fbpx

Wild City

Kuva Varjofestivaalista

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

The importance of home economics education is growing

The importance of home economics education is growing

  In Finland, the basic education system is known for its quality and versatile teaching offer. One key part of this education is home economics education, which provides students with everyday life skills they will need in the future. Home economics is a...

Programme Peek: AaltoSiilo

Programme Peek: AaltoSiilo

The Program Peek is an article series where, as the name suggests, we take a sneak peek into the cultural programme of Oulu2026, the European Capital of Culture. The series provides small glimpses of what's to come and highlights interesting aspects. As the year 2026...

The district vote on this year’s mural is underway

The district vote on this year’s mural is underway

Upeart, a Finnish public art professional, is involved in our cultural program with the “Joy from Urban contemporary art” -project, which produces mural artworks around the Oulu area. Voting is open for the location of this year’s Oulu2026-mural! The residents of Oulu...

62 new projects for Oulu2026 culture programme

62 new projects for Oulu2026 culture programme

Oulu is a European Capital of Culture in 2026. The Oulu2026 culture programme in 39 municipalities is realised by local, national and international actors. The programme in Oulu is coordinated and managed by the Oulu Culture Foundation. The Foundation provides...

Which Northern Story You Would Like to Hear?

Which Northern Story You Would Like to Hear?

  Northern Stories-project develops new ways of bringing stories to their authentic locations using technology. The aim of the project is to create several themed routes with user-friendly mobile technology. We are mapping and collecting the stories around local...

Screaming Duende at the AaltoSiilo June 3rd

Screaming Duende at the AaltoSiilo June 3rd

The Factum Foundation and AaltoSiilo are organizing the Screaming Duende event in Meri-Toppila, Oulu on June 3rd. The event is a world premiere of pairing the radical flamenco master Israel Galván and Huutajat (Screaming Men) Choir. The event is a central part of the...

Oulu2026 Stage at Qstock – free entry!

Oulu2026 Stage at Qstock – free entry!

The Qstock Festival in Oulu stretches partly over three days this year, for music on the Oulu2026 Stage starts already on Thursday, 27 July. The stage moves to a new location in Linnansaari island, and entry to the island will be free throughout the festival.  As...

Cultural Diversity Seminar

Cultural Diversity Seminar

You are invited to the Cultural Diversity Seminar being held at Cultural Centre Valve, on 16th May. This event is being offered in celebration of The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. In this seminar we will learn about and discuss...

Wild Herb Celebration 10.6.2023

Wild Herb Celebration 10.6.2023

Wild herb celebration is a summery happening in a cozy park presenting natural products, taste, and experience. June is the time for wild herbs to be at its best.

Brave Hinterland: Nature town Kuusamo

Brave Hinterland: Nature town Kuusamo

Kuusamo, on the eastern border of Finland, has become a meeting place for both nature and animals as well as people from all directions. Kuusamo is one of the most visited nature town in Finland. Unique nature of Kuusamo offers many possibilities to find a little...