Student, apply to be an Oulu2026 volunteer, call open 1.-19.10.!
In 2026, Oulu it the European Capital of Culture Oulu together with 39 other Northern municipalities. The event calendar for the celebration year has been published in the beginning of September and includes already 3000 singluar event throughout the year all over the Oulu2026 area. Now you also have a chance to participate in creating the Capital of Culture year and see events from a completely new angle: Oulu2026 is currently searching for new volunteers to join their ranks with a call that is open between October 1 and October 19.
Volunteers will have many different tasks at events happening in the Oulu2026 area, such as, for example, selling tickets, guiding visitors, or creating content. The skills, preferences, and interests of the volunteers will also be considered in suggested volunteer tasks. Volunteers can contribute their time as much as they are able and willing to offer. Oulu2026 provides volunteers with training, equipment, and insurance coverage. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to participate in the creation of the Capital of Culture year, take a peek behind the scenes, and experience cultural events before they are open to the public.
In addition to the general volunteer call, there is also open a call for Culture Companions. Culture Companions are over 18-year-old volunteers, who attend events together with a person or a group, offering them company, support, or encouragement. The Culture Companion volunteer is not a guide, interpreter, or personal assistant, but a companion who can help when it is hard to attend events alone. No previous experience is needed and Oulu2026 will interview and give orientation to all Culture Companions. The Culture Companion volunteer always get free access to events.
Interested? Read more on Oulu2026's official website!
University of Oulu participates in the Capital of Culture year
University of Oulu participates in creating an unforgettable European Capital of Culture year 2026. The University's own 2026 culture programme includes around 120 singular events that will take place on both campuses as well as outside of them. In the University, the Oulu2026 year kicks of with Capital of Culture opening ceremonies on the Kontinkangas campus on 20.1.2026 and on the Linnanmaa campus on 22.1.2026. After this, diverse events on both campuses will enliven the everyday campus life and also invite the city's residents to join almost every month.
The events are organized by the members of our university community, such as staff members, student union's interest societies, as well as the university's and the city's collaboration day care LASTU's child groups. There will be traditional events, such as the Alumni Day and the Researchers' Night, that will include themes of the Capital of Culture year. In addition, there will be a year-long Campus as a Stage event series, that includes Culture Lunches and Lectures, art tours, After Work events, and different kind of exhibitions. Check out the whole programme and save the most interesting events already to you own calendar!