Oulu2026 -programme aims for Cultural Climate Change!
The main message of our culture programme is Cultural climate change that is present through three main programme themes: Brave Hinterland, Wild City and Cool Contrasts. Cultural climate change creates an inspiring future for northern Europe in a sustainable way. It highlights the importance of art and culture in the future of cities, villages and regions. Cultural climate change also reunites us in crisis-ridden Europe. We need cultural climate change more than ever.
We are building our programme through Open Calls. Next open call will be We are the Culture on 2025.
Oulu2026 Culture Programme’s values
INSPIRATIONAL
Our cultural program is inspiring and unique. Culture is also taken to new arenas and audiences with experiences created in unique places. The participants are experiencers, but also creators. Together we make cultural climate change.
SUSTAINABLE
We are committed to building an ecologically, socially, culturally and financially sustainable cultural program. We support responsible cultural production and develop our operations in accordance with the UN’s global action program for sustainable development.
EUROPEAN
The purpose of the European Capital of Culture is to emphasize the richness and diversity of European cultures and to increase the sense of belonging and unity among European citizens. One of the main goals of the European Union is to promote peace, and in times of difficult crises these goals are even more relevant.
Programme themes
The structure of the cultural programme divides the story of Cultural Climate Change into three chapters or themes. Each chapter includes a group of exciting projects which bring our story to life. Together they produce a compelling glimpse of what the future could hold.
Wild City
We bring wildness into the city by celebrating the wilderness around it. Creating a new cultural approach with our unique northern vibe. Oulu as a cultural laboratory, going wild for Europe.
Brave Hinterland
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.
Cool Contrasts
Oulu is the kingdom of great contrasts – positive, but also challenging. Contrasts such as the nightless nights of the midnight sun and sunless days in the heart of winter. Contrasts have the power both to connect and disconnect, but also to create something new.
Excerpts from the Oulu2026 program
As new events are created and tested, existing gems are being polished and further developed in the Oulu2026 culture programme. Before the launch of the main year 2026, you can already see glimpses of the upcoming programme; food culture, urban art, digital stories and unique northern festivals are waiting for you. Take a closer look!
Arctic Food Lab
Northern Delicacies to the World! Arctic Food Lab celebrates Northern cuisine, gastronomy and local food culture. Long Table Dinner brings people together n August, Arctic Tasting takes you to local restaurants in September.
In Europe’s Spotlight
Our traditional yet unique festivals bring you the brightest gems from our northern region to even larger audiences!
Northern Stories
Oulu2026 region is full of stories! Meaningful history, human fates and revolutionary events can be experienced in a new way. Our digital story routes take you to the actual places where stories were born!
Murals
Joy of Urban Art -project brings art to Oulu urban landscape. The locations are chosen in an annual vote, open for all city residents. The artists are selected through an open call.
Glowember
The contrast of darkness and light has always inspired people. This is why Oulu2026 celebrates the brilliance of lights and colours during November, the darkest month of the year.
Read more about our culture programme from our BidBook