Alternative Capital of Culture 2026

Alternative Capital of Culture (AKPK) is a testament to the vibrant do-it-yourself spirit that thrives in Oulu, Finland, complementing the official European Capital of Culture 2026 on its own terms. We celebrate our diverse array of homegrown and global collectives and talent, empowering independent creativity – as we continue building a city where everyone has space to breathe.

AKPK is an invitation to those who create with a whole heart and put the community first.

AKPK Logo Logo: Tiina Huovinen

Why?

#AKPK2026 is not just a tag, it’s an attitude – it’s a stance that our actions withstand the light of day, even if they take place in the dark. It is a promise to create culture freely and responsibly.

  • Make the invisible visible. We bring together the community across the spectrum from alternative bands to performance art, from basements to warehouses. We cultivate the living layers of self-made culture into the to the surface – in all its forms.

  • Build trust. Your community craves safer spaces. AKPK signals that harassment is met with zero tolerance and barriers to participation are being cleared.

  • Raise the bar, not the threshold. Create, fail, and keep going. Don’t settle: take your stand, give it your heart, and make room for others.

The Promise – Campaign Values

Whether it’s an event, a work, a space, or an action, we promise that:

  1. We act for the love of the scene and prioritise people over profit.
  2. We create experiences where people can feel welcome regardless of their background.
  3. We build safer spaces. There is zero tolerance for harassment, and we will intervene.
  4. We understand accessibility as a part of equality. Perfection is not the goal; honesty is. We communicate about barriers clearly so that everyone can assess their own ability to participate.

Media

Use the hashtag #AKPK2026 on social media and incude the logo in your graphics – and be a part of our shared story.

DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT (ZIP) | BROWSE FILES…

The media kit includes digital and print versions. You are free to modify, adapt, and colour the logo as long as it remains recognisable.

AKPK in the Media:

Who is behind the campaign?

The campaign was initiated by Oulu Underground ry (oulu.ug), an advocate for subcultures founded in May 2025. This is a continuation of our determined work to build responsible operating models for the alternative scenes.

In September 2025, we hosted an open safer space joint training with national partner, Suomen Häirintäyhdyshenkilöt ry. In October, we successfully piloted a multi-disciplinary community care team to manage mental and physical safety risks at the HUG Halloween invite-only rave, supported by our partner Laav Unit ry.

The Alternative Capital of Culture is the next step in this ongoing work.

FAQ

What on earth is the Alternative Capital of Culture?

AKPK celebrates the diverse DIY culture of the Oulu region in Northern Finland. The campaign aims to bring visibility to its grassroots, encouraging responsible practices, and lower the threshold to join.

Is this part of the official Oulu2026 programme?

It’s an independent campaign that complements the official Oulu2026 programme on its own terms. We aim to promote safer spaces, accessibility and other best practices within subcultures in co-operation with other actors in the field.

Who can use the Alternative Capital of Culture logo?

  • Operators: Event organisers, collectives, artists, and cultural spaces that commit to the campaign’s values.
  • Supporters: Anyone who wants to show their appreciation for the Oulu subcultures.
  • Media: The logo is freely available for editorial content covering the campaign or subcultures. This does not require commitment to the values.

Does the value promise restrict creative freedom?

No, it doesn’t. Instead, it provides a tool for responsible actors to communicate their values. Its power is based on a shared foundation – without a collective commitment, it would be nothing more than a hollow logo.

Are profits or grants allowed?

Yes, they are. Being alternative doesn’t mean maximising misery. Financial continuity enables the scene to thrive: grants, subsidies, support fees, and rewards are perfectly acceptable. The most important thing is that the heart beats for the community, not for commercial interests.

My space is not fully accessible. Can I still use the logo?

Yes, you can. Honesty is more important than perfection. Clearly communicate, for example, about doorsteps or quiet areas – providing this information gives participants the freedom to choose. It’s about respect and giving room to be yourself.

What if the logo is used against the values?

The logo’s credibility is our shared responsibility. If you notice any misuse, get in touch – we address it primarily through discussion and, if necessary, by taking a stand on behalf of the community.

How long does the campaign last?

We are concentrating our efforts on the year 2026, during which we will highlight local creators and collectives on the oulu.ug portal to build permanent visibility internationally.

We want to leave a mark: strengthen alternative scenes and break down barriers to participation. We are building a community where everyone is treated as an individual, not just an audience.

Contact & Inquiries

We are happy to respond to any media requests and questions regarding the campaign.

Coordinator: Juuso Raitala (Vice President, Oulu Underground ry) juuso.raitala@oulu.ug

Concept: Päivi Pakonen (Communications Intern, Oulu Underground ry) paivi.pakonen@oulu.ug

Graphics: Tiina Huovinen (Board Member, Laav Unit ry) tiina.huovinen@laavu.oulu.ug