17th Culture Next Conference | Oulu (Finland)
Culture & SDGs | 17th Culture Next Conference will take place in Oulu (Finland), between 7-9 October 2026
The Conference
The 17th Culture Next Conference brings the Culture Next network to Oulu, European Capital of Culture 2026, for three days of exchange, reflection, and meaningful connection.
The conference opens with a Public Day dedicated to the big conversations around Culture & the SDGs: Framework or Fig Leaf? Moving from goals to practice, the programme explores how culture actually engages with the SDGs – through policy, practice, and real-life examples. Keynotes, pitches, panels, and local cultural experiences set the stage for open dialogue and critical reflection.
For the Public Day, invitations will be extended to local implementers of the Oulu2026 cultural programme – organisations and actors involved in legacy projects that will continue beyond the European Capital of Culture year. In addition, the programme will welcome a group of 20 international participants from the EU‑funded CreArt 3.0 project. This group includes representatives from several Culture Next cities, adding a strong international perspective and valuable network‑building opportunities to the event. Further information about the CreArt 3.0 project is available on its official website.
The Network Day is reserved for Culture Next member cities and those interested in joining the network. The programme moves beyond the city to the island of Hailuoto, where the surrounding sea, wide horizons, and distinctive landscapes create a unique setting for focused discussion and collaboration. Known for its slow rhythm, strong sense of place, and deep connection to nature, Hailuoto offers space to think differently, build trust, and imagine shared futures for culture in Europe.
An optional additional day invites participants to further explore Oulu’s European Capital of Culture programme, discovering the city’s cultural life, creative initiatives, and northern atmosphere at their own pace.
Join us in Oulu for inspiring conversations, meaningful encounters, and unforgettable experiences at the crossroads of culture and sustainability!
Culture Next
Culture Next is an informal, friendly and relaxed network dedicated to mutual support and collaboration between European cities which are current or former candidates for the European Capital of Culture title, awarded or not.
Seven years after its founding în Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Culture Next involves around 40 cities on the continent. În 2021 the network received a grant from the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission to scale-up Culture Next and improve its capacity to work with more European cities.
Interested to become a member?
Register nowMember Cities
Our members are cities or organizations representing various cities: former and future title holders, cities which continued their cultural programmes even without being selected aș ECoCs and cities which intend to do this.
Many of our members represent cities which are current candidates, interested în developing European connection and sustainable cultural programmes which can be implemented independently of the jury decision.
Registrations Open
Apply HereAccomodation
Lapland Hotels Oulu
Address: Kirkkokatu 3
Conference participants will stay at Lapland Hotels Oulu, located in the city centre next to Oulu Cathedral and beautiful Ainola Park.
The recently expanded hotel offers stylish Lapland‑inspired rooms, relaxing sauna and pool facilities, and a highly praised breakfast featuring award‑winning northern flavours.
Additional Hotel Recommendations
There are several other good accommodation options in Oulu. Here are a few of them:
Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Address: Pakkahuoneenkatu 16
A centrally located, modern hotel offering comfortable rooms with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions in downtown Oulu.
More info: Original Sokos Hotel Arina
Scandic Go Saaristonkatu, Address: Saaristonkatu 1
A compact new hotel designed for efficient, no‑frills stays, centrally located by the Market Square. The hotel will open in July 2026 and is already available for booking.
More info: Scandic Go, Saaristonkatu 1
GreenStar Hotel Oulu, Address: Uusikatu 26
An eco‑friendly and affordable hotel providing practical comfort, sustainable services, and a convenient location close to the city centre.
More info: Greenstar hotel Oulu
Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti, Address: Kasarmintie 13B
A unique riverside hotel combining Nordic design, art, and history in a peaceful setting just a short walk (approx. 1 km) from the city centre, next to beautiful Ainola Park.
More info: Hotel Lasaretti
Radisson Blu Oulu, Address: Hallituskatu 1
A high‑quality waterfront hotel featuring stylish rooms, excellent dining, and scenic river views by the Market Square.
More info: Radisson Blu Oulu
Accomodation
Lapland Hotels Oulu
Address: Kirkkokatu 3
Conference participants will stay at Lapland Hotels Oulu, located in the city centre next to Oulu Cathedral and beautiful Ainola Park.
