Oulu2026 and Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) are jointly shaping the European Capital of Culture year, where expertise, art, technology, and community come together. The collaboration focuses especially on the Lumo Art&Tech Festival, for which Oamk serves as an official partner.
The year 2026 is significant for Oamk, as the institution celebrates its 30-year history. Throughout the anniversary year, Oamk aims to play a strong role in building the Capital of Culture year and highlighting the university community’s responsibility, creativity, and expertise. Oamk will implement a series of responsible actions and challenge its network to join in. As an official Oulu2026 partner, Oamk enables people of different ages and backgrounds to experience culture, encounter others, and discover new ways of seeing the world. Oamk’s Oulu2026 programme highlights expertise at the intersection of art and technology.
“We Want to Be Part of Creating Something Unique”
Anu Rosberg, Oamk’s Director of Communications, is delighted about the deepening collaboration:
“Oulu2026 is a major shared initiative, and we want to be part of creating something truly unique. The Lumo Art&Tech Festival offers us an excellent platform to showcase the distinctiveness that emerges when creative fields and technology collide. The Oulu2026 partnership is a natural fit for our own anniversary year.”
Oamk’s role as a festival partner underscores the region’s strong foundation in education and expertise. The collaboration will take shape through student projects, production partnerships, workshops, and new event content. Henri Turunen, Programme Manager of the Lumo Art&Tech Festival, sees the partnership as a natural continuation:
“Oamk has trained many professionals in art and technology—including members of our own team—and plays a key role in developing the entire field. It is only natural that we build the festival and Oulu as a northern hub for art and technology together.”
Expanded Support for the Cultural Companions Programme
Through this collaboration, Oamk also supports the Cultural Companions volunteer programme, which helps more people access cultural experiences. Anna Litewka-Anttolainen, Project Manager of Cultural Companions, welcomes Oamk’s support:
“Thanks to corporate collaboration, we can more effectively reach individuals who need a companion or encouragement to attend cultural events. For events with admission fees, we are able to provide free tickets, making cultural experiences more accessible to diverse groups of people.”
A Partnership That Builds the Future of Northern Finland
The partnership between Oamk and Oulu2026 strengthens the growth of culture and the creative economy throughout Northern Finland. The Lumo Art&Tech Festival partnership and support for the Cultural Companions programme are examples of how higher education institutions, art, and technology can work together to generate concrete benefits for the region.
“When education, creative fields, technology, and community come together, new innovations, new ways of learning, and meaningful experiences emerge—attracting talent, students, and visitors to the region now and far into the future. Our collaboration is a step toward a more vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking Northern Finland. It is an investment in the kind of region we want to see in 2026 and beyond,” Rosberg says.
