Villa Victor and Smiling Oulu 26 work closely together: bringing art, photography and events into everyday life, strengthening community and creating space for new encounters.
Smiling Oulu 26 works in cooperation with Villa Victor, the multicultural centre located in Oulu10 in the heart of the city. Villa Victor is a place where it is always easy to come – everyone is welcome, regardless of background or situation. The activities are immediate, people-oriented and above all low-threshold: the doors are open to all.
Villa Victor offers diverse and inspiring activities – free Finnish language courses, information sessions and a variety of events throughout the year. Many are familiar with Welcome to Oulu, Värikäs Ravintola and the Independence Day celebration. These events bring people from different backgrounds together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In 2026, the Smiling Oulu 26 photo exhibition will also be part of Villa Victor’s events, bringing the best photos and stories of the competition into these shared moments. In this way, art and everyday encounters intertwine, allowing people to meet each other both through words and images.
Smiling Oulu 26 is an official part of the Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture programme and one of its international flagship projects. It is carried out by the Augmenters Cultural Association from Riogordo, Andalusia, Spain. Among the founders of the association is photographer Kristian Kaarna. The project’s aim is to give voice to minorities and the lonely – but through positivity: highlighting smiles, warmth and small sparks of light in everyday life.
The photo competition begins on January 1, 2026, alongside a digital photography course. The purpose of the course is not technical training but guidance on how to make a photo more engaging and touching – to find the light, the shadow, the moment and the story. The photos will be taken with a mobile phone, a tool familiar and accessible to everyone.
On June 10, 2026 comes the highlight of the project: the Smiling Oulu 26 gala at Pohjankartano. There, the exhibition of the best competition photos will be opened, and the programme will feature panel discussions, music performances and speeches from Finland and Spain. Immediately after the gala, the exhibition will tour different parts of Oulu.
The cooperation with Villa Victor is a natural and important part of the project. For years, Villa Victor has offered a space where Oulu residents and newcomers can meet, learn and build a shared home city. Smiling Oulu 26 brings in art and photography, opening new paths to understanding and connection.
The goal is that everyone can participate – anyone can take a photo, send it to the competition and see their work as part of the exhibition. This creates room for new friendships and experiences. When the photos travel with Villa Victor’s events, they reach directly the places where people already meet.
In 2026 Villa Victor and Smiling Oulu 26 will walk hand in hand. Together they remind us that diversity is a strength – and that a smile can be a bridge between people, regardless of background, language or life situation.
