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 decisions on programme proposals made every four months. The “We Are the Culture” call allows participants to propose their own events or other programmes to be part of the Capital of Culture year. Additionally, applicants can apply for grants to support the execution of their proposed programmes.

In 2026, the European Capitals of Culture will be Trencin, Slovakia, and Oulu, Finland. But how are the two cities preparing? This focus is on Trencin, which, in addition to supporting the organisation of cultural events, is placing great emphasis on the training of cultural workers from the region or from the city itself. These are very important actions for a European Capital of Culture because training serves not only to raise citizens' skills, but also to strengthen connections between different skills and experiences.

The European Capital of Culture 2026 brings they Oulu’s new ARToulu art area, where art will pop up and surprise all in unexpected places. Dozens of installed artworks will change the face of the Oulujoki estuary’s seven city neighborhoods, turning them into interesting and distinctive art areas. Some of the artwork will permanently remain part of the cultural landscape and the art area will continue to evolve even after the European Capital Cultural year.

There is an increasingly important issue affecting cities and the lives of citizens: it is the relationship between the centre and the neighbourhood.

Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026. In 2026 all eyes will turn to the North when Oulu and its 39 partner municipalities from Northern Finland will be filled with culture, art, and the power of community spirit. The cultural program is made together with local and European partners so that it can be seen and heard throughout Europe. The European Capital of Culture is the most important culture-related initiative of the European Union. And Ecocnews is the first and only newspaper to report on this competition on a European level and specifically.