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Call for artists for Qstock’s Oulu2026 stage starts
The Oulu2026 Stage, highlighting artists and bands from the Oulu region, will continue at Qstock on 25–26 July. An open call is now launched for performers for the stage, which is located in a freely admissible section of the festival in Linnansaari.
The Oulu2026 Stage is looking for fresh, diverse and forward-thinking artists from the Oulu2026 area of 40 municipalities. The deadline for applications is 28 February, after which the selection will be made by a working group assembled by Oulu2026. The selections will be published at the end of April.
According to Henri Turunen, Programme Manager of Oulu2026, the call has been well received by artists in the region. Last year, a record 164 applicants applied.
“We hope that this year’s applications will be as varied and high quality as in previous years. Even if we are only able to select a handful of artists for the Qstock stage from among the excellent applicants, the programme search will also help us find new and interesting artists for our other events as we approach the year as the Capital of Culture,” says Turunen.
Oulu2026 promotes the visibility of Oulu and the region’s bands both locally and at international showcase festivals. Qstock’s Oulu2026 Stage is an important part of this effort. Open calls for the stage in Linnansaari have helped find enthusiastic performers for many other events in Oulu, the Oulu2026 region and further afield, such as in other European Capitals of Culture.
“At the same time, these performers act as ambassadors for Oulu2026, promoting Oulu and telling our story to the world. Hopefully, we will also breed new stars who will rise to the attention of a wider audience,” says Turunen.
It is important for Qstock to support local music and create opportunities for new talent.
“We want to support the local music scene and provide new opportunities for artists at the beginning of their careers,” says Binta Jabbi, Marketing and Communications Manager at Qstock.
“The Oulu2026 artist team has done a great job in putting together a diverse programme. Last year we enjoyed a wide range of music, from electronic to metal. We can’t wait to see who will take to the stage this summer.”
Apply Qstock’s Oulu2026 stage here