In its meeting, the Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy outlined the State’s commitment to provide funding for the Oulu European Capital of Culture 2026 project. The Ministerial Committee outlined that central government will commit to a maximum of EUR 20 million in 2020-2026 for financing the Oulu2026 project.

Piia Rantala-Korhonen has been selected as the Chief Executive Officer of the Oulu Cultural Foundation and Samu Forsblom as the Programmer Director of the Foundation. The Oulu Cultural Foundation’s Board made an unanimous decision regarding these selections. Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture in the year 2026. European Capital of Culture (ECoC) is one of the best known activities of the European Union.

VTT in collaboration with Cross-KIC New European Bauhaus and the Oulu2026- the city of Oulu European Capital of Culture 2026 initiatives will bring together young and experienced consumers in a co-design event.

“The panel recommends that the city of Oulu is selected to become a European Capital of Culture in 2026".

The international jury chose Oulu as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2026. The jury announced the winner at a press conference yesterday at 12.00. Competing for the title of European Capital of Culture alongside Oulu were Savonlinna and Tampere. The victory of Oulu will be celebrated together with the citizens on 8th August at Varjo-Piknik summer party in Oulu’s Kuusisaari.