Pohjankartano, Oulu – Wednesday 10.6.2026

17.00 Doors open

Guests can explore the photography exhibition in the lower lobby.

17.15 Acoustic music performance in the exhibition space Nova Ensemble

17.30 Kristian Kaarna welcomes the guests and tells about the exhibition and

about the project story

17.40 Auditorium opens

Guests can proceed to the hall and reserve their seats for the celebration.

18.00 Celebration gala begins

• Welcome message from the presenters to the event Smiling Oulu 26

• Speech by Piia Rantala-Korhonen – Oulu2026 Foundation

• Musical performance Sounds of Oulu

• Greetings from the City of Oulu

• Video greeting from the mayor of Riogordo

• Sachina Thapa – dance performance “Cultural Dance”

• Speech by President Tarja Halonen

18.50 Panel discussion

The power of encounter – minorities, loneliness and community

• Satu Saarinen, Dean of the Oulu Cathedral

• Kristian Kaarna, Augmenters Cultural Association, Riogordo, Spain

• Anna Litewka-Anttolainen, Oulu2026 Foundation

• Pirjo Nikula, Director of Wellbeing, City of Oulu

• Representative of Luovi Vocational College

19.20 Smiling Oulu 26 photo competition award ceremony

Announcement and awarding of winners

• Thanks to partners, participants and volunteers

19.40 Saara Aalto will perform

20.10 Closing remarks