The Oulu2026 mural series, which has brought large-scale public art to different parts of the city, will culminate in September with an anniversary artwork celebrating Oulu’s year as European Capital of Culture.
Oulu is celebrating its year as European Capital of Culture this year. To mark the occasion, the fifth work in the Oulu2026 mural series will be created in the city centre. The mural, which will be completed during September, will be located on the façade of a residential building at Heikinkatu 6. The location was selected through an open call for suggestions aimed at local residents, which received more than one hundred proposals.
“The city-centre artwork will be a wonderful addition to the impressive series that has been built over the years, showcasing a diverse range of styles and artists from around the world,” says Inka Hyvönen, Coordinator at the Oulu Cultural Foundation.
“It has been wonderful to see how residents in different parts of the city have actively participated in the project, welcomed visiting artists and embraced the completed works as their own. I hope that the artwork being created in the city centre will also become something that we can all share a sense of ownership of.”
The artist for the new work was selected through a portfolio call open to professional artists working in Finland, which received a total of 52 applications. The professional jury responsible for the artist selection chose visual artist Laura Merz to create the work.
Working in both Finland and Germany, Merz is a visual artist and designer specialising in public art and illustration. She works across a wide range of techniques. Her works often feature interactive and participatory elements that highlight the importance of imagination, creativity, and joy as part of everyday life. Throughout her career, she has exhibited her work in exhibitions around the world and created public artworks for several prominent buildings in Finland.
“It is a great joy and honour for me to be part of the Oulu2026 anniversary year as an artist. I am especially honoured to have been selected to create the fifth work of this international art project in central Oulu – I even feel a little pressure because of it!” says Merz.
Merz’s aim is to create a landmark artwork for Oulu that is approachable and leaves room for different interpretations in the minds of viewers.
“The style of the painting will embody originality and uniqueness, which I hope will resonate with the Oulu mindset and strengthen the city’s identity as a home for creative and inventive free spirits. I hope that it will bring joy to the everyday lives of the city’s residents and visitors for many years to come.”
The mural series has brought public art to different parts of Oulu
The Oulu2026 murals created between 2022 and 2025 are located in Rajakylä, Tuira, Myllyoja and Toppila. Although the works differ from one another, they have all been based on the artists’ exploration of the local environment and encounters with Oulu residents. The works reflect the distinctive characteristics of their respective locations as well as the artists’ observations of Oulu.
Once completed, the Oulu2026 murals will become part of the Oulu Art Museum’s public art collection.
The professional jury responsible for selecting the artist for the 2026 artwork consisted of Katariina Kemppainen, Curator at the Oulu Art Museum; Inka Hyvönen, Coordinator at the Oulu Cultural Foundation; and Yiorgos Slunga, Art Coordinator at Upeart.
Further information:
Upeart
+358 46 888 1271
press(at)upeart.com