The recently expanded hotel offers stylish Lapland‑inspired rooms, relaxing sauna and pool facilities, and a highly praised breakfast featuring award‑winning northern flavours.
Additional Hotel Recommendations
There are several other good accommodation options in Oulu. Here are a few of them:
Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Address: Pakkahuoneenkatu 16
A centrally located, modern hotel offering comfortable rooms with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions in downtown Oulu.
More info: Original Sokos Hotel Arina
Scandic Go Saaristonkatu, Address: Saaristonkatu 1
A compact new hotel designed for efficient, no‑frills stays, centrally located by the Market Square. The hotel will open in July 2026 and is already available for booking.
More info: Scandic Go, Saaristonkatu 1
GreenStar Hotel Oulu, Address: Uusikatu 26
An eco‑friendly and affordable hotel providing practical comfort, sustainable services, and a convenient location close to the city centre.
More info: Greenstar hotel Oulu
Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti, Address: Kasarmintie 13B
A unique riverside hotel combining Nordic design, art, and history in a peaceful setting just a short walk (approx. 1 km) from the city centre, next to beautiful Ainola Park.
More info: Hotel Lasaretti
Radisson Blu Oulu, Address: Hallituskatu 1
A high‑quality waterfront hotel featuring stylish rooms, excellent dining, and scenic river views by the Market Square.
More info: Radisson Blu Oulu
Travel to Oulu
By air
Oulu is easily accessible by air. The flight from Helsinki, the capital of Finland, takes approximately one hour, with Finnair operating several daily flights between Helsinki and Oulu.
airBaltic also offers direct flights between Riga and Oulu five times a week, providing a convenient connection from the Baltics and beyond.
By train
Traveling by train from Helsinki to Oulu takes about six hours.
From Helsinki Airport, passengers can take a local train either to Tikkurila, where long‑distance trains to Oulu stop, or to Helsinki Central Railway Station in the city centre and board a northbound train from there.
Trains to Oulu also depart from several other Finnish cities.
All train tickets are sold by VR, the national railway operator.
By bus
Long‑distance bus connections to Oulu are available from various parts of Finland.
The bus journey from Helsinki to Oulu takes 8-9 hours.
Timetables and tickets can be found via Matkahuolto, the nationwide coach service provider.
Local Transport in Oulu
Getting around Oulu by bus is easy. Local buses accept contactless payment. A single ticket costs €2.90. A 1‑day ticket costs €11, which is also the maximum amount charged per day when using contactless payment.
Buses 8 and 9 operate frequently between Oulu Airport and the city centre. Timetables can be checked on the OSL website. If you prefer, you can also use the OSL App for tickets and schedules.
Practical information
Language – The national languages are Finnish and Swedish. Most people speak fluent English.
Currency – Euro. Debit and credit cards are accepted everywhere, and some places operate cash‑free.
Weather – In mid‑October, Oulu is well into autumn, with cool temperatures and rapidly shortening days. Daytime temperatures are typically 5–8°C, and nights often drop to 0–3°C. Please remember to bring enough warm clothes with you! We recommend packing layers, a warm jacket or coat, as well as a hat and gloves.
Emergency number – 112
Time zone – Eastern European Time, EEST (UTC +3)
Taxis
Otaxi: Call: +358 600 30081 (24/7 service)
The following taxi companies are also reliable: FixuTaxi and Menevä.
Uber and Bolt operate in Oulu as well.
Events in Oulu
There are countless events happening in Oulu throughout the year. You can discover a diverse selection of activities and cultural experiences in our Oulu2026 event calendar.
When browsing, we recommend selecting Oulu as the location, as the calendar also includes events from our 39 partner municipalities. You can also filter events by date and category.
Link to the Oulu2026 event calendar.
Agenda (draft version)
The conference agenda is subject to change
Participants attending the SDG Lab who are Full or Observing Members are required to arrive in Oulu on 6 October.
Participants who are Full Members, Observing Members, or attending Culture Next for the first time are requested to arrive in Oulu on 7 October by 5:00 PM, in order to take part in the conference opening and the activities taking place before the official opening ceremony.
