What is the Pop-up Art Programme?
Through the Pop-up Art Programme call for applications, the City of Turku and its partners seek short-term, participatory art projects to revitalise the city.
The goal is to enrich the urban culture and enhance vitality, community spirit, and the well-being of city residents. At the same time, we will showcase the work of Turku’s diverse art scene.
The Pop-up Art Programme call for applications was first piloted in the Cultural Spearhead Project. From autumn 2024, it is part of the city’s core cultural services.
Application instructions and application form 2026
The spring 2026 call is open for applications from professional artists and art communities from 9 February to 1 March 2026. The application period ends on Sunday, 1 March 2026 at 23:59.
The selection decisions are aimed to be made by early April.
Sites accepting applications:
- Artistic content for the Medieval Turku 2026 event
- Artistic content for the Cathedral Park Terrace
- Cultural content for the Market Hall’s anniversary
- Cultural content to brighten up the summer at the Turku Market Square
- A summery artwork for the city centre
- Cultural performances for the Mobile Library Tour
- Art content for assisted living facilities for older people
- Swedish‑language art and cultural content for children and young people
- Aura Bridge audiovisual art platform
- Baltic Sea Day 2026
Please note that the additional information available through the application site links is provided only in Finnish. For more information, please contact the person responsible for each site.
The selected operator is fully responsible for creating the content and paying the related costs.
They must send the invoice right after the activity is completed, unless agreed otherwise.
The fee covers costs such as technical, material, transport, personnel and other expenses related to the event. The operator is also responsible for any necessary permits and insurance related to the activity.
If needed, you can make use of the Turku City Guide for Event Organisers on the turku.fi website: Guide for Event Organisers
A separate land use permit or event permit is not needed for small-scale pop-up art activities in the city’s public spaces.
The selected operator commits to following the communication guidelines and reporting requirements related to the pop-up art call for applications.
Professional artists are welcome to apply.
The applicants can work in various fields, including animation, film, literature, visual arts, media art, multidisciplinary arts, staged art, performance art, circus arts, music, arts and crafts, dance and photography.
In the application, provide your invoicing information, including your business ID, YEL insurance number and company, and your inclusion in the prepayment register.
We require a YEL certificate from:
- Private entrepreneurs
- Persons working under a business name
- Light entrepreneurs, i.e. those who invoice for their work or services through an invoicing service.
More information: turku.fi/invoicing
Proposal content
- Plan and description of the content
- Estimated costs
The selection criteria emphasise:
- artistic quality
- innovativeness and an element of surprise
- community spirit and inclusion
- promoting well-being through art and culture
- local considerations and cooperation between different actors
- considering different target groups and age ranges
The overall assessment also emphasises diversity.
The activities must be open to the public and free of charge, and completed by the date specified in each call for applications.
Enjoy pop-up art
Explore the activities selected through the call for applications!
Pop-up art events are free and open to everyone. We will add more detailed programme content to Turku’s event and leisure calendars under the hashtag #popuptaide.
Learn about the creators selected in the last application round:
Pop-up Art activities for 2025, selected in the spring application round (pdf) [in Finnish]
