Pohjankartano, Oulu – Wednesday 10 June 2026

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17.00 Doors Open

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Guests may visit the photography exhibition in the lower foyer

Acoustic music performance in the exhibition area by Nova Ensemble

Kristian Kaarna welcomes guests and shares the story behind the exhibition and the project

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17.40 Auditorium Opens

Guests may enter the auditorium and take their seats for the gala.

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18.00 Gala Begins

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Hosts welcome guests to Smiling Oulu 26

Welcome speech by Lauri Nikula, Chair of the Oulu City Council

Ceremonial speech by President Tarja Halonen

Musical performance by Sounds of Oulu

Speech by Piia Rantala-Korhonen – Oulu2026 Foundation

Video greeting from Antonio Alés Montesinos, Mayor of Riogordo

Sachina Thapa – dance performance “Cultural Dance”

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Panel Discussion

The Power of Encounter – Minorities, Loneliness and Community

Pirjo Nikula, Director of Wellbeing Promotion, City of Oulu

Satu Saarinen, Dean, Oulu

Anna Litewka-Anttolainen, Oulu2026 Foundation

Merja Peteri, Luovi Vocational College

Kristian Kaarna, Augmenters Cultural Association, Riogordo, Spain

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Hymyilevä Oulu 26 Photography Competition Award Ceremony

Announcement and presentation of the winners

Thanks to partners, participants and volunteers

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Performance by Saara Aalto

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Closing Remarks