Wild City
Oulu is on the cusp. We could settle for being a tame municipal city on the fringe. Or we could go Wild. We choose Wild.
With Wild City we bring wildness into the city by celebrating the wilderness around it. Creating a new cultural approach with our unique northern vibe. Oulu as a cultural laboratory, going wild for Europe.
What exactly is a creative city in the middle of the wild nature? What is a lively, creative village? How do art, subcultures and creative spaces fill emptiness, silence and darkness?
BidBook (pages 22-35)
Programme lines
Each of the three programme themes include programme lines which enable us to group connected projects together to maximise synergy and impact.
Art Takeover!
Meet the buzz. Dancers, circus, poetry and artwork taking over the city. Art might surprise you as a spectacular event or when you walk into a grocery store. It tunes you into creativity at your workplace, makes you smile on a busy day.
Creative Villages
The Creative Villages programme line reshapes the city and its cultural climate by adding places for creativity in the urban space.
Stream to the future
True and sustainable cultural climate change begins with children and young people. Our schools and cultural services will collaborate to seek solutions to future challenges at the crossroads of art, science and technology.
Urban Boost
The Urban Boost programme line gives young people the opportunity to build the future on their own terms and to challenge out-dated practices.
Latest
Climbing Over Oulu
Text by Erika Benke It’s a disused industrial building made of concrete that looks like a cathedral, designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1931 as part of a cellulose factory. The Toppila Silo captured the imagination of Eleftérios Kechagioglou at first sight....
Open Call for the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme begins
Oulu, together with 39 municipalities, will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026. Oulu2026 is now launching an open call, inviting local communities and individuals to contribute to the programme. The call, which runs until the end of August 2025, will see...
Oulu’s Iconic AaltoSiilo to Host Aaltosiilo Festival 2024: ‘The Post-Industrial Dance’ on September 14th
On September 14, 2024, the Aalto Silo, Oulu’s historical architectural landmark, is set to host the much-anticipated Aaltosiilo Festival 2024: "The Post-Industrial Dance" on September 14th. This festival marks a significant step in the transformation of the concrete...
“We are the culture” Idea Workshops
We are the Culture - Idea Workshops The Equal Oulu2026 project will organize online workshops in autumn 2024 about the open call. In this two-part workshop, you’ll receive tips and support for developing your program idea and guidance on completing your application....
Fabio Petani is painting the third Oulu2026 mural in Myllyoja
Italian artist Fabio Petani was chosen among 479 applicants in a Europe-wide portfolio application process. The artist, known for his plant-themed artwork, has sought inspiration from local nature. The series of murals commissioned as a part of the culture program...
The Most Valuable Clock in the World will be made in Oulu – join us!
What is priceless in Oulu? Artists Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen invite the people of Oulu to co-create The Most Valuable Clock in the World. This 'valuable' artwork, like our response to climate change, will examine how our personal preferences can...
A 75-metre dinner table at Hallituskatu in August
The Long Table Dinner will be held during Oulu Arts’ Night on August 15th. A 75-metre table for dining and entertainment will be set up on Hallituskatu. The relaxed event is open to everyone and is free of charge. The Long Table Dinner is part of Oulu2026's Arctic...
We are a Proud Partner of Oulu Pride!
During Pride week 29.7-.4.8., lots of wonderful events take place in Oulu, and we are also involved in a few things! You can prepare for the Pride Parade on Thursday 1st of August at the comics & placard workshop. Comics & Placard Workshop Thursday 1st of...
Playing air guitar added to the national inventory of living heritage in Finland
Make Air, Not War! As a phenomenon, playing air guitar has been around for a long time. In Finland, it was popularised by the Air Guitar World Championships, organised since 1996 in Oulu, Finland. Oulu Culture Events Association, which organises the Air Guitar World...
Call for young volunteers to Tartu in August 2024
Do you want to take part in creating a youth festival abroad? Tartu, European Capital of Culture for 2024, is looking for volunteers aged 18-30 to help create a unique festival event alongside other Europeans and local youth from August 1-21, 2024. During this...