Day -1 |Early Arrivals Day
Tuesday 6th October 2026
This day has an unofficial vibe and is dedicated for the early arrivals, Culture Next Board & Executive Members and SDG Thing Lab participants.
First guest arrivals Check-ins at Lapland Hotels Oulu
| Dinner open only to SDGs members and management team that arrive earlier
Restaurant: TBC |
Day 0 | Pre-meetings
Wednesday 7th October 2026
The morning sessions are dedicated to internal meetings of the Culture Next Management (Board and Executive Team) and the SDG Thing working group.
The afternoon sessions are open to everyone.
We encourage participants (with the exception of the board of directors, executive team and SGD LAB participants) to travel on this day and arrive at the hotel by 5:00 PM so you can begin participating in the activities from 5:00 PM onwards.
Management meeting
| Management Meeting, at Meeting Room “Rauha”, Oulu City Hall |
Management meeting & SDG Lab
SDG Thing Lab continues
Management Meeting continues
Local Focus
Meeting Point: Lapland Hotels Oulu
Exploring Oulu2026 Culture Programme. Exhibition options:
- Earworm & Layers in the Peace Machine, in the Oulu City Hall, Kirkkokatu 2
- The multi-part installation by Ekho Collective, sheds light on different aspects of building peace. More info: Layers in the Peace Machine
- Earworm – Media Art from Kiasma exhibition presents video works in which music and sound are a significant part of their atmosphere and narrative. More info: Earworm – Media art from Kiasma
- The Kuutar Garden, in the Kivisydän underground parking area
- Jakob Kudsk Steensen is creating a living, immersive world beneath Oulu city centre, where memories of past local landscapes converge with the de-extinction seed vault of the University of Oulu Botanical Garden. More info: The Kuutar Garden
- PLAY – Tallinn Fotografiska x Oulu2026, in Pekuri Shopping Center 2nd floor, Kauppurienkatu 10
- Tallinn Fotografiska’s first exhibition in Finland invites us to see beyond the ordinary, to connect in deeper ways, and to envision a future where creativity and community are at the forefront. More info: PLAY – Fotografiska Tallinn X Oulu2026
- Yuima Nakazato – Glacier and Tomorrow’s Wardrobe, at Oulu Art Museum, Kasarmintie 9
- An exhibition showcasing the creations and process of leading Japanese couture designer, Yuima Nakazato. More info: YUIMA NAKAZATO
- Open the door to a new era of fashion, where bold artistic vision meets modern technology and ecological materials. More info: Tomorrow’s Wardrobe
Official Reception
| Official Reception hosted by City of Oulu and Oulu2026
Drinks & food – Open for everyone (all CN Conference participants) |
Day 1 | Public Day
Thursday 8th October 2026
This day is dedicated to the big conversations about Culture & SDGs: Framework or Fig Leaf? From goals to practice: how does culture actually use the SDGS?
Round of Introductions
Moderator: András Farkas, Advocacy & TWGs Coordinator
Cultural Climate Change and sustainability in action at Oulu2026
Speaker: Piia Rantala-Korhonen, CEO, Oulu Culture Foundation/Oulu2026
State of the Network
Speaker: Ștefan Teișanu, Secretary General of Culture Next Network
A journey through the history, the present and the ambitions of Culture Next, the State of the Network shows how Culture Next is working and how the network is contributing to an improved legacy of the European Capital of Culture project and to an increased impact of culture in Europe.
Keynote Speech by Paula Stringer, COO of Factory International
Factory International is a Manchester-based cultural organisation behind Aviva Studios and the Manchester International Festival, creating ambitious new artistic work with local and international partners. Sustainability is embedded in its mission and operations. In this session, COO Paula Stringer shares how the organisation is building a resilient and future-focused model for culture.
Panel Session: Culture Contribution to Sustainability; Are SDGs Offering the Answer?
As sustainability rises on the cultural agenda, important questions remain: what do we actually mean by a sustainable future, and do frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals fully capture culture’s contribution to it? This panel explores how culture can drive environmental, social and human sustainability, and whether new approaches are needed to better understand and value its long-term impact on society. What do we mean by sustainable?
