A popular walking and cycling route runs along the Oulujoki River from the city center to the seaside at Nallikari and back along the other side of the river. The ARToulu art area spreads across five districts along the river estuary. The area covers the city center, Pikisaari, Hietasaari, Toppila, and Tuira neighborhoods.

Art comes to residential areas and nature—among people, as part of living urban culture. Art pops up and surprises in places where you don’t expect to encounter it. The ordinary everyday environment becomes interesting and special when art is allowed to flourish in urban spaces. Dozens of artworks placed in the environment transform the districts along the Oulujoki river delta into a unique art area.

The works in the art area vary in duration. Some of the works will remain in place for several years, delighting residents and visitors long after the Capital of Culture year. Some of the works are designed to be shorter in duration, lasting until the summer of 2026. The art area will be accessible at all times of the day and year from June 10, 2026.

The works have been selected through national and international open calls, curated by Satu Oksanen, Anna Ruth, and Leevi Lehtinen. The selection process emphasized original and surprising solutions in which art becomes part of the environment. The art area reflects the diversity of visual art and breaks down conventional notions of art in public spaces.

The ARToulu art area is part of the European Capital of Culture 2026 programme. The Oulu Artists Association’s Exploring ART project is financed by the Oulu Cultural Foundation, the Ministry of Education and Culture as well as the Oulu Artists Association.