In February 2026, around 80 cultural producers, music professionals and organisers from northern Sweden, Finland and Norway gathered in Oulu as part of the Arctic Pulse Producers Network to focus on the future of Arctic music — exchanging ideas, sharing experiences and exploring possibilities for long-term cross-border collaboration.
The meeting was organised within the Interreg Aurora funded project Arctic Music Circles through the Arctic Pulse brand and contributes to building long-term networks and cooperation between cultural professionals across Sweden, Finland and Norway in the Arctic region.
Over three days, participants analysed the key forces shaping the northern music industry, discussed realistic future scenarios for the region and shared knowledge about working internationally from geographically remote areas.
The programme, organised in collaboration with Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture 2026 and Music x Media, combined working sessions and industry talks with live showcases and concerts across the city, featuring artists such as Katarina Barruk, Kaipu and South of Savoy, as well as performances at the Frozen People festival on the sea ice in Nallikari.
The conversations during the day continued in front of the stages at night, creating further opportunities for networking and exchange between artists, organisers and producers.
Arctic Pulse Steering group meeting 2026 in Oulu
In connection with the Arctic Pulse Producers Network meeting in Oulu, the Arctic Music Circles Steering group also held a project meeting with representatives from all project partners: Norrbottensmusiken, Norrlandsoperan, Novia University of Applied Sciences, the City of Oulu, Nordnorsk Jazzsenter, Musikk i Nordland and Scene Nord.
The meeting focused on reviewing the current status of the project, summarising activities carried out so far, and discussing priorities and the use of the remaining budget for the final phase of the project.
A central part of the discussion was dedicated to the future of the collaboration beyond the current project. The partners shared reflections and ideas on how the networks, collaborations and structures developed through Arctic Music Circles and Arctic Pulse can continue in a future project.
Rather than rushing the process, the partners agreed that the development of a potential follow-up project should take the time needed to build a strong and meaningful foundation. The discussions in Oulu helped clarify shared priorities and possible directions for continued cooperation between the partners.
One shared ambition is clear: the partners see strong value in continuing the work and networks developed through Arctic Pulse. Preserving the relationships, knowledge and collaborative structures created within the project will be an important starting point for future cooperation in the Arctic music field.
