In celebration of Oulu, Finland being selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2026, the city is collaborating with Tsurumi Ward in Yokohama, Japan, for the “Oulu2026 × Tsurumi Public Art Project.” This cultural exchange project, running from 2025 to 2026, will invite artists from both countries to create public artworks in each city. Sponsorship opportunities for this project are now available.
Art and Cultural Exchange Rooted in the Community:
A Collaborative Project Between Oulu and Tsurumi
Oulu, Finland, designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2026, is hosting a public art initiative called “Joy from Urban Contemporary Art.” This project, aimed at revitalizing the Oulu region through art, will expand its collaboration with Japan’s Tsurumi Ward beginning in 2025.
In 2025, a Japanese artist will travel to Oulu to create murals on the exterior walls of local buildings. Then, in 2026, a Finnish artist will be invited to Tsurumi to produce similar works. Artists from both countries will be selected through a competitive process and provided with a production budget of €10,000 each. The project also includes community engagement events during and after the art production, fostering cultural exchange through the medium of art.
Art often concentrates in urban centers, limiting access for people in smaller cities. This project aims to bring art closer to the community by using building facades as canvases. The murals created by artists from Japan and Finland will not only enhance the local landscape but also strengthen ties between residents and the artists. Additionally, workshops and talks will offer opportunities to learn about contemporary artistic expression, creating connections between communities from both countries.
Through sponsorship, companies and organizations can support this meaningful international exchange, contributing to the growth of art and community development. This is an opportunity to be part of a project that builds cultural bridges, and sponsors are encouraged to participate in this significant initiative.
【Sponsorship Opportunities】
■PLAN A — Offer to All Sponsors:
・The sponsor logo and name in all our communication tools
・The sponsor will be named and thanked in all events (press conferences, public openings…)
・An invitation for 2 to all our private and public events
・Photos of the event to share on your website and social network
■PLAN A+ — Complementary offer to main sponsors*
・A video of the event, showing the artist process, but also the satellite events, to share on your website and social network
・A detailed report of the event with the number of visitors onsite and online and stating the impact of the event on the community
・(to discuss) A booth at the opening ceremony
*main sponsors are those who donate ¥500,000 (+tax) or more in cash or material to the project.
visit homepage here.
Become our sponsor !（PDF）