Moderated by: dr. Beatriz Garcia
Speakers:
- John Crowley, President of PHGD Group
- Joana Miranda, Executive Coordinator of Braga Media Arts [Unesco Creative City]
- Fredrik Lindencrona, Head Of Research Co-Creation, Inner Development Goals
Keeping the Cultural Climate Change Alive – Pitching Session
This fast-paced pitching session gives local cultural actors and creatives the opportunity to present project ideas, partnerships and emerging initiatives that can help keep Cultural Climate Change moving forward. Participants are invited to share new collaborations, experiments and concepts that strengthen sustainability, cultural innovation and international cooperation, creating opportunities for future projects across the Culture Next network.
Keynote speech: Using new technologies (AI) to support cultural evidence for social and sustainable goals
Speaker: Jak Spencer, Director at Whitelabel
Panel Session: Turning SDGs into Practice
The SDGs provide a shared language for sustainability, but how can cultural organisations and cities use them to create real change? This panel showcases practical experiences, tools and insights from organisations that have integrated the SDGs into their work
Moderated by: Marilyn Gaughan-Reddan, Managing Director at MG Reddan Consulting, Chair of EIT CCSI (e.V) Association and Member of Culture Next Policy Task Force
Speakers:
- Helen Sildna, Founder of Shiftworks Company and Tallinn Music Week
- Kati Romics, Project Manager, Ars Electronica Solutions
- Mgr. Veronika Majíčková, Head of Policy and Developement Division, Culture Department, Brno City Municipality
- Mgr. Lukáš Pavlica, cooperation coordinator, Policy and Developement Division, Culture Department, Brno City Municipality
Local Focus - Open for everyone (both full and observing members of CN):
Meeting Point: Lapland Hotels Oulu
Exploring Oulu2026 Culture Programme. Exhibition options:
- Earworm & Layers in the Peace Machine, in the Oulu City Hall, Kirkkokatu 2
- The multi-part installation by Ekho Collective, sheds light on different aspects of building peace. More info: Layers in the Peace Machine
- Earworm – Media Art from Kiasma exhibition presents video works in which music and sound are a significant part of their atmosphere and narrative. More info: Earworm – Media art from Kiasma
- The Kuutar Garden, in the Kivisydän underground parking area
- Jakob Kudsk Steensen is creating a living, immersive world beneath Oulu city centre, where memories of past local landscapes converge with the de-extinction seed vault of the University of Oulu Botanical Garden. More info: The Kuutar Garden
- PLAY – Tallinn Fotografiska x Oulu2026, in Pekuri Shopping Center 2nd floor, Kauppurienkatu 10
- Tallinn Fotografiska’s first exhibition in Finland invites us to see beyond the ordinary, to connect in deeper ways, and to envision a future where creativity and community are at the forefront. More info: PLAY – Fotografiska Tallinn X Oulu2026
- Yuima Nakazato – Glacier and Tomorrow’s Wardrobe, at Oulu Art Museum, Kasarmintie 9
- An exhibition showcasing the creations and process of leading Japanese couture designer, Yuima Nakazato. More info: YUIMA NAKAZATO
- Open the door to a new era of fashion, where bold artistic vision meets modern technology and ecological materials. More info: Tomorrow’s Wardrobe
Free time
Bus leaves from Lapland Hotel Oulu to dinner venue
@Lapland Hotel Oulu
Dinner at Varikko Brewery
Guests will also have the opportunity to experience a traditional Finnish sauna at the neighbouring Olosauna river raft sauna, available from 20:00 to 22:00. Swimming in the river is possible for those who wish to cool off between sauna sessions
Day 2 | Network Day
Friday 9th October 2026
This day is accessible to Culture Next member cities and cities that are interested in becoming members, and the conversations focus on issues related to Culture & SDGs and to internal Culture Next affairs. Participants are encouraged to book their flights after 15:00 as Day 2 is really important for the network!
CN Running Team in Oulu
Leaving the city dust behind – off to Hailuoto for a day!
Bus leaves from Lapland Hotels Oulu at 9:00 (drive time appr. 60 min)
@Lapland Hotels Oulu
Welcome to Hailuoto!
Experience the calming nature, iconic landscapes and unique flavours of Hailuoto, an island where peaceful surroundings inspire focus, creativity and genuine connection. The magic of Hailuoto is something you have to feel for yourself!
