UOMA – An exhibition and residency project connecting the edges of Europe
The exhibition and residency project UOMA of the Finnish Cultural Institute in Madrid creates connections between the Oulu2026 region and Madrid during the years 2024–2026.
In UOMA, inspiration flows and forges new forms of collaboration across the edges of Europe. Finnish-Spanish artist pairs get the chance to explore each other’s home regions and work together during the residency periods. The residencies take place in the Oulu2026 region and in the Community of Madrid, beyond the cities themselves.
The project can be experienced in both cities: Finnish artists will bring their exhibitions to the gallery of the Finnish Institute in Madrid, and the full results of the project will be presented in Oulu in 2026 and Madrid in 2027. In addition, smaller-scale events will take place during the residencies.
So come along — tulukaa völijyyn, ¡nos vemos!
Our impact to Culture-
climate change
The UOMA project promotes a cultural climate change by connecting Finnish and Spanish artists and other cultural actors. At its core are listening to one another and exploring each other’s cultures, which opens new horizons and offers fresh perspectives on one’s own thinking. These encounters spark inspiration, new ideas, and works of art—all of which local audiences in both the Oulu2026 region and the Madrid area can experience through exhibitions, artist talks, and other events.
When and where
Organisers
UOMA is a project by the Finnish Cultural Institute in Madrid; its partners in Madrid include Hug Culture and the ISLA project. In the Oulu2026 region, partners include Artbreak AiR, KulttuuriKauppila, Oulu Artists Association, among others.