Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026. This prestigious title brings international attention not only to Oulu but also to Finland, creating new opportunities, particularly in the music and event industries. Oulu2026 is also part of the Music x Media program this year!
As the European Capital of Culture in 2026, Oulu aims to reshape the cultural landscape with an ambitious initiative called the ”Cultural Climate Change.” The goal is to highlight the cultural heritage and stories of Northern Finland and Europe’s peripheral regions while enriching the cultural scene of the entire area. The Cultural Climate Change serves as a platform to develop new ideas and broaden perspectives.
Oulu2026 will also merge art with technology, offering creative projects that harness digital tools, music technology, and media innovations. ”Oulu is already known for its strong technological expertise, and in 2026, culture and technology will be even more closely intertwined,” says Henri Turunen, one of the Oulu2026 Executive Producers.
The Oulu2026 program is expected to be diverse, covering music, film, visual and performing arts, and community art. This presents numerous opportunities to participate, perform, and organize events as part of Oulu’s cultural offerings. The first part of the program will be unveiled in January 2025, but teasers are already available.
Come to Music x Media to learn more about the Oulu2026 project and how you can still get involved! Oulu2026’s Executive Producers Sandy Kantoja and Henri Turunen will present the project on Thursday, October 3rd, from 1:15 PM to 1:30 PM in the Duetto 2 hall at Tampere Hall.
”It’s a great honor to have Oulu2026 at Music x Media,” comments Petra Kytölä, Chief Operating Officer of Music x Media. ”The Capital of Culture year creates immense networking opportunities. Oulu2026 will bring together a broad range of international and local players from the arts, music, and culture sectors. For Music x Media attendees, this is an excellent opportunity to foster collaboration, find new creative partnerships, and even develop their own cultural content in connection with Oulu2026.”
Oulu2026 promotes the internationalization of local artists
Several internationally recognized artists have emerged from Oulu, and the Oulu2026 initiative aims to further strengthen career opportunities for local artists and provide new performance platforms. Oulu is already famous for its Air Guitar World Championships and music festivals, and Oulu2026 will continue this tradition.
Talented artists will also be featured at the Lost in Music showcase festival. On Friday, October 4th, Oulu-based artists Nelli Milan and the Barbitalo Collective will perform on the new All-tone club stage.
Photo: Topi Paananen
Learn more: www.oulu2026.eu
@oulu2026Official #Oulu2026