Introduction

Equal Oulu2026 -project 

Promoting diversity and strengthening the inclusion of minorities in Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu

The aim of the project was to develop the abilities of the municipalities and the third sector to provide equal cultural services. This was done by identifying the blind spots of cultural services, mapping and identifying barriers of participation of different kinds of people, and developing resident-oriented participatory methods.

We provided tools and resources to promote diversity. Together with cultural operators, we implemented the measures that had been found in the mapping.

This is how we wanted to ensure that the Oulu2026 cultural programme and its creators represent diversity.

The aim of the project was also to ensure that minority groups feel that the planning and implementation of the Oulu2026 cultural programme is their own, meaningful thing. The goal was that everyone would have the opportunity to feel that self-expression and their own cultural content are equally valued in the Oulu2026 programme.

In practice, we increased equality awareness by organising briefings, workshops, trainings and pilots for municipal employees, decision-makers, organisations and associations.

We organised workshops and various participatory methods that would enable everyone to participate in the planning and implementation of Oulu2026 cultural content.

We provided this guide to promote diversity and inclusion.​

The total budget of the project was €461,376 and the project period was 1.4.2023-25.4.2025.