Open Call: Oulu 2026, We are the Culture
Culture is everywhere in life – and now you can share your creativity with everyone! The European Capital of Culture year will be part of day-to-day life as well as celebrations. You can now propose your programme for inclusion in the official Oulu 2026 cultural programme and apply for a targeted grant to realise your project within the Oulu 2026 region.
The aim is to enhance the diversity of the programme from the perspectives of creators, content as well as event locations.
They encourage you to bring your wildest ideas to life – whether it’s a yarn bombing, comics, street dance event, custom cars, perpetual motion machines, art workshop or anything else. At the core of their work is the culture programme built around a broad understanding of culture. All cultural creators, from organisations to individuals, can apply to become a part of the cultural programme.
Let’s show together that culture belongs to everyone, everywhere. Don’t give up on your dreams – be brave and apply!
Through the open call you can propose your own programme to become a part of the official cultural programme of Oulu 2026. In this case the proposal should meet the following criteria:
- The programme sought through the open call is specifically designed for the year 2026
- The applicant is able to carry out the implementation and communication of the programme independently
- The programme content aimed at wider audiences will be realised in 2026
- The programme takes place in the Oulu 2026 region.
- The applicant commits to implementing the programme in a socially and ecologically sustainable manner.
- To fill out the application form, the applicant needs to sign in to the Rimbert application system. When signing up, the applicant must select their background organisation. The options are private individual, working group or organisation (associations, foundations, public institutions, companies).
Possibility to apply for grants
It is also possible to apply for targeted grants through the We are the Culture open call. Associations, foundations, private individuals, working groups, public institutions and private companies (for non-profit activities) are applicable to apply.
The grant amounts are €500, €1,000, €1,500 and €2,000. For broader program content, maximum grants of up to €8,000 can be awarded. Additionally, during each application round, one or two larger-scale projects of €20,000 each can be selected.
The following aspects are evaluated from the applications:
- What is the content and topic of the program?
- What is the novelty of the program?
- How does the program promote participation or sense of community?
- How is accessibility considered in the program?
- How will the program be marketed to the target audience?
- What is the European dimension of the program?
Applicants apply for the grants through the application system. The funding decisions will be sent to applicants through the same system. If a grant is awarded, the necessary instructions for the use of the grant will be sent to the applicant together with the funding decision. Priority is given to applicants who have not yet received funding from the Oulu Culture Foundation. The grant can be used to cover any expenses related to the implementation of the program. The applicants must report the use of the grant within two months after the last implemented program.
Applications submitted between 1st of May and 31st of August 2025, will be processed in September-October 2025.
For additional information: opencall@oulu2026.eu
The application form is here.
