo Circus Helsinki Cake contest. The winning baker gets fame, glory, and a cool prize, after which the audience gets to enjoy the vegan cake café, too.

    ANARCHISTS AND ANTIFASCISTS CURRENTLY IMPRISONED IN RUSSIA
    Russia has never stopped politically motivated persecution of anarchists and antifascists, but under Putin this has reached a new level. The war in Ukraine and the introduction of new laws in 2022 criminalized any public criticism of the authorities or condemnation of russian intervention.

    At present, 22 anarchists and anti-fascists are in prison (and these are only the ones we know of). Some have been convicted of “creating a terrorist organization” or a “terrorist act.” The authorities interpret the concept of “terrorism” broadly, resulting in sentences of up to 29 years in prison.

    That’s why supporting political prisoners has become one of the most important areas of work for russian anarchists. The presentation will be delivered by an ABC-Moscow supporter.

    WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN WARTIME? REFLECTIONS FROM UKRAINE
    The full-scale invasion against Ukraine by russia has now been ongoing for over three years. The war is a daily topic of conversation also in Finland, but have we as anarchists had a discussion on how we would act in wartime, if there would be a war here?

    In Ukraine anarchists have taken many kinds of roles – they’ve gone to the front lines, worked as medics, organized mutual aid, and some have left the country (either to do political activism abroad or to not participate altogether).

    If there would be a war, there are many ways to participate or not to, but in such case, the war would define our lives and our organizing whether we want it or not. That’s why we need to have an open discussion about what kind of options and resources we have together and as individuals to participate in the roles we imagine for ourselves. In the discussion we are focused on defence, but it is good to remember that it might not be the only kind of war Finland as a state gets involved in.

    In the workshop we will watch two interviews of comrades in Ukraine who not only talk about their field of work but they open up their thinking about their role in the war as for example anarchists, vegans and feminists. After the interviews we will have discussions in smaller groups about what kind of readiness we think we have at this moment and what kind of steps we could take already, in case of war or self-defence. We will also shortly talk about the Solitraktori campaign which is sup-
    porting Solidarity Collectives and organizes this workshop.

    In the event, you can also join as a monthly donor for Solidarity Collectives and buy their merchandise.

    SURVIVAL SUPPORT STRUCTURES
    A proposal for a methododical attempt to create self-organized Survival Support Structures.

    This is a response to the sad and undeniable fact, that many survivors who needed and have been seeking support in relation to abuse, SA and other forms of patriarchal violence within our social circles, so called communities or self-proclaimed ‘safer spaces’, have felt left alone, ignored and isolated. The reasons for this dynamic need to be closer examined, but clearly there is a huge void, which is unacceptable.

    Based on the anarchist praxis/desire of acting and living according to our needs and with the understanding that our ‘we’ is shaped by diversity, our initial goal is finding out about the actual needs in regard of support in these matters. Those can be personal and those of which we have heard or read about via friends/comrades/affiliates.
    The idea is to open up the space for expressing them and to have them heard, so that they can be taken seriously into account by those who want to try creating support structures for survival in the future.

    The purpose of the presentation is to share the proposal and find other people who might be interested in such a project and who would want to gather later on for concrete planning and discussion.

    BASS: HARVEST SEASON SOLI BRUNCH
    On Sunday morning there will be a fundraising brunch for imprisoned anti-fascists. Food will be served starting at 11.00 until at least 14.00 or nothing is left. Everything will be vegan with gluten free options. The menu includes seasonal cold and warm dishes and deserts.
    More info on the supported: basc.news freenanuk.noblogs.org

    TRANSSEXUALIZE YOURSELF: All You Really Need To Know About DIY HRT
    Going through the legal system to transition (known as Transpoli) is, in many ways, a nightmare. But, thankfully, it’s not the only option available—nor is it the best one.

    Misinformation and criminalization have made accessing information on DIY HRT, tricky and laborious—especially for transmasculine folks. We aim to be the middle-person so you won’t have to start from scratch. Doing It Yourself is a choice for autonomy, not isolation or lack of support from others!

    We also highly encourage allies to join in. It’s crucial to distribute the responsibility of sharing information and guiding comrades to the right places. Liberating ourselves from the prison of deprived bodily autonomy is a collective act, and it requires building expansive networks based on solidarity.

    Our presentation will explore the following topics:
    1. Criminalization, stigma, Finnish context
    2. Debunking misinformation, explaining how HRT works and what its risks are
    3. Guide to (safely) DIY-ing HRT, everything you need to know to get started
    4. Q&A and resources, networking, community

    BASS: UPDATE ON THE BUDAPEST ANTIFA CASE
    The annual far-right “Day of Honor” takes place in Budapest every February. In 2023 a international group of antifascists took action against the participants. Following these events, the authorities started a wave of arrests a repression in Hungary, Germany, Italy, France and Finland. This has resulted in several arrests, and as of now one person, Maja, is in Hungarian prison and 8 in German prison, while for 5 others, incl. Gino, their cases are either tried in their absence or with them only
    joining the hearings but not remaining in custo dy otherwise. This talk will give quick overview over the state of the court proceedings and the situation of the accused.

    BINGO AGAINST PRISONS
    Bingo balls spin again for the support of political prisoners! Come and experience the ecstasy of bingo with our (possibly) famous bingo machine! Prizes are various and all profits go to support the Budapest Antifa Case.

    NCDK: POLITICAL PRISONERS IN IRAN & ROJHELAT
    The panel will focus on the current situation of political prisoners in Iran and Rojhelat (Iranian Kurdistan), highlighting the systemic repression faced by dissenters, activists, and ethnic minorities. It will explore the legal and human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and lack of fair trials. The discussion will also address the specific challenges faced by Kurdish political prisoners, who often endure harsher conditions due to their ethnic identity and political beliefs.

    READING CIRCLE: CULTURAL APPROPRIATION IN THE TATTOO INDUSTRY
    This open reading circle invites you to talk about and reflect on the themes discussed in the zine Challenging and Dismantling Cultural Appropriation in the Tattoo Industry: an invitation to dialogue, written and published by Tattoo Circus Helsinki collective in 2025.

    While the zine was written to spread awareness and infomation, we also acknowledge that our understanding of and contributions to this topic is incomplete, with much room for growing. The reading circle is a continuation of this learning.
    While the zine focuses on tattooing, the points discussed in the zine can also be applied to other forms of body modification, visual arts, and cultural practices where cultural appropriation remains a continuing legacy of colonial violence. The reading circle is therefor open to interested readers regardless of background.
    The zine will we available for reading at the event. You can also download it for printing and for read online from the Tattoo Circus Helsinki blog:
    https://tattoocircushki.noblogs.org/zine-about-cultural-appropriation/