Finland | Oulu European Capital of Culture 2026 cultural programme partners

The Finnish city of Oulu, European Capital of Culture 2026, is calling for cultural programme partners.

The Oulu2026 programme is built around three themes: Wild City, Cool Contrasts and Brave Hinterland. The Open Call is aimed at projects (not regular and established activities) related to these themes.

They are looking for unique projects with far-reaching impacts. Projects that combine art and technology and artistic experiences created through this process are of particular interest. They also would like to see applications that propose to be delivered in collaboration with contributors based in the Oulu2026 region.

Types of projects

The goal of Oulu2026 is to achieve a permanent cultural climate change and to use culture to fuel positive development in Northern Finland. The operative focus of the projects is on the capital of culture year 2026 but they may be launched earlier.

The projects are expected to deliver a European dimension through, for example, involving international cooperation partners.

The autumn 2022 Open Call is specifically aimed at large-scale projects that take several years to prepare or carry out. (The call for applications for individual, communal projects will be announced nearer 2026.)

Who can apply?

The call is open to Finnish and international actors and funding may be applied for by private individuals, groups, associations, networks, businesses, organisations, and public institutions.

Application guidelines

Deadline: 9 December 2022