Want to be a part of adding art to everyday life in Espoo?
CultureEspoo is seeking professionals to organise cultural experiences for city residents through an open call for applications. The application period begins on 1 April and ends on 15 April. Experts in the creative sector and performing arts can apply to carry out the Art Mobs. Their art will be showcased in the urban areas and public spaces in August 2026.
For example, an Art Mob could be a street musician's concert at a metro station, a poetry recital on a park bench, a flash mob style performance or, say, an artist creating fast croquis drawings at a shopping centre.
The goal is to create accessible cultural experiences, provide professionals in the creative sector with opportunities to work and encourage reflection on the future and themes related to sustainability.
The Future Stories concept has been around for several years
The call for artists is a part of the Future Stories concept, which the City of Espoo has been organising around themes of sustainable development since 2023.
Art Mobs are now part of the Future Stories for the second time. They are light and free artistic experiences open to everyone that spread across urban areas and public spaces, exploring society and the world from the perspective of sustainability.
The theme for the 2026 Art Mobs is building peace and hope.
“We want to bring art out from behind closed doors and into people’s everyday lives. This year’s theme is all about building understanding, fostering dialogue and inspiring hope. Art has a tremendous power to broaden our perspectives, and who wouldn’t want to be pleasantly surprised, for example, during their commute to work or an everyday trip to the store?” says Production Coordinator Salla Vallius.
Supporting artists
Art Mobs are organised by Espoo's Cultural Venues and Services. In addition to enhancing the quality of life for city residents, CultureEspoo also wants to provide artists with opportunities for visibility.
“Espoo wants to support the work of artists and provide them with opportunities to showcase their talents, reach new audiences and create new kinds of demand”, Vallius explains.
This year, the selection process will emphasise originality and the use of public space. Professionals and experts in the creative and performing arts are eligible to apply.
Multiple organisers are being sought for the Art Mobs, and a fee of up to EUR 1,200 will be paid for each Art Mob. The piece may also be realised as part of an existing work. The locations for implementation include public urban spaces in Espoo and public spaces such as shopping centres, metro stations or other suitable spaces.
For more information on Future Stories and in-depth instructions on how to apply, please visit:
www.espoo.fi/en/future-stories