Brave Hinterland
You need to be brave to live here. Brave too to pack up and leave, starting a new life elsewhere. But even braver to stay and try to change things.
Far away from everything, on the periphery of Europe we face an uncompromising nature, extreme climate (change), enormous distances and wild vastness, excessive light and excessive darkness. Only a few in Europe are willing to live with extreme hardship and extreme beauty.
Yet Europe is much more than just its geographical core. We want Europe to get excited by its edges in 2026!
Finally, actual Climate Change impacts us more visibly here than almost anywhere else in Europe with biodiversity already significantly diminished. The global response to climate change has so far been too timid. We explore this topic in our theme Brave Hinterland.
Programme Lines
Each of the three programme themes include programme lines which enable us to group connected projects together to maximise synergy and impact.
Between East and West
Oulu exploring its roots and the routes linking it to Europe. These routes shaped the identity, cultural and societal development of the city and deserve exploring.
Naturally Art
Pulsing forces of the North – Nature and Art. With the growing focus on climate change, we cannot ignore or deny nature’s forces – whether you live in Oulu region or on the southernmost shores of Europe. We wish to showcase our region’s traditional engagement with nature reminding us how it enriches our lives, sharing
its vibrant inspiration with a broader Europe.
Northern Vibes
We do things differently here. We sit in hot saunas and then dive into frozen waters. We cycle on our bikes in minus 25-degrees Celsius. It’s an everyday experience for us, but a surprise to most of the rest of the world. Having fun in the snow hides a deeper message about the sensitivity and disappearance of our traditional habitat. Join us on a journey through our unique way of living and learn to appreciate winter’s natural wonders!
Latest
The search for artists for the Oulu2026 stage at the Qstock festival has started
For the Oulu2026 stage, we are looking for fresh, diverse and forward-thinking artists from the Oulu region. The application period ends on 1 March.
Oulu2026 is almost here!
The Oulu2026 Capital of Culture year is just two years away! Who are you going to invite to the opening ceremony?
Frozen People: Open Call
FROZEN PEOPLE is a festival of electronic music, northern art and wintry style. The event takes place on the frozen sea at Nallikari (Oulu) on the 2nd of March 2024 from 14:00 to 22:00. This free-to-enter festival is produced by Oulu Urban Culture and is part of the cultural program of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture. The organizers are now looking for enthusiastic artists to implement the art program.
The sustainable event production guide has been published
The sustainable event production guide has been published. The guide supports the responsible organization of events in the Oulu region.
In which district of Oulu will the next mural be placed?
Upeart, a Finnish public art professional, is involved in our cultural program with the “Joy from Urban contemporary art” -project, which produces mural artworks around the Oulu area. The locations for the murals are chosen by the residents of Oulu in annual votes,...
Call for Young Volunteers to Tartu in the beginning of 2024
Tartu, one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2024, is looking for three young people aged 18–30 from the Oulu2026 region to volunteer between January 25 and February 13, 2024. The selected young people get to create a unique youth celebration on International...
Glowember – Lottery Participation Rules
Organizer Oulun kulttuurisäätiö sr Y-tunnus 3246820-6 Torikatu 18 1 krs., 90100 Oulu oulu2026@ouka.fi Lottery You can participate in the lottery from November 1, 2023, to November 30, 2023. The lottery will be drawn every Monday among those who have participated in...
Introducing Glowember
Glowember is coordinated by the Oulu Culture Foundation. The Glowember events are organized by various entities, including municipalities and associations. Some of the events are already well known, while others are being organized for the first time. The whole spectacle takes place over a broader area, as part of the journey toward the Cultural Capital Year in 2026.
Tales of Tar introduces historic Oulu
The Tales of Tar route that can be experienced digitally on mobile devices around Oulu will open in November. The cultural history route consists of 10 fascinating short stories written by author Katariina Vuori. The stories are based on authentic locations, events...
Hybrid Event Producer 2026 project develops digital and remote culture experiences
Oulu2026 has launched the Hybrid Event Producer 2026 project in cooperation with Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OUAS). The ESF+-funded project will develop and pilot more interesting digital concepts for the event industry on how live events can be experienced...