Jan 30, 2024
Oulu August Festivals are looking for promising emerging artists from the Oulu2026 region for the documentary series “Artists Arise in the Delta” for the years 2024–2026. The series follows the artists’ journey towards Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture year. The open call lasts until the end of February 2024, and the selections will be made during March. Five artists/groups will be chosen based on the applications.
Materials from the project, including footage and interviews, will be used for social media content released throughout the journey. The overall experience will be condensed into a documentary series to be published in 2026. The project will culminate in the artists’ performances or exhibitions during Oulu August Festivals in 2026. In addition to the performance/exhibition spot, selected participants will receive compensation, media training and event guidance provided by Oulu August Festivals.
The application can be submitted through this form.
Selection Criteria
- Applicants can be individuals or groups representing any artistic discipline
- Applicants must be under 30 years old
- The applicants’ place of residence is within the Oulu2026 area.
- Aim for professionalism in the field of arts
- Readiness to commit to the process until 2026
- Willingness to openly show their development and share thoughts (commitment to 1-2 documentation days per year)
Delta Life
Delta Life is a cultural project that culminates in August of 2026 in the delta of the Oulu River. As part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture program, the Delta Life project explores and highlights the birth of the city and culture along waterways from fells to the sea, utilizing scientific research results. The digital media association: “Pohjoinen Kultuurivirta” is a key figure in documenting the project.
The artistic material accumulated over the years from water routes will finally present itself in August 2026 in the delta of the Oulu River during the month of Oulu August Festivals. It culminates in the Delta Life spectacle, which is the highlight of the late summer of Oulu, the European Capital of Culture of 2026. The artistic director for the project is musician, singer-songwriter, author, and video artist Jukka Takalo. The project is a collaborative effort, involving the festival network of the Oulu August Festivals and a broader group of cultural actors throughout the Oulu2026 region. More information about Delta Life can be found on the Oulu Cultural Events Association’s website.
More information: Executive Director Pia Alatorvinen, pia(at)oulunjuhlaviikot.fi, +358 44 723 2676
Jan 3, 2024
Author Piia Rantala-Korhonen is CEO of the Oulu Culture Foundation responsible for organising Oulu2026.
The Oulu2026 Capital of Culture year is just two years away!
Based on previous Capital of Culture years, we know that the busiest years of preparation lie ahead.
In 2026, thousands of cultural events will take place in Oulu and 39 other municipalities, and we expect around two million visitors during the year. The events will bring new customers to companies and employ professionals from a wide range of industries. A successful Capital of Culture year will increase the vitality of the entire region.
Culture experienced together connects people and builds mutual trust. This social capital will help us face the challenges of the future – together, we can do anything!
Over 100 local, national and international top productions have already been selected for the culture programme. Due to the abundance of events, some of them will take place in surprising and interesting locations in addition to traditional cultural institutions. Most of the programme will be free of charge.
The programme will be supplemented with the Me olemme kulttuuria – We are culture programme search, which will open in autumn 2024. We welcome all local residents to join us in building the 2026 culture programme. We are cooperating with local companies, which benefits both the culture programme and the companies.
The programme work shifts into a new gear as the plans for large productions are refined and move into the production phase. Communications and marketing are gradually being expanded to cover the whole of Europe. We are cooperating with Finnish embassies and cultural institutes in Europe to gain broad visibility for the culture programme.
In 2024, we will already be getting a taste of what’s to come. Next summer, a new wall painting will be finished in Myllyoja, and the Oulu2026 stage will welcome future stars. In September, the Oulu region will offer affordable culinary experiences. November is the month of light, inspiring events across the entire Oulu2026 region.
We are all needed for a successful implementation in 2026! This year, we are launching a volunteer programme that offers everyone interesting ways to get involved in the implementation of the culture programme. Now is the time to look at your own home region with love, and to share with others the unique things you can see and experience here at the northern edge of Europe.
In February, the next President of the Republic of Finland will be elected. As soon as the results of the elections are announced, they will be sent an invitation to the Oulu2026 opening ceremony in January 2026.
Who are you going to invite to the opening ceremony?
