Oulu2026 Open Call
Dreams connect us
– make yours come true!
The programme call is now closed. Applications were open from 2 September 2024 to 31 August 2025. You can still apply to have your event included in the event calendar from 17 November 2025 onwards.
Be part of Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture!
The third and final round of our We Are the Culture Open Call was open from 1 May to 31 August 2025. By the deadline, we received a total of 1,020 applications, with the total amount of requested grants reaching €5,434,000.
Although the grants have now been allocated, there are still plenty of ways to take part in Oulu’s European Capital of Culture year – whether as an organiser or as part of the audience.
Propose your event for the Oulu2026 event calendar
You can suggest your own event to be part of the official Oulu2026 event calendar and become part of the official cultural programme.
Applications open again on 17 November 2025 and will be reviewed every month. Once your event is accepted, you’ll be able to add it to the Oulu2026 event calendar. The application will stay open until 30 September 2026.
To be included, your programme should meet the following criteria:
- The event is specifically planned for the year 2026.
- The event is open to the public (with or without an entry fee).
- The organiser is responsible for implementing and communicating the event.
- The event takes place within the Oulu2026 region.
- The event is implemented in a socially and environmentally sustainable way.
Evaluation criteria:
- We value originality and new ideas. You can also apply with an existing event if you bring in something fresh – for example, new audiences, venues, content, or ways of doing things.
- Think about how your event supports Cultural Climate Change. What does that idea mean to you? What kind of positive change do you want your event to inspire?
Applications will be made through the Rimbert system.
The form will open in November 2025.
Questions? Email us at opencall@oulu2026.eu.
Let’s celebrate the European Capital of Culture year together!
Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture belongs to everyone.
Let’s celebrate, share, and make the year truly unforgettable – together!
Use the Oulu2026 logo!
The Oulu2026 logo is available for non-commercial use by all residents and organisations within the Oulu2026 region. Companies may also use the logo in non-commercial contexts, such as corporate events, websites, social media, or premises.
Please note that the logo must not be used as a fixed part of a product or service (for example, on packaging or in product descriptions) without an agreement for commercial use.
Download the short Finnish guide for non-commercial logo use here.
You can also get involved in many other ways:
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Frequently asked questions
The questions below were prepared for the “We Are Culture” programme call
(application period: September 2, 2024 – August 31, 2025).
Who can apply?
Applicants can include associations, foundations, private individuals, workgroups, public entities as well as private companies (for non-profit activities).
Can a minor propose a program or apply for targeted grants?
A minor can submit a program proposal or a grant application, but an adult must be designated as the contact person and responsible party for the project.
How do you apply?
You can submit an application through the application system. The targeted grants are also applied for through the application system. You can review the application form questions in advance using the preview version of the form (PDF file).
What kind of programs are being sought?
We are looking for diverse contents to be part of the official cultural programme. We hope to receive more content for example on the following themes: living cultural heritage, culture for seniors, neighbourhood or village events, sustainable lifestyle, cultural well-being, children’s culture, physical activity or sports, maritime themes, youth culture, food culture and minority cultures. In addition to these, the programme can also focus on other topics.
We are looking for content specifically designed to be part of the Oulu2026 programme, so please describe the novelty/special value of your programme in your application. Additionally, each programme must include a component that is accessible to the public within the Oulu2026 implementation area.
Can an exhibition be considered an event?
Yes. Exhibitions are also perfectly suitable for inclusion in the event calendar.
What can the funding be granted for?
The targeted grants can be used to cover any expenses related to the implementation of the programme. Work related to the preparation of the programme can be included in the programme’s budget, but we do not grant funding for only artistic work. The recipient of the grant is responsible for researching any effects the grant may have for example on their taxation.
How much funding is allocated through the open call?
The Oulu Culture Foundation has reserved a maximum of 1 million euros to the open call. This includes grants received from the The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland for implementing Swedish-language programmes and funding from the Finnish Cultural Foundation for Sámi artists. Approximately one-third of the total amount will be distributed in each application round.
Is there a requirement of self-funding for the projects?
No. The overall funding of the project can consist of funding from multiple sources, but there is no requirement for self-funding for projects in this open call.
Who decides who is selected for the programme and who receives the targeted grants?
Oulu Culture Foundation’s designated working group evaluates the grant applications. External experts are consulted, especially for applications from Swedish-speaking applicants and Sámi artists. The Programme director makes the final decisions based on the presentations made by the Head of Community.
What is Cultural Climate Change?
Cultural Climate Change is what Oulu2026 is all about. It means creating a richer and more vibrant cultural life that lasts beyond 2026. In 2026, we invite everyone to experience world-class cultural events, both local and international. Cultural Climate Change means a desire to connect people, to bring joy and fun into life, but also to broaden our ways of thinking, understanding, and listening to one another. It sparks creativity and innovation – the sparks that can lead to ideas capable of shaping the future.
We have already received funding from the Oulu Culture Foundation earlier. Can we still apply for “We Are the Culture” targeted grants?
Yes, you can still apply for targeted grants, but priority will be given to applicants who have not yet received funding from Oulu Culture Foundation.
On what basis can I apply for a targeted project of €2,500–€8,000?
You may apply for a targeted grant between €2,500 and €8,000 if it is justified by the program’s duration, quality, scope, regional coverage, number of participants, or international collaboration.
What is meant by a larger-scale project?
In each application round, one to two larger-scale projects will be granted a targeted grant of €20,000 each. The aim of the larger-scale projects should be to promote Cultural Climate Change in a significant and comprehensive way. Larger-scale projects are tailored initiatives for a specific target group fostering inclusion, community spirit, or accessibility. The scale and content of the proposed programmes will be evaluated against existing Oulu2026 Cultural Programme.
In addition, the large-scale projects will be evaluated based on their innovativeness, impact, and sustainability. When applying for the €20,000 targeted grant a more detailed programme plan and budget estimate is required on the application form.
What is meant by social and ecological sustainability?
Social sustainability means for example ensuring that people of all backgrounds can participate in activities without fear of discrimination. Ecological sustainability refers to for example minizing environmental impact in event organization. All Oulu2026 events must adhere to guidelines for environmentally friendly event management and principles for creating safer spaces.
Can I submit multiple applications?
Yes, you can submit multiple applications in the open call. Each application is evaluated separately against the set criteria. However, please consider that you must be able to implement all your proposals, if they were to be selected. We encourage you to think about what unique content related to the European Capital of Culture year you want to contribute to the culture programme.
I sent in an application. What now?
Thank you for your application! The applications will be evaluated from 1st of January 2025, 1st of May 2025 and 1st of September 2025 onwards. The applications will be evaluated by Oulu Culture Foundation’s designated working group. The decisions will be sent out within two months of these dates. The results will be sent to the email of the contact person named in the application form. The applicants will not be given feedback for the applications.