When we come together, we get to share the beauty and pain of being human, break down our prejudices and build a connection with each other. Encounters strengthen what unites us as human beings.
This was the basis for the idea of implementing a community event that celebrates the diversity of cultures as well as getting to know people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The idea, which was born last summer, was worked on together with the volunteers of the Equitable Inclusion Through Volunteering Project and the Seminaarin taidekampus.
“It was essential that volunteers who represent linguistic and cultural diversity in Kajaani had an active role from the idea to the planning and implementation. This way, participation was as strong as possible from the beginning,” says coordinator Minna Härkönen.
During the autumn and winter, Karoliina Kuvaja, the community coordinator of the taidekampus, supported the event production framework so that the direction of the activities remained on target. The goal was to organize the Cup of Culture event as part of the Oulu20026 opening ceremony in Kajaani.
“The participation in producing and implementing the event’s content was delightfully extensive,” says Kuvaja. The event turned out to be quite a success with the public, bringing together 450 visitors and 100 implementers. Culture Companions 2026 acted as the event’s production and social enablers.
There were Thai, Senegalese, Sri Lankan and Ukrainian dance flourished on stage, as did Karelian, Chinese, Slovak, Icelandic, Ukrainian and Kalevala poetry. Juicy flavors from around the world were served at the Culture Market.
Audience feedback confirmed our success: many said they had longed for the opportunity to come together like this to enjoy living cultural heritage. More was hoped for.
“The event was wonderful and memorable. It was great to meet people live, which is too rare these days. We need encounters like this to get to know and learn from each other. Ecological cultural tourism, community, good food and meaningful conversations. These are what created the unique atmosphere of the event,” sums up Piia Sumupuu of her audience experience.
Culture Companions2026 as support and company
Do you sometimes feel like you need a friend to go to an event? Do you feel that there are social barriers to experiencing culture, even if the events might be interesting?
Culture Companions2026 are trained volunteers who come along if you need company or support to participate in an event.
“It was natural to attend on an event with a Culture Companion, there was no need to be nervous at all. The meeting went really well, the cultural friend was really smart and nice,” says one of our community members.
There are about fifty Culture Companions in Kajaani. They are local people who are trained volunteers and represent different languages and cultures.
“I want to act as a Culture Companion so that I can help someone who feels not wanting to go alone to an event alone. Sharing a cultural experience is meaningful and broadens your own perspectives,” says one cultural friend.
Finding a Culture Companion is easy: A call or email to the coordinator is enough. Let me know which event and when you would like to go with a Culture Companion. You can also fill out an electronic form on the website. https://oulu2026.eu/en/programme/culturecompanion2026/
Minna Härkönen
Coordinator
minna.harkonen@oulu2026.eu
p. +358 40 185 5988
