Hymyilevä Oulu 26 brings together a photo competition, a course, a gala and photo exhibitions that highlight the smiles of minorities and lonely people. Preparations are progressing excellently towards the beginning of 2026.
Hymyilevä Oulu 26 – moving together towards the European Capital of Culture year
As Oulu prepares for the European Capital of Culture year 2026, we in the Hymyilevä Oulu 26 team are working with great enthusiasm to have everything ready at the beginning of the year. The project brings together a photography competition, a photography course, an international gala, exhibitions, and a website in nine languages, all carrying stories of people and smiles across borders. Behind the project is the Augmenters Cultural Association, based in Riogordo, Andalusia, specializing in creating cultural projects, workshops, and international collaborations. For years we have connected Finnish and Spanish artists, and now we bring our experience to Oulu’s Capital of Culture year.
Photo Competition – the power of smiles and encounters
The photo competition is at the heart of the project. Its theme is simple yet meaningful: smiling moments in the lives of minorities and the lonely. The competition does not seek technically perfect images, but photographs that show genuine encounters, warmth, and hope. Anyone can take part – photos are taken with a phone, making participation easy. You can photograph another person or take a self-portrait if the theme resonates with you. What matters most is to stop, look at another person, and share a smile. The images may feature, for example, migrants, language and cultural minorities, Sámi, Roma, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, the elderly, or the lonely – anyone who often remains unseen. Every smile is valuable. Preparations are progressing well: the rules and schedules have been finalized, communication channels are being built, and a social media campaign is underway. Cooperation with local associations, schools, and communities continues to grow.
Photography Course – learning and inspiration for everyone
To complement the competition, we offer a free and open photography course, starting on 1 January 2026. The course is entirely digital, so it can be joined from anywhere. This makes it accessible and available to everyone. The course is taught by AI-Kristian, an AI instructor based on photographer Kristian Kaarna. He shares tips in a relaxed and easy-to-understand way in multiple languages. The course does not focus on technical camera settings but on how to create atmosphere in an image: through light and shadow, the role of backgrounds, and respectful guidance of the subject. Even small insights can help create more powerful and touching photographs. We have ensured that the course website complies with WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, meaning clear contrasts, alt texts for images, and compatibility with screen readers. This way, everyone can learn photography in their own way and at their own pace.
Gala – a celebration of stories and smiles
In June 2026 comes the time to gather and celebrate. The Hymyilevä Oulu 26 Gala will take place on 10 June 2026 at the Pohjankartano Auditorium and Lobby. At the gala, we will celebrate the winners of the photo competition and open the exhibition that showcases the most moving and powerful images. The evening also includes a panel discussion in plain language, addressing the experiences of minorities and the lonely, and seeking ways to reduce exclusion. The program features performances by artists with minority backgrounds, bringing music and art to the evening. In addition, our international partners will share greetings and perspectives. The entire event will be livestreamed, making it possible to join remotely. Accessibility is central to us. The Pohjankartano hall is fully accessible: wheelchair spaces are on the top row, there is a hearing loop system, and personal assistants have free entry. This ensures that everyone can take part. Preparations are on schedule: invitations have been sent to performers and panelists, streaming solutions are being tested, and our networks of cooperation are expanding.
Exhibitions – from Oulu to Spain and back
After the gala, the photo exhibition will tour for six months in different parts of Oulu, also appearing at Villa Victor’s events. We aim to host the exhibitions in venues where accessibility is as strong as possible. Pohjankartano is already confirmed, and other spaces are being explored. At the same time, in southern Spain, in the town of Riogordo, a parallel photo competition will be held. The best photos will be collected into an exhibition, and Finland and Spain will exchange selected works. This creates a visual dialogue that shows how smiles and hope connect people across borders. Preparations for the exhibitions are progressing smoothly: our partners Multicultural Centre Villa Victor and local collaborators in Riogordo are building schedules and planning venues together.
Looking towards 1 January 2026
For us, Hymyilevä Oulu 26 is more than a project – it is a journey that grows towards the beginning of 2026. The competition invites people to join, the course provides tools, the gala brings us together, and the exhibitions carry the stories forward. Preparations are going excellently: schedules are being kept, cooperation is deepening, and enthusiasm is growing. When the new year 2026 arrives, we will be ready to open the door to a year of smiles, encounters, and stories.
Closing words
Hymyilevä Oulu 26 invites everyone to join. This is a photography project that explores humanity, friendship, and hope. Every smile tells a story, and together they form a whole that shows: no one should be left alone.
