Creative industries

Creative industries deliver entertaining and relevant content, better services and unforgettable experiences for consumers. Creative services for corporate clients help build stronger brands and design more functional products and a better environment. Creative services in Oulu provide strong support to the region’s economy through marketing communications, digital services and design. We are also a major centre for architecture and an educator of architects. Oulu’s architecture firms are known for their user-centred approach, particularly in the design of hospitals, schools and residential buildings.

The audiovisual sector in Oulu has increased its visibility worldwide: TV series and films produced and filmed here have been exported to more than 100 countries this decade. The industry’s creators work seamlessly with their colleagues in the games industry, marketing communications and the digital media sector, creating a strong foundation for the ecosystem’s growth. The North Finland Film Commission aims to attract film and TV productions to the region and promote the growth of the audiovisual sector, using the Oulu Audiovisual Production Incentive as an important tool.

Hill Climb Racing, which has been downloaded more than 2.5 billion times, is the flagship of the Oulu games industry. Its developer Fingersoft has created an important seedbed for future successes, too. The next generation of creators will be nurtured at BusinessOulu’s OGIPI pre-incubator.

The 2026 Capital of Culture year will give a strong boost to the growth of the events industry. Events will be produced diversely in all sectors of arts and culture. OULU 2026 will also offer plenty of opportunities for cooperation with companies from other sectors.