52 ♥ Culture – Cultural Campaign

culture. The 52 featured highlights will be published on the social media channels of Kuusamotalo and the City of Kuusamo, as well as on the City of Kuusamo’s website. The locations and activities featured in the campaign represent culture throughout Kuusamo. The campaign includes cultural services provided by the city as well as events organized by third-sector organizations, from villages to the town center. The highlights include free exhibitions and events, local culture and traditions, author talks, nature as part of culture, community events, opportunities for self-expression through culture, and attractions found across different parts of Kuusamo. The aim of the campaign is to promote well-being and community spirit and to improve the accessibility of culture. At the same time, the campaign encourages residents of Kuusamo to notice the cultural opportunities around them. Kuusamo has a wealth of culture worth cherishing, and the campaign brings this richness into the spotlight while strengthening local identity. We hope everyone will be inspired to explore what can be found close to home! The campaign is part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture celebration year. In 2026, culture, art, and diverse events and experiences will take over the northern region, including Koillismaa. The year-long cultural program includes hundreds of events, performances, exhibitions, art projects, and community activities in dozens of municipalities. The European Capital of Culture year offers an opportunity to highlight Kuusamo’s unique cultural heritage and offerings as part of a broad national and international program. Explore the Oulu2026 programme and the diverse cultural offerings of nearby municipalities via the provided links. Background of the Campaign The cultural campaign originated in the City of Tampere: “ In September 2024, President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb participated, at his own request, in a discussion panel in Tampere titled ‘Culture as a Resource for Society’. ‘If we do not attend theatres, concerts, museums, and art exhibitions, if we do not read books, our mental capacity to cope even in difficult situations will weaken,’ Stubb expressed when describing the importance of culture. He continued by suggesting that everyone could aim to experience 52 cultural experiences per year – one each week. Through the 52 Times Culture campaign, Tampere challenges not only all residents of Tampere but also other municipalities to join .” The City of Kuusamo accepted the challenge by adapting the campaign into the 52 ♥ Culture format, which reflects Kuusamo’s core value: love for one another and for nature. The campaign is coordinated by the Kuusamo Cultural Services. Join Us! Take part by sharing a free way to experience or create culture, alone or together. Contact Information Linda Sainio Event Producer +358 40 079 5661 linda.sainio@kuusamo.fi Ulla Ingalsuo-Laaksonen Head of Cultural Services +358 40 0281 057 ulla.ingalsuo-laaksonen@kuusamo.fi