We are the Culture – Open Call
Dreams connect us
– make yours come true!
Application period
2nd Sept 2024 to 31st Aug 2025.
Oulu is European Capital of Culture in 2026 – and you can be a part of it!
Culture is everywhere in life – and now you can share your creativity with everyone! The European Capital of Culture year will be part of day-to-day life as well as celebrations. You can now suggest your own program to be included in the official Oulu2026 culture programme as well as apply for a targeted grant to realise your project within the Oulu2026 region. The aim is to enhance the diversity of the programme from the perspectives of creators, content as well as event locations.
We encourage you to bring your wildest ideas to life – whether it’s a yarn bombing, comics, street dance event, custom cars, perpetual motion machines, art workshop or anything else. At the core of our work is the culture programme built around a broad understanding of culture. All cultural creators, from organisations to individuals, can apply to become a part of the cultural programme.
Let’s show together that culture belongs to everyone, everywhere. Don’t give up on your dreams – be brave and apply!
1. Propose your own programme
Through the open call you can propose your own programme to become a part of the official cultural programme of Oulu2026. In this case the proposal should meet the following criteria:
- The programme sought through the open call is specifically designed for the year 2026
- The applicant is able to carry out the implementation and communication of the programme independently
- The programme content aimed at wider audiences will be realized in 2026
- The programme takes place in the Oulu2026 region.
- The applicant commits to implementing the programme in a socially and ecologically sustainable manner.
To fill out the application form, the applicant needs to sign in to the Rimbert application system. When signing up, the applicant must select their background organization. The options are private individual, working group or organisation (associations, foundations, public institutions, companies).
2. Possibility to apply for grants
It is also possible to apply for targeted grants through the We are the Culture open call. Associations, foundations, private individuals, working groups, public institutions and private companies (for non-profit activities) are applicable to apply.
The grant amounts are €500, €1,000, €1,500 and €2,000. For broader program content, maximum grants of up to €8,000 can be awarded. Additionally, during each application round, one or two larger-scale projects of €20,000 each can be selected.
The following aspects are evaluated from the applications:
- What is the content and topic of the program?
- What is the novelty of the program?
- How does the program promote participation or sense of community?
- How is accessibility considered in the program?
- How will the program be marketed to the target audience?
- What is the European dimension of the program?
Applicants apply for the grants through the application system. The funding decisions will be sent to applicants through the same system. If a grant is awarded, the necessary instructions for the use of the grant will be sent to the applicant together with the funding decision. Priority is given to applicants who have not yet received funding from the Oulu Culture Foundation. The grant can be used to cover any expenses related to the implementation of the program. The applicants must report the use of the grant within two (2) months after the last implemented program.
Schedule
The application period is open from 2nd of September 2024, to 31st of August 31, 2025. The ongoing application process has submissions reviewed every 4 months:
Applications submitted between 2nd of September and 31st of December 2024, will be processed in January-February 2025.
Applications submitted between 1st of January and 30th of April 30 2025 will be processed in May-June 2025.
Applications submitted between 1st of May and 31st of August 2025, will be processed in September-October 2025.
Available languages
The application guidelines are available in Finnish, Easy Finnish, English, Swedish, Northern Sámi, Aanaar Sámi, Skolt Sámi, and sign language.
The application form can be filled out in Finnish, English, Swedish, Northern Sámi, Aanaar Sámi and Skolt Sámi.
Communication with the Oulu Culture Foundation can occur in Finnish, English, Swedish, and Northern Sámi.
We will continuously update the Finnish and English website throughout the application process. For the most up-to-date information, please check these pages.
News
Frequently asked questions
Before starting the fill in the application form, go through the following questions and answers. You will also get tips on how to fill in the application form more efficiently!
Who can apply?
Applicants can include associations, foundations, private individuals, workgroups, public entities as well as private companies (for non-profit activities).
Can a minor propose a program or apply for targeted grants?
