European Capital of Culture opens in Oulu
The European Capital of Culture year in Oulu begins with a three-day Opening Festival starting on Friday, 16 January. The programme features nearly 200 events, offering a diverse range of experiences – most of them free of charge and open to people of all ages. Throughout the year, Oulu will be alive with cultural events, performances and exhibitions.
The opening festival commences at 4 pm at Oulu Square. President of the Republic Alexander Stubb will deliver the opening speech and Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie will also attend the event. Following the opening ceremony, the city centre will come alive with a rich cultural programme, including music, exhibitions, acrobatics, light shows, culinary experiences and the unique Frost Disco (Pakkasdisko).
“Culture is everything that brings us together and strengthens communities. We need culture especially in today’s world. The European Capital of Culture gives people the chance to experience and enjoy cultural performances and works of art of the North in the brave hinterland of Oulu and 39 other municipalities,” says Minister Talvitie.
On Friday, 16 January, Minister Talvitie will inaugurate Eanangiella – Voice of the Land, an exhibition at the Oulu Art Museum showcasing Sámi art. This exhibition explores the sustainability and beauty of Sámi culture, celebrating the indigenous people’s deep connection with the land and their ancestors.
On Saturday, 17 January, Talvitie will open the newly renovated Oulu Central Library Saari and Kotilo – a dedicated Children’s Cultural Centre. This vibrant space is the new home of children’s culture in Oulu, with a strong focus on literary art, film education and media art.
Later on Saturday, the Minister will open an exhibition by Vilho Lampi & Kain Tapper – The Light of the Lake and the Sculpted Silence. This exhibition brings together Vilho Lampi’s intense oil paintings and Kain Tapper’s sculptures of quiet power in an artistic dialogue.
While in Oulu, Minister Talvitie will also meet with Slovakian Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová and Director-General of the European Commission Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen.
Oulu2026 aims to bring about cultural climate change
Throughout 2026, Oulu will hold the title of European Capital of Culture, with a clear ambition of bringing about cultural climate change. This means creating a permanently richer cultural life, fostering connections among people, and opening doors to new perspectives.
By offering world-class cultural experiences from both near and far, Oulu will build bridges between peoples for an entire year.
The cultural programme features 650 projects. Along with Oulu, the programme is delivered in collaboration with 39 northern municipalities. The main sources of funding for Oulu2026 are the Ministry of Education and Culture and the City of Oulu.
European Capitals of Culture (ECOC) form part of the European Union’s cultural initiatives, and the Oulu Capital of Culture year also benefits from EU funding.
Inquiries: Santeri Lohi, Special Adviser, tel. +358 44 259 8451