Kotilo is looking for artists, working groups and cultural professionals to carry out performances, workshops and art projects that aim to provide high-quality, inspiring and engaging experiences for children of different ages.
The year 2026 is Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture, and Kotilo aims to highlight both Finnish and international artists, new kinds of artistic experiences, and children’s own voices. Kotilo is looking for programme content especially for the monthly Art Saturday events, the summer season, and the autumn school holiday week (week 43).
Kotilo welcomes proposals for performances such as dance, theatre, circus, music, poetry and media art. Kotilo is also looking for art workshops as well as engaging and multidisciplinary content that inspires children to create and experience art together. Applicants must have experience working with children and young people. In the evaluation process, Kotilo emphasises child-centred approaches and accessibility, multicultural perspectives, artistic quality, multidisciplinarity and experimentation, and suitability of the content for Kotilo’s spaces.
Programmes can be carried out in the facilities of Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo, as well as in the multi-purpose spaces Simpukka and Rapu at Oulu Central Library Saari. For larger performances, the Pakkala Auditorium and the Laituri Event Space are available to a more limited extent; both are equipped with performance technology and offer larger audience capacities.
Proposals must include all costs related to the workshop or performance, including technical requirements, workshop materials and travel expenses. Proposals can be submitted via the application form until 12th April 2026, and Kotilo will review proposals during the application period.
Read more about the application criteria and submit your proposal on the website of Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo: https://www.ouka.fi/en/childrens-cultural-centre-kotilo/open-call-childrens-cultural-programme
