Oulu2026 is once again recruiting volunteers to help deliver next year’s program. Applications are open from October 1–19, and anyone over the age of 15 who wants to be part of the European Capital of Culture year is welcome to apply. Volunteering is a unique way to take part in the year and its realization. In addition, we are launching continuous recruitment for Culture Companion volunteers.
Oulu2026 volunteers will work in a wide range of roles at cultural events throughout 2026. Tasks may include ticket sales, event organization, communications and marketing, and customer service. Volunteers can participate in a single event or throughout the entire Capital of Culture year. Each volunteer can choose assignments that match their skills and interests and join according to their own schedule. Oulu2026 provides thorough training, equipment, insurance, and safe working conditions.
Volunteers can register through the form available on the Oulu2026 website. After registration, participants will attend an orientation and sign a volunteer agreement. Orientation sessions are organized both in person in Oulu and remotely, and, depending on demand, also in other municipalities. There are now two ways to become a volunteer: through the Oulu2026 volunteer recruitment (October 1–19) and through continuous recruitment for Culture Companion volunteers starting October 1. Each recruitment has its own registration link.
“We already have over 250 active volunteers who have contributed more than 1,700 hours of volunteer work. The motivation to work together towards next year has been incredibly high,” says volunteer coordinator Anette Eksymä.
Oulu2026 launches Culture Companion 2026 – a volunteer programme for cultural participation and community
Oulu2026 is introducing a new initiative, Culture Companion 2026, designed to strengthen cultural participation, improve the social accessibility of culture, and foster a stronger sense of community.
The programme is open to everyone, and any volunteer over the age of 18 can become a Culture Companion. Developed in collaboration with people with immigrant backgrounds, the programme seeks to include diverse perspectives and create accessible ways to take part in cultural life.
Many ways to get involved as a Culture Companion
Volunteers can participate in a variety of ways, such as:
- Accompanying individuals or groups to cultural events.
- Being present at large public events as Culture Companions.
- Organising events of their own that highlight cultural diversity and provide opportunities for people to meet.
The initiative is starting in nine municipalities
Culture Companion 2026 will first be launched in Oulu, Kajaani, Kuusamo, Kuhmo, Haapavesi, Sievi, Ylivieska, Oulainen and Alavieska. Other Oulu2026 municipalities will have the opportunity to join later.
“Culture Companion 2026 makes culture a shared experience and lowers the threshold for participation. We want everyone to find their place in the diverse programme of the European Capital of Culture year,” says project manager Anna Litewka-Anttolainen.
Culture Companion 2026 is part of the Volunteering for Equal Participation project and serves as a pilot for its collaborative model. The project is funded by the European Union. Recruitment for volunteer Culture Companions opens on 1 October and continues on a rolling basis.
For more information on volunteering, available roles, and the registration form, visit: oulu2026.eu/volunteer
Contact:
Anette Eksymä
volunteer coordinator
anette.eksyma@oulu2026.eu
040 194 3397
Anna Litewka-Anttolainen
Project Manager, Equitable Inclusion Through Volunteering project
anna.litewka-anttolainen@oulu2026.eu
040 538 8121
