Joy from Urban
contemporary art
Oulu2026 murals
Third Oulu 2026 mural is coming to Myllyoja
Upeart is an organization that focuses on public art. The organization is participating in our cultural program: ‘Joy of Urban Art,’ in which murals are created in the Oulu area. The locations are chosen through annual open neighbourhood votes for all city residents.
The public vote for the 2024 mural’s district was open for the duration of November 2023. People of Oulu voted for Myllyoja to be the next location for the new mural. In the heated contest to the top were also four other city regions – Hollihaka, Kaijonharju, Kiiminki and Toppila. The artist for the third Oulu2026 mural is being sought in a Europe-wide open call at the moment. Read more from the article.
In the European Capital of Culture year 2026, the mural will be created in the Oulu city centre area. Various activities, such as art tours and competitions, will be organized around all the artworks at that time. After completion, the artworks will become part of the Oulu Art Museum’s collection.
The previous Oulu2026 murals
Ilana Pichon: Ovensuussa (2023)
In the 2023 vote, Tuira emerged as the winner, and the artist selected was the Canadian Ilana Pichon. The Oulu2026 mural, titled “Ovensuussa,” (At the doorstep) is located in Tuira on the building on Valtatie 54. The artwork came to life through collaboration between the artist and the local residents. According to Ilana Pichon, the artwork reflects the warm reception she encountered while working in Tuira. She drew inspiration from the vibrant colors and abstract shapes in Tuira’s streetscape from different perspectives.
Eloise Gillow: Turning Point (2022)
Rajakylä won the vote in 2022, and the mural artist selected was Eloise Gillow. The jury emphasised Gillow’s insightful social commentary and ability to build a connection between art and communities. Eloise Gillow met with local residents to come up with ideas for the mural at Rajakylä Library and Talvikkipuisto Community Center. She utilized these encounters in the planning of her artwork, ‘Käännekohta’ (Turning Point).