SmilingOulu26
Hymyilevä Oulu 26
Smiling Oulu 26 photography competition is now open
You can participate by sending 1–4 photos (no different versions of the same image) by April 15
We are looking for black-and-white, smiling and moving portraits that speak of humanity,
diversity and the many facets of life — but above all, of hope.
We are all different – and that is what makes the world richer
Through images, we can see each other a little more closely
Each photo can feature a different person or be a selfie taken in different places or situations
alone or with friends. One photo can include one or several smiling people
The image can be framed very close to the face or wider, but no lower than from the waist up
The competition is free and open to everyone
Send your photos by email to:
hymyilevaoulu26kilpailu@gmail.com
Email subject:
Smiling Oulu 26 – competition photo
We are looking for black and white, smiling and touching portraits
Photo requirements:
– Vertical image (4:3)
– Black and white
– Portrait (from the waist up)
– JPEG format, original size
Smiling Oulu 26 is a year-long photography project and part of the Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture programme
The aim is to highlight different people and life situations, and to increase understanding, visibility, and human connection.
The gala will take place on June 10, 2026 at Pohjankartano in Oulu. During the event, the winners will be announced and the exhibition will open, later expanding to different locations across the city.
The project also includes the village of Riogordo in southern Spain, where a local photography competition and exhibition will be organised in collaboration with the local museum and the Augmenters cultural association.
From June 11, 2026, exhibitions will be shown at Oulu Cathedral, Cultural Centre Valve, Oulu Theatre, Oulu Main Library, Shopping Centre Valkea and Oulu10. Detailed exhibition dates will be announced later.
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Here you’ll find photography ideas to help you see and capture the stories around you. The content is open to everyone..
Oulu's largest photography competition invites you to share touching moments.
Send a smiling black and white portrait and become part of the Hymyilevä Oulu 26 project with us.
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On June 10, 2026, we will celebrate
the Hymyilevä Oulu 26 project at Pohjankartano.
The program includes the opening of the photography exhibition, the awarding of the competition winners, and a straightforward panel discussion about loneliness, marginalization, and community.
The evening will be crowned with live music and performances by performers from minority backgrounds.
From 11 June 2026 onwards, the exhibitions will be on display at Oulu Cathedral, Cultural Centre Valve, Oulu Theatre, Oulu City Library, Shopping Centre Valkea, and Oulu10. Exact exhibition dates for each location will be announced later.
In Spain, in Riogordo, the exhibition at the Museo Etnográfico de Riogordo will take place in November.
Our story
Hymyilevä Oulu 26 was born from photographer Kristian Kaarna's dream of combining art, community and cultural diversity. The idea was born in the vibrant and international atmosphere of the mountain town of Riogordo in southern Spain, where Kaarna lives and works as a cultural activist.
Kristian founded the Augmenters cultural association with his artist friends, with the aim of promoting art and culture both in Spain and internationally. The association supports creative projects, connects people from different backgrounds and encourages participation in the arts – regardless of age, background or skills. A passion for photography, visual storytelling and collaboration has been at the heart of the association since its inception.
In Riogordo, the association has organized several photography competitions and exhibitions in collaboration with the city and the Ethnographic Museum. These events have created a strong community where art acts as a bridge between people.
Hymyilevä Oulu 26 continues this story now in Finland – uniting the city of Oulu, local communities and international actors around a common theme.
In addition, Augmenters has implemented EU-funded projects that strengthen intercultural cooperation and inclusion through art.
Why Hymyilevä Oulu 26?
Why right now?
A smile is a universal gesture. It goes beyond words, cultures, and differences. A smile can express kindness, hope, warmth, or a simple sense of connection.
Yet we do not always stop to truly see everyone around us, and many stories easily go unnoticed in everyday life.
Photography can be a way to look again. It can be a moment where a person is truly seen as they are. It is not about perfection or distance, but about genuine presence and connection.
Smiling Oulu 26 was born from the idea that the world needs more gentleness, and that each of us deserves to be seen – even once, through the lens of a camera.
Together we create visibility and understanding
Smiling Oulu 26 is implemented in collaboration with committed partners who share our desire to build a more empathetic and inclusive society. Without their support and expertise, the project would not be possible.
Villa Victor, the multicultural center of the City of Oulu, is the most important partner of the Smiling Oulu 26 project in Finland. Villa Victor supports the project in all its phases, provides facilities, connections and expertise, and acts as an important bridge between local communities.
The city of Riogordo in southern Spain is involved in supporting intercultural dialogue and is organizing its own photo competition as part of the project.
The Museo Etnográfico de Riogordo provides a historical setting for the exhibition and supports visual storytelling as part of the region's cultural heritage.
Together with these partners, we bring to light the stories that often go unnoticed – and build bridges that span borders.