Valve’s art galleries, including the Valve Gallery, Paljetti Restaurant, and the Oskari Jauhiainen Gallery in Kiiminki, will become part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme next year. Free exhibition periods are now open for applications through the We are the Culture open call until August 31, with rental fees of €22.40 per day for the Valve Gallery and free use for the other two venues. Funding of €500–€2,000 is available based on criteria such as novelty, participation, and European perspective.
This integration matters because it transforms local municipal galleries into key venues for a major European cultural initiative, offering artists and communities accessible, funded exhibition opportunities. The open call emphasizes inclusivity and European collaboration, potentially boosting regional cultural visibility and participation in the lead-up to Oulu’s year as Capital of Culture in 2026.