In our cultural campaign, "52 Hearts for Culture," we will highlight 52 free ways to experience culture in Kuusamo during 2026. Every week, the campaign will feature a cultural destination, event, or action in Kuusamo, inviting residents of all ages to engage with culture with a low threshold.
The 52 features will be published on the social media accounts of Kuusamotalo and the City of Kuusamo, as well as on the City of Kuusamo website.
The destinations featured in the campaign represent culture throughout Kuusamo. The selection includes municipal cultural services as well as events organized by the third sector, ranging from villages to the town center. Highlighted features include free exhibitions and events, local culture and traditions, author meetings, nature as a part of culture, community events, opportunities for self-expression through culture, and attractions found all around Kuusamo.
The goal is to promote well-being and a sense of community, as well as to increase the accessibility of culture. At the same time, the campaign encourages the people of Kuusamo to notice the opportunities for experiencing culture all around them. Kuusamo is rich in culture worth cherishing, which will be brought to light through the campaign, thereby strengthening the local identity. Hopefully, everyone will be inspired to explore what can be found right on their doorstep!
The campaign is part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture anniversary year. In 2026, culture, art, and a diverse range of events and experiences will conquer the northern region, extending across the Koillismaa area. The extensive year-long cultural program includes hundreds of events, performances, exhibitions, art projects, and community gatherings in dozens of different municipalities. The Capital of Culture year provides an opportunity to highlight Kuusamo's own unique cultural heritage and offerings as part of a broad national and international whole.
The cultural campaign originated in Tampere:
"In September 2024 in Tampere, President of the Republic Alexander Stubb participated at his own request in a panel discussion titled 'Culture as a Resource for Society.'
– If we do not go to theaters, concerts, museums, and art exhibitions, if we do not read books, then our mental capacity to function even in difficult situations weakens, Stubb articulated his thoughts on the significance of culture.
He continued with a proposal that everyone could set a goal to experience 52 cultural experiences a year – one for every week.
Tampere wants to challenge not only all residents of Tampere but also other municipalities to join the 52 Times Culture campaign."
The City of Kuusamo took up the challenge by adapting the campaign into the form of "52 Hearts for Culture," which reflects Kuusamo's most important value: love for one's neighbor and nature. The campaign is coordinated by the Kuusamo Cultural Services.
Get involved!
Tell us about a free way to experience or make culture, alone or together.
Contact us:
Linda Sainio, Event Producer, tel. +358 400 795 661, linda.sainio@kuusamo.fi
Ulla Ingalsuo-Laaksonen, Cultural Director, tel. +358 40 0281 057, ulla.ingalsuo-laaksonen@kuusamo.fi