Hymyilevä Oulu 26
Hymyilevä Oulu 26 is a year-long photography project and an official part of the Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture programme.
The project aims to bring people together through photography, culture and encounters. The project addresses issues such as community, loneliness, the visibility of minorities and people's different life situations in a warm and approachable way.
During the year, a photography competition, exhibitions, workshops, cultural events and the Smiling Oulu 26 gala will be organised in Oulu.
Photography competition and exhibitions
Hymyilevä Oulu 26 photo competition invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate. The photos are taken with a mobile phone, and the most important thing is not technical perfection but genuine emotion, presence and human encounter.
The best images from the competition will be used to build exhibition complexes that will tour around Oulu during 2026. The exhibitions will be seen at, among other places, Oulu Cathedral, Valkea Shopping Center, Oulu City Theater, Central Library in Saari, Valve Cultural Center, Oulu10, and various events at Villa Victor.
The exhibitions feature different ensembles and different images in different exhibition locations.
International project
Hymyilevä Oulu 26 will be implemented in two countries, Finland and Spain. In Andalusia, the active cultural village Riogordo will be involved, which will also organize its own photo competition, exhibitions and cultural events as part of the project.
The project aims to build connections between different cultures, generations and people. Through photography, people can tell their own stories and be seen as their authentic selves.
The project brings together local residents, international guests, artists and cultural actors through joint events, exhibitions and encounters.
The project is organized by the Augmenters cultural association, which is active in the Riogordo cultural village in Andalusia, organizing exhibitions, courses, cultural events and international cooperation projects. The association implements Erasmus+, Leader and other international development projects supported by the European Union in cooperation with Finnish, Spanish and other European partners.
The Villa Victor Multicultural Centre is the most important partner of the Smiling Oulu 26 project, with whom the cooperation has been warm-hearted, active and very effective. The common goal of meeting people, community and understanding between cultures is strongly reflected in all activities.
The multicultural center Villa Victor operates as an active and diverse meeting place in the center of Oulu in the Oulu10 building. The center brings together people from different cultures and builds a more open, warm and communal Oulu. Villa Victor organizes, among other things, Finnish language courses, events, clubs, mentoring, multicultural cafes and a variety of activities for all ages.
At the heart of Villa Victor's activities are equality, community and genuine encounters. Everyone is welcome — Oulu residents, international guests, students, families and new residents. The center's professional and warm-hearted staff helps, guides and encourages people to find new opportunities, friends and their own place in the community.
Villa Victor is an important part of Oulu's international and multicultural cityscape and a place where people can learn from each other, share their experiences and build the future together.