Oulu2026 Cooperation

The city of Oulu’s Oulu2026 Cooperation Team has been appointed by the Mayor’s resolution. The team’s duty is to make the active and multi-faceted participation of the entire city organization in the Capital of Culture year possible. 

The years 2023–2025 are crucial for the planning and acquisition of funding for the Capital of Culture year. During these years, we can build culture programming, develop city infrastructure and services together. The goal is to increase Oulu’s attraction and retaining power.  

The duties of the team: 

• The coordination of the city employees’ opportunities to participate in the ideation and implementation of the year 2026 in their workplaces 
• Identifying opportunities of different branches and units in participating in the implementation of the year 2026 as a part of their job description (for example, adaptable use of districts and facilities, schools, daycare centres, other city services) 

• Discovering the city investments that are meaningful to the implementation of the year 2026 

• Dismantling possible obstacles that could disrupt the implementation of the diverse culture programming 

• Planning and implementing actions in order to root the good practices of the year 2026 

• Rooting the legacy of the year 2026 is an essential part of a successful European Capital of Culture year. The team must also describe how the legacy is cherished to ensure that the effects are long-lasting. 

• The team started working on September 28, 2023, and the resolution lasts until June 30, 2027. 

• Ari Alatossava, Mayor (chairperson) 

• Piia Rantala-Korhonen, CEO of the Oulu Culture Foundation 

• Samu Forsblom, Programme Director of the Oulu Culture Foundation 

• Heli Metsäpelto, Community Director of the Oulu Culture Foundation 

• Jyrki Kemppainen, Customer Relations Manager of Business Oulu (trade, service, tourism and logistics industries) 

• Petri Sirviö, Customer Relations Manager of Business Oulu (creative economy) 

• Kari Nykänen, Zoning Director 

• Tapio Siikaluoma, City Engineer 

• Risto Mattila, Director of the Oulun Infra Public Utility 

• Ari Heikkinen, Administration Director 

• Mikko Salmi, Director of Communications 

• Outi Rouru, Public Relations Manager 

• Pirjo Koret, Early Childhood Education and Care Director 

• Marjut Nurmivuori, Director of Basic Education and Youth Services 

• Pekka Fredriksson, Upper Secondary School Director 

• Niina Epäilys, Exercise Director 

• Sami Ylisaari, Culture Director 

• Pirjo Nikula, Director of Wellbeing Promotion 

• Pasi Laukka, Community Manager 

• Arto Willman, Immigration Manager 

• Juha Aho, Development Director 

• Johanna Tuukkanen, Manager of Culture Services 

• Claes Krüger, Development Manager (team secretary) 

The team can utilize specialists if needed.