Action Plan 2024-2027

Oulu’s resilience as an Arctic city is rooted in its ability to renew. With the UNESCO designation as a City of Media Arts in 2023, it is time to build a bridge from Oulu’s hi-tech past to today’s Art&Tech competence and to reimagine the future through media arts.

Oulu is the largest urban center in Northern Finland and the largest at its latitude – as well as the European Capital of Culture 2026. Oulu’s journey to become a Nordic innovation center began in the 17th century with tar trade and weatherproof shipping, and has since evolved into a growing hub of modern technology and diverse expertise.

Through the Media Arts Action Plan, Oulu works with local partners, including independent art organizations and associations; art and culture communities and groups; educational and research institutes; and ecosystems and clusters in the creative industries and ICT. With the legacy work of Oulu2026 and media arts as a driver for sustainable urban development, the city is building towards a more creative, inclusive, and attractive city and region for decades to come.

Media Arts Action Plan 2024-2027

We aim to build a playground for creation of media arts with:

AWAKENING THE FUTURE OF CREATIVITY where media arts, creativity and play are methods for learning future skills.

Finding ways of sustainable living in the Arctic Europe with media arts as a driver and builder of scenes and creativity in CREATIVE VILLAGES.

RE-IMAGINING FUTURE WITH MEDIA ARTS in our European Capital of Culture Oulu2026 Legacy Initiative.

Matching the global media arts community with installing a PIPELINE for more diverse possibilities in media arts and Art&Tech.

Inviting the local cross-sector collaboration and the global UCCN cities to explore new openings at ART X TECH FESTIVAL.

Expanding the current practices of media arts to make it more inclusive for young and upcoming talent with THE CREATIVES.

Do you have a project idea, an artistic initiative, or plans for international collaboration? Discover how Oulu’s UNESCO City of Media Arts goals can support your work, strengthen connections within Oulu’s cultural sector, and help build international networks. Get in touch through our Contact Information page.