Open call for young artists for Delta Life Project

Oulu August Festivals are looking for promising emerging artists from the Oulu2026 region for the documentary series "Artists Arise in the Delta" for the years 2024–2026. Artists from any artistic discipline, ranging from rock music to contemporary dance and photography to theatre, are encouraged to apply.

As part of Oulu August Festivals’ Delta Life project, the series follows the artists' journey towards Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture year: will the young talents succeed in their efforts, what turns will life bring along the way, will opportunities open up for them to become professional artists, or do their life paths lead them in a different direction?

Materials from the project, including footage and interviews, will be used for social media content released throughout the journey. The overall experience will be condensed into a documentary series to be published in 2026. The project will culminate in the artists’ performances or exhibitions during Oulu August Festivals in 2026.

Apply or suggest a promising and interesting young artist or artistic group by the end of February 2024. Selections will be made by the end of March. Five artists/groups will be chosen based on the applications.

The application can be submitted through the form at: https://link.webropol.com/s/taiteilijasyntyysuistoon

Selected participants will receive:

• An opportunity to perform or have an exhibition during Oulu August Festivals in 2026
• Compensation (for both preparation work and performance)
• Media training and event guidance

Selection criteria:

• Applicants can be individuals or groups representing any artistic discipline
• Applicants must be under 30 years old
• The applicants' place of residence is within the Oulu2026 area: https://oulu2026.eu/en/oulu2026-region/
• Aim for professionalism in the field of arts
• Readiness to commit to the process until 2026
• Willingness to openly show their development and share thoughts (commitment to 1-2 documentation days per year)

What is Delta Life?

As part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture program, Delta Life project explores the birth of the city and culture along waterways from fells to the sea, utilizing scientific research results.

The artistic director for the project is musician, singer-songwriter, author, and video artist Jukka Takalo. The project is a collaborative effort, involving the festival network of the Oulu August Festivals and a broader group of cultural actors throughout the Oulu2026 region. More information about Delta Life can be found on the Oulu Cultural Events Association's website.

More information: Executive Director Pia Alatorvinen, pia(at)oulunjuhlaviikot.fi, +358 44 723 2676