The Oulu2026 mural location will be selected for the last time by public vote. In previous years, the murals have been realized to Myllyoja, Tuira and Rajakylä.

Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026. As part of the Oulu2026 cultural program, Upeart is implementing a series of murals in the Oulu area. From 2022 to 2025, the selection of mural locations has been organized through public voting open to all citizens. In the Capital of Culture year 2026, the mural will be created in Oulu’s city center.
By participating in the vote, Oulu citizens get to propose the location of this year’s Oulu2026 mural. The residents of the winning district are also invited to contribute ideas for the content of the artwork together with an artist to be selected later.
Voting is open until 14th of February.
Last year, the winning district was Myllyoja, where Italian visual artist Fabio Petani was chosen to create the mural. Petani spent time in Myllyoja exploring the local nature and visited Hailuoto with the residents of Myllyoja. Inspired by the Oulu River and local nature themes, his artwork Ferrous Sulfate, Achillea Millefolium & Lathyrus Palustris was unveiled in September.
The first Oulu2026 murals were implemented in Tuira and Rajakylä. The mural Au pas de la porte, completed in Tuira in 2023, was created by Canadian artist Ilana Pichon. The mural Turning Point, completed in Rajakylä in 2022, was created by British artist Eloise Gillow.
During the European Capital of Culture year in 2026, various activities, such as art tours and competitions, will be organized around all the murals. After completion, the artworks will be transferred to the collections of the Oulu Art Museum.
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.