Report: The Oulu2026 cultural programme already offers extensive content and participation opportunities

The monitoring report by the Center for Cultural Policy Research Cupore examines the Oulu2026 activities in 2024. The focus is on the cultural programme and how it, along with other Oulu2026 activities, fulfils the goals set for the Capital of Culture year.

The cultural programme expanded and encouraged participation

The Oulu2026 programme organized nearly 150 events and over 600 occasions, with total attendance exceeding 177,000. The wide range of offerings also provided numerous opportunities for participation. The programme projects made extensive use of volunteer work and involved a variety of participants, producers, partners, and event attendees. Additionally, the We Are Culture call for proposals, launched in autumn 2024, aimed to activate diverse actors to participate in Oulu2026 activities.

The growth in activities has led to increased visibility. In 2024, programme projects activated professional and production networks both nationally and internationally. Established art and cultural actors utilized their own communication channels, and the Oulu Cultural Foundation invested particularly in international visibility.

Strengthened resources – focus on the region

In 2024, resources for programme work increased, with the majority directed to the Oulu2026 region. More than half of the examined projects estimated that over 90% of their expenses were allocated to the region – 22 projects reported a 100% share. Most programme projects progressed as planned. Deviations were mainly due to lower-than-expected funding from the Oulu Culture Foundation or lack of other financial support.

According to the latest report, collaboration among art and cultural actors has clearly increased in the Oulu2026 region compared to the baseline in 2022. However, growth in cooperation at the national and international levels has been modest. Similarly, collaboration between the cultural departments of Oulu2026 municipalities has not significantly changed, partly due to an already high level of cooperation. The regional investments by the Oulu Cultural Foundation in 2024 have not yet resulted in concrete changes, according to the report.

According to the report, collaboration among art and cultural actors in the Oulu2026 area has clearly increased compared to the 2022 baseline. At the national and international levels, however, growth in collaboration has been modest. Similarly, collaboration between the cultural departments of Oulu2026 municipalities has not significantly changed, partly because the level of cooperation was already high. The regional investments of Oulu Cultural Foundation in 2024 have not yet resulted in concrete changes.

Long-term evaluation continues

Cupore will examine and evaluate Oulu2026 activities from 2022 to 2027. The core material for the progress report consists of operational data from 58 actively ongoing cultural programme projects in 2024. This data is complemented by surveys conducted in spring 2025, statistics, and written documentation. The report builds on previous publications from the monitoring and evaluation work, including the baseline analysis of the Oulu2026 project and the 2023 progress report.

Luonila, Mervi, Leppänen, Aino, Renko, Vappu, Ruokolainen, Olli, Ruusuvirta, Minna, & Sokka, Sakarias (2025). Oulu2026 Progress Report for 2024: An Overview of Activities.

Read the full report on Cupore’s website: https://www.cupore.fi/en/newsroom/oulu2026-progress-report-for-2024-overview-of-activities/

Also see the previously published baseline report for the Capital of Culture project: https://www.cupore.fi/en/publications/towards-oulu2026-european-capital-of-culture-2/
and the monitoring report for 2023: https://www.cupore.fi/en/publications/the-oulu2026-progress-report-for-2023-overview-of-programme-projects/

Picture: Kevin Kallombo

The Center for Cultural Policy Research Cupore is an expert in cultural policy research. Cupore’s mission is to produce and disseminate research, surveys, and evaluations in cultural policy for decision-making and civil society. The center is maintained by the Foundation for Cultural Policy Research.