Creative industries

The creative industries deliver entertaining and relevant content, better services and unforgettable experiences for consumers. Creative services produced for companies in other industries help build stronger brands, design more functional products and a better environment.

The most prominent creative business in Oulu is the audiovisual sector: TV series and films produced and filmed here have been exported to more than 100 countries in the last decade. The industry’s creators’ low-threshold connection with their colleagues in the games, marketing communications and digital media sectors provides a good basis for the ecosystem to grow.

Oulu is also traditionally a strong centre for architecture. Even during the general downturn in the construction industry, Oulu firms have maintained their position as respected designers of schools and hospitals, for example.

The Oulu games sector produces games for a wide range of platforms and has a wealth of creative technological expertise. The industry’s scalable business models, multidisciplinary skills and international scope create a nuanced community of game developers in Oulu.

The 2026 European Capital of Culture year will give a strong boost to the growth of the events industry. At the same time, Oulu’s strength as an incubator for music and dance talent could lead to a business boom in the sector.

The aim of the North Finland Film Commission is to support and promote the growth of the audiovisual industry in the region.