Darkness and light together inspire people to move and create experiences. That’s why in the Oulu2026 region, we embrace the glow of lights and colors during November – the darkest month of the year.
Glowember is being held now for the fourth time as part of the journey towards the European Capital of Culture year. Throughout this Glowember, you can get a taste of what’s to come during next year. The month will be filled with events, inspiring expert articles, and “Light Messages” from Oulu2026 region.
Reflections on light and darkness from light experts
Oulu2026’s Glowember also takes shape through a series of essays by the Finnish Light Art Society FLASH, exploring the meanings of light from various perspectives. In the series, four different writers – each a light expert in their own field – reflect on light and darkness from both professional and personal viewpoints.
The texts will be published once a week during November on the Oulu2026 website. The themes of light and darkness will be explored by Virve Leikola, Director of the Finnish Light Art Society FLASH, Oskari Kaarne, lighting designer and curator of the Light Art Biennale, Riikka Vuorenmaa, lighting designer and project researcher at the University of Oulu and multidisciplinary artist Jere Suontausta.
The Finnish Light Art Society FLASH is an official partner of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture program and is responsible for the light art and culture concept Light/Dark Matters, of which this November essay series is a part. The program offers experiences for both locals and visitors, culminating in the fifth Light Art Biennale “Kätketty Kajo”, which will open in Oulu in November 2026. The biennale will also feature pilot artworks from the project Art of Darkness as Cultural Heritage in Urban Landscape, presented in Pikisaari.
The journey towards Oulu2026 Opening Festival
From November to January, we will follow the “Light Messages” from the municipalities of the Oulu2026 region as they carry the important message of light from one community to another. The first message will start its journey during week 46 and the journey can be followed weekly on the municipalities’ official social media channels. The light travels in many forms – as candles, streetlights, and more – moving forward towards its destination. The journey will end on January 16, 2026, when it arrives at the Oulu2026 Opening Festival in Oulu. There, the final Light Message will be displayed as a light art piece throughout the festival, for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s Light Up Everyday Life Together
Everyone can take part in the Glowember in their own way – for example, by illuminating their everyday surroundings, such as their yard or workplace windows, in a new and creative way. Of course, light can also be shared online: post your light-themed photos on social media using the hashtags #ValonKuukausi and #Oulu2026.