Meeting is held in the heart of Hailuoto’s national landscape.
Next on Culture Next
A mysterious part of the conference prepared by the Executive Team and the Board. Let’s buckle up and embrace the bright future they are cooking for us!
Opportunities for the Culture Next Network
This session will focus on exploring collaboration and partnership opportunities within and beyond the network. Participants will hear short presentations from platforms, cultural networks, and member cities showcasing potential projects, funding schemes, and areas for joint action.
It’s an opportunity to discover synergies, exchange ideas, and spark new collaborations that can strengthen our cities and the Culture Next community as a whole.
Bus transfer to Oulu Airport for those whose flight depart at 16:15 from Oulu (drive time to Airport appr. 60 min)
Culture Next Therapy Sessions
In this unusual “therapy session,” participants will split into groups according to their stage in the European Capital of Culture journey: candidate cities, cities preparing for their title year, cities that did not make the final selection, and cities that have already completed their title year.
Discussions will be guided by experienced members of the network who know the ups and downs of the process all too well. It’s a chance to share stories, laugh about our challenges, and realise that – thankfully – we’re not the only ones who have had a tough ride!
We’ll head deeper into Hailuoto, where the island reveals its own kind of after work… something you won’t want to miss!
Bus ride, aprox. 15 min
Bus transfer back to Oulu
Emil Kárlsen & DJ Hulluella @ Tarkastamo
Sámi artist Emil Kárlsen from Northern Norway blends contemporary pop and electronic influences with Indigenous storytelling. He also performed the leading role in Ovllá, Oulu2026’s Sámi Opera production. Following the concert, DJ Hulluella will take over with an energetic set, bringing local club culture and dancefloor vibes to the evening.
Day 3 | Additional Day in Oulu
Saturday 10th October 2026
For this day, we will prepare recommendations for you on what to experience in Oulu during your additional free day. This is a unique opportunity to explore the rich and inspiring programmes of the European Capital of Culture. It will be an unforgettable day!
Some highlights:
Opening weekend of the new museum and science centre Tiima
Tiima is a special and unique museum and science centre where science, art, and history meet. It brings together the immersive space VISIO, Science Centre Tietomaa, the Oulu Museum, and the Children’s Museum under one roof. The museum opens its doors for the first time on Friday 9th October and the opening exhibitions include Aurora Revelare focusing on northern lights and Metallikausi diving deep and cold under current of metal music. Tiima is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00.
More information: Tiima is a special and unique museum and science centre.
Opening of the site-specific art work Red Forest
Comprehensive art work Red Forest has been created on a tiny island Sonnisaari just next to the city centre. The art work increases knowledge of local history through trees and people. The work makes the fate of the Finns of Muurmanni, who came from Oulu County, transparent.
Red forest brings back plant species that left the Oulu region, which the settlers brought with them to the Muurmanni region on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. The park area changes with the seasons and is illuminated in a special way.
The opening celebrations include a variety of different activities taking place on Saturday October 10 at 14:00.
More information: Red forest
Large-scale, site-specific and immersive Faravid’s Land
A performance weaving together theatre, contemporary circus, and contemporary dance, Faravid’s Land takes place in Oulu’s legendary Raksila supermarket area, which in its golden age surpassed even Helsinki’s Stockmann in grocery sales. Now the old Eka-market building has reached the end of its lifespan and is set to be demolished, making way for a long-awaited new source of joy and pride: an experience arena promising bliss and vitality for all of northern Finland.
Faravid’s Land invites the audience, not only to be shaken and stirred by the skills of the 14 actors, dancers and circus artists, but also to cast spells of fortune, banish misfortune, bid farewell to the Raksila supermarket, and welcome a twisted experience arena before the experience arena.
Faravid’s Land is written by Eira Virekoski and directed by Alma Lehmuskallio and Pirjo Yli-Maunula. The production is a collaboration between Oulu Theatre and Flow Productions, in partnership with Oulu2026 and still still (NED). The work is supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the New Classics fund.
Performances on Friday October 9 at 19-21:30 and Saturday October 10 at 13-15:30.
More info: Faravid’s Land
Have a look at the full list of events at oulu2026.eu/events!
