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
A 75-metre dinner table at Hallituskatu in August
The Long Table Dinner will be held during Oulu Arts’ Night on August 15th. A 75-metre table for dining and entertainment will be set up on Hallituskatu. The relaxed event is open to everyone and is free of charge. The Long Table Dinner is part of Oulu2026's Arctic...
We are a Proud Partner of Oulu Pride!
During Pride week 29.7-.4.8., lots of wonderful events take place in Oulu, and we are also involved in a few things! You can prepare for the Pride Parade on Thursday 1st of August at the comics & placard workshop. Comics & Placard Workshop Thursday 1st of...
Playing air guitar added to the national inventory of living heritage in Finland
Make Air, Not War! As a phenomenon, playing air guitar has been around for a long time. In Finland, it was popularised by the Air Guitar World Championships, organised since 1996 in Oulu, Finland. Oulu Culture Events Association, which organises the Air Guitar World...
Call for young volunteers to Tartu in August 2024
Do you want to take part in creating a youth festival abroad? Tartu, European Capital of Culture for 2024, is looking for volunteers aged 18-30 to help create a unique festival event alongside other Europeans and local youth from August 1-21, 2024. During this...
Venice Art Biennale 2026 exhibition to Oulu – Open call for the exhibition at the Finnish Pavilion now open
The European Capital of Culture Oulu2026 is involved in organising the exhibition at the Finnish Pavilion at 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2026, and the exhibition will also be shown in Oulu as part of the programme of the Oulu2026...
Sauna is now hot!
Sauna culture is a part of the Oulu2026 cultural programme and we took part in a sauna discussion event in Tartu on May 10–11. The aim is to set a world record for sauna bathing at the beginning of June. Sauna culture is now in high demand both here in Finland and...
Open call: Climbing over Oulu – Revisiting the landscapes of the hidden city
Le Plus Petit Cirque du Monde from France, partnering with Flow Productions from Oulu, will begin implementing their project that was selected as part of the European Capital of Culture programme this June in Oulu. The ensemble will include participatory urban walks...
Join the Wild Herb Celebration on 8th of June!
Wild Herb Celebration on Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is an event for the whole family at Åström park in Oulu (Isokatu 1), where the possibilities of the nature are presented extensively: nature's wild products, food, cosmetics and experiences!...
TOP3 tips for current European Capitals of Culture
We asked this year's teams of European Capitals of Culture for highlights for the coming summer. This is how we were answered from Norway, Estonia, and Austria. Bodø, Norway, TOP3 Midsummer Mystery, Breivika Beach 22.6. Bodø2024's big summer opening event will be a...
Qstock acts for Oulu2026 Stage announced
All the acts for the Oulu2026 Stage showcasing artists from the Oulu region have now been selected. As many as 164 applications were submitted in the open application process, and 8 acts were selected to play at the festival. The audience can enjoy the versatile...