Over the next three years, the Oulu Culture Events Association aims to remove obstacles that discourage audience participation in cultural events.
“Oulu August Festivals, for example, attracts 60,000 visitors annually, but we still have room to welcome new audiences. While money is a factor, other obstacles must be at play, especially since 90% of our events are free. In the coming years, we will work to identify and dismantle these barriers in collaboration with cultural event organisers, experts, and our audience as we prepare for Oulu to be celebrated as the European Capital of Culture,” states Pia Alatorvinen, Executive Director of the Oulu Culture Events Association.
The three-year Saavuta project (lit. reach, achieve, access) focuses on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity at cultural events in North Ostrobothnia. It particularly supports third-sector cultural event organisers across the province. The plan includes experimenting with practical solutions and sharing ideas to attract and welcome more diverse audiences.
The first step is an event reachability mapping survey, which invites different audiences to help us assess the accessibility of events. These surveys will guide improvements in communication, multilingual approaches, digital accessibility, and physical and cognitive access. We aim to create more effortless participation options—such as remote attendance—so that everyone in our communities has the opportunity to enjoy cultural events. Special attention will be given to encouraging participation among minority groups who may face unique challenges, promoting cultural justice and well-being.
The Saavuta project will also collaborate with artists to create new cultural and artistic content. These collaborations, with event producers and accessibility experts, will aim to produce accessible art for accessible events.
Open Calls for Event Organisers and Artists
The Oulu Culture Events Association invites event organisers and artists to apply for the Saavuta project. Priority will be given to creators and organisers from North Ostrobothnia who are committed to improving accessibility and reaching more diverse audiences. Applications will open in Autumn 2024, and there is no application or participation fee. A diverse group of organisers and artists will be selected, whose knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we develop solutions to accessibility challenges in cultural events.
For more information about the project, including how to apply, project results, and related events, visit our website. You can also contact our project coordinator, Minea Taivalaho, to be added directly to the Oulu Cultural Events Association mailing list and receive updates and information about the Saavuta project.
The Saavuta project is funded by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of North Ostrobothnia through the European Social Fund (ESR+), along with the municipalities of Oulu, Ii, Kuusamo, and Raahe. The project is part of the Oulu2026 Delta Life project by the Oulu Culture Events Association.
More information:
Minea Taivalaho
Project Coordinator
minea@nulloulunjuhlaviikot.fi
044 970 3334
