Open call for artists: CreArt residency as part of the Frozen People 2026 festival (Oulu, Finland)

25. November 2025

CreArt Oulu and the non-profit organization Oulu Urban Culture are announcing an open call for visual artists under the age of 40 from partner cities in the CreArt 3.0 network to participate in a residency as part of the preparations for the Frozen People 2026 festival.

Frozen People is a unique winter festival of electronic music and Nordic art, which will take place on February 28, 2026, on the frozen sea in Oulu – a city that will become the European Capital of Culture in 2026. The festival combines contemporary art, music, and extreme Nordic conditions, inviting artists to create bold, ecological, and visually striking installations for the subarctic environment.

Terms and conditions

  • Residency period: January 28 – March 3, 2026 (5 weeks)
  • Frozen People Festival: February 28, 2026
  • Application deadline: December 12, 2025
  • Artist selection: by December 31, 2025
The residency is intended for artists born or living in partner cities of the CreArt network (including České Budějovice, Regensburg, Kaunas, Lublin, Valladolid, etc.).

What the organizers are looking for

We are looking for a large-format installation suitable for outdoor environments that works both during the day and at night. We welcome combinations of light, media, community, and environmental art, as well as performative elements. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, recyclability, and environmental friendliness.

Residency conditions

The selected artist will receive:

  • fee of €2,500,
  • daily allowance of €53/day,
  • travel expenses reimbursed,
  • accommodation and studio in the center of Oulu (5 weeks),
  • budget for materials up to €1,500 (with a preference for recycled materials)

How to apply

Register on the CreArt project intranet by December 12, 2025, and upload your portfolio to the OPEN CALLS section. The application must include:

  • a work plan (max. 2 A4 pages),
  • a description of the work and materials used,
  • a CV, portfolio, and a copy of your passport.

Contact

Questions about the call: Taina Kulmala – taina.kulmala@ouka.fi, tel. +358 401 217 718
Questions about the Frozen People festival: Heikki Myllylahti – heikki@urbanculture.fi, Inka Koutaniemi – inka@urbanculture.fi

More information

Frozen People festival Instagram
Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture