Future Stories Art Mobs 2026 - Application guideline

What are Future Stories Art Mobs
Future Stories Art Mobs are light, transient art performances and art-based initiatives linked to sustainability themes and future explorations. The theme for 2026 is building peace and hope. Art can be used to reflect the topic extensively and in good taste, while accommodating residents of all ages.

The Art Mobs will be executed by professionals and experts in the creative sector and performing arts. The goal is to create accessible cultural experiences and to enable actors in the creative sector to work at a professional level, highlighting their expertise, and at the same, time encourage reflection on the future and the themes of sustainability.

How to submit a proposal for an Art Mob
1. Before you begin, please read the instructions, rules and conditions below carefully.
2. If you wish, you may propose more than one piece of content for an Art Mob. Fill in a separate application form for each content.
3. Fill in the application form.
4.  If necessary, you can take a break from filling in the form and return to it by identifying yourself again.
5. Submit the completed application form by 17:00 on 15 April 2026.
6. Link to the application form (The form will only be available during the application period)

What kinds of e Future Stories Art Mobs would you create with EUR 200–1200?

• The Art Mobs are transient, light art performances or artistic activities that are free of charge and suitable for people of all ages.
• We are looking for diverse and unexpected initiatives that bring colour and enrichment to everyday life. For example, the Art Mobs may take the form of a music performance in a park, a performance of an artists’ collective at a bus stop or a Flash Mob-type art experience.
• The piece may be realised as part of an existing work.
• In your application, please provide an estimate of an appropriate fee for the proposed work and related justifications (max. EUR 1200)
• No separate fee may be charged from the viewers/experiencers/participants (e.g. a collection or a fee for a drawing).
• The fee may cover multiple performances of the same content.
• The locations for implementation include public urban spaces in Espoo, public spaces such as a shopping centre or metro stations, or other suitable spaces. The creator of the Art Mob is responsible for obtaining and managing the necessary permits related to the use of the venue/area.
• You can find instructions and additional information, for example, on the City Events Espoo website and in the Espoo Day guidelines(external link, opens in a new window).
• We aim to take coverage of the different neighbourhoods of Espoo into consideration.

We welcome proposals from:

• professionals in the field of art and culture, including private individuals or working groups with their own business IDs, or those using an invoicing service
• registered associations with a business ID
• cooperatives or companies with a business ID
• full-time creative entrepreneurs
• part-time creative entrepreneurs

Instructions for the person submitting the proposal

• Finalise the proposal as comprehensively as possible and provide a detailed description of the content.
• The methods for implementation are not restricted; they may include performances, concerts, performances, drawing in a public space, workshops, etc.
• We are seeking contributions from various participants for a range of different implementations.
• The quality, content and practical implementation of the service must be appropriate for the specific site.
• The proposer is responsible for organising the activities, including obtaining permits, managing production, and acquiring the necessary technology.
• Submit the proposal using the electronic form, available until 17:00 on 15 April 2026.
• Suggestions will only be considered for selection if submitted using the provided form.
• This call for proposals for Art Mobs seeks to acquire third-party services rather than forming an employment contract or providing a grant.
• The selected content creators invoice the City of Espoo’s cultural services for the pre-approved amount (VAT 0%) for the implementation of the content:

Invoicing:

• Invoicing will take place in a single instalment after the agreed-upon implementations are completed, and by 30 September 2026 at the latest.
• This amount also covers the necessary meetings, familiarisation with the working environment if needed, and all other costs incurred by the implementer, such as tools, technical expenses, materials, accommodation and travel costs.
• The invoicer may be, for example, the applicant’s own company, an invoicing service or an association with a business ID.

The Future Stories Art Mobs must follow the City of Espoo's principles for a safer space and ethical guidelines, and adhere to good taste.

• All events must be open, non-discriminatory and free of charge to audiences.
• The events must be accessible
• The events must be non-religious.
• The events may not be contrary to good taste.
• The content of the events must be appropriate for people of all ages.
• The events must follow the City of Espoo’s principles for a safer space: https://www.espoo.fi/fi/kulttuuriespoon-turvallisemman-tilan-periaatteet

Selection process
City of Espoo Cultural Services are responsible for processing the applications and making the selections. The selection of content to be purchased will be made based on the proposals in April 2026. The evaluation team will conduct a qualitative comparison of the proposals. Cultural Services will select the most suitable proposals based on the selection criteria. The selections may be supplemented at a later stage. Information on the selections will be provided at the beginning of May.

Selection criteria:

• A clear description of the content and its suitability for the intended environment
• Topicality of the content.
• Appropriateness and appeal of the topic and unexpected elements
• Prerequisites for implementation
• Knowledge of the operating environment
• Professionalism

Other relevant general guidelines, such as health and safety considerations, accessibility and inclusiveness issues, will also be taken into account. Each proposal will be evaluated separately, and the above-mentioned areas will be assessed on a scale of 0 to 5 points.


Considerations related to the selections:

• The content must be free of charge and accessible to visitors/participants.
• The content must be non-discriminatory and must not promote any particular ideology or agenda.
• Only one cultural content proposal per applicant can be selected.

Practical implementation

• The selected cultural content must be implemented in August 2026.
• The content creator holds primary responsibility for organising the activities based on their proposal (includes permits, notifications, land use, etc.).
• The City of Espoo's Espoo Cultural Services will provide information on selected works on its website. This year, the emphasis will be on the lightness and elements of surprise in the implementation, which means that the location and time may be flexible.
• The content creator has the opportunity to promote their own products or services alongside implementing their content.

Additional information:
Salla Vallius
Production Planner
Espoo's Cultural Venues and Services
tel. +358 40 6366039
Email: salla.vallius@espoo.fi