A minor can submit a program proposal or a grant application, but an adult must be designated as the contact person and responsible party for the project.
How do you apply?
You can submit an application through the application system. The targeted grants are also applied for through the application system. You can review the application form questions in advance using the preview version of the form (PDF file).
What kind of programs are being sought?
We are looking for diverse contents to be part of the official cultural programme. We hope to receive more content for example on the following themes: living cultural heritage, culture for seniors, neighbourhood or village events, sustainable lifestyle, cultural well-being, children’s culture, physical activity or sports, maritime themes, youth culture, food culture and minority cultures. In addition to these, the programme can also focus on other topics.
We are looking for content specifically designed to be part of the Oulu2026 programme, so please describe the novelty/special value of your programme in your application. Additionally, each programme must include a component that is accessible to the public within the Oulu2026 implementation area.
What can the funding be granted for?
The targeted grants can be used to cover any expenses related to the implementation of the programme. Work related to the preparation of the programme can be included in the programme’s budget, but we do not grant funding for only artistic work. The recipient of the grant is responsible for researching any effects the grant may have for example on their taxation.
How much funding is allocated through the open call?
The Oulu Culture Foundation has reserved a maximum of 1 million euros to the open call. This includes grants received from the The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland for implementing Swedish-language programmes and funding from the Finnish Cultural Foundation for Sámi artists. Approximately one-third of the total amount will be distributed in each application round.
Is there a requirement of self-funding for the projects?
No. The overall funding of the project can consist of funding from multiple sources, but there is no requirement for self-funding for projects in this open call.
Who decides who is selected for the programme and who receives the targeted grants?
Oulu Culture Foundation’s designated working group evaluates the grant applications. External experts are consulted, especially for applications from Swedish-speaking applicants and Sámi artists. The Programme director makes the final decisions based on the presentations made by the Head of Community.
We have already received funding from the Oulu Culture Foundation earlier. Can we still apply for “We Are the Culture” targeted grants?
Yes, you can still apply for targeted grants, but priority will be given to applicants who have not yet received funding from Oulu Culture Foundation.
On what basis can I apply for a targeted project of €2,500–€8,000?
You may apply for a targeted grant between €2,500 and €8,000 if it is justified by the program’s duration, quality, scope, regional coverage, number of participants, or international collaboration.
What is meant by a larger-scale project?
In each application round, one to two larger-scale projects will be granted a targeted grant of €20,000 each. The aim of the larger-scale projects should be to promote Cultural Climate Change in a significant and comprehensive way. Larger-scale projects are tailored initiatives for a specific target group fostering inclusion, community spirit, or accessibility. The scale and content of the proposed programmes will be evaluated against existing Oulu2026 Cultural Programme.
In addition, the large-scale projects will be evaluated based on their innovativeness, impact, and sustainability. When applying for the €20,000 targeted grant a more detailed programme plan and budget estimate is required on the application form.
What is meant by social and ecological sustainability?
Social sustainability means for example ensuring that people of all backgrounds can participate in activities without fear of discrimination. Ecological sustainability refers to for example minizing environmental impact in event organization. All Oulu2026 events must adhere to guidelines for environmentally friendly event management and principles for creating safer spaces.
Can I submit multiple applications?
Yes, you can submit multiple applications in the open call. Each application is evaluated separately against the set criteria. However, please consider that you must be able to implement all your proposals, if they were to be selected. We encourage you to think about what unique content related to the European Capital of Culture year you want to contribute to the culture programme.
I sent in an application. What now?
Thank you for your application! The applications will be evaluated from 1st of January 2025, 1st of May 2025 and 1st of September 2025 onwards. The applications will be evaluated by Oulu Culture Foundation’s designated working group. The decisions will be sent out within two months of these dates. The results will be sent to the email of the contact person named in the application form. The applicants will not be given feedback for the applications.
For additional information email us at
Apply to join the Cultural Climate Change
Tell us about your event idea and apply to be part of the European Capital of Culture year program!
