OUTSIDER ART FESTIVAL OAF 2027 OPEN CALL
The OAF 2027 open call runs 28.10.–30.11.2026. All application guidelines can be found on this page.
OAF is a distinctive multidisciplinary arts festival held in August 2027 as part of Helsinki Festival. OAF brings together artists working on the margins and an international art audience, cultural actors and influencers. The festival has been described as wild, eye-opening, bold, equal, inclusive and joyful.
Explore OAF productions on: the festival website, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube abd Facebook.
What happens when outsiders hold the power?
OAF gives artists a voice and the power to define for themselves what outsider art is, or to leave it undefined. OAF explores the theme of outsiderness, creates employment and makes new encounters possible, on equal terms and together. In 2027, OAF invites not only artists but also curators and partners working in the field of outsider art to take part.
OAF is open and inclusive
OAF is developing a model of inclusive curation and festival production that enables outsider artists to participate and have influence in the arts field on equal terms. Artists are selected by an artistic working group of outsider artists from different fields together with artist mentors. In addition to the open call, part of the festival programme is curated by invitation. Read more about OAF’s curation model.
OAF production and partners
The festival is produced by Pertin Valinta. In 2027, OAF is also opening a call for new partners! The application form is below.
Please note: arts and culture funding in Finland currently involves a great deal of uncertainty. The total number of productions will be adjusted according to funding decisions, which will be confirmed in spring 2027.
APPLICATION FOR ARTISTS
Festival performers are selected through an open call. Applicants can apply in one or more art fields. The open call for artists is open to makers of visual art, music, film, performing arts and literature, and all outsider artists living in Finland are welcome to apply. Applicants will be notified of decisions in March 2027, and the festival programme will be announced in April 2027.
The info session for the open call for artists will be held online on Wednesday 4 November from 13:00 to 14:00: in Finnish from 13:00 and in English from 13:30. If you would like to attend, send an email to tuomas@pertinvalinta.fi and we will send you a Zoom link before the session.
Apply for OAF 2027 by filling in the application form via the links below. Before filling in the form, please familiarise yourself with the festival’s principles, rules and privacy notice. The application criteria are described in more detail in the application forms.
If you have questions about the Open Call you can contact the festival production team via email: info@outsiderartfestival.fi.
The artistic team does not reply to questions regarding the curation process.
INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM FOR ARTISTS AND CURATORS
For the 2027 festival, the residency call is open to applicants living in the Nordic countries.
OAF is opening a call for its international residency programme for artists and curators from different art fields. The budget for the artist residency is 5 000 €. This amount includes the fee, travel and accommodation expenses. The call is open 28.10.–30.11.2026.
Read more in the application form below.
PARTNERSHIP OPEN CALL
Outsider Art Festival OAF is seeking new partners and collaboration proposals for 2027! Submit your proposal through the application form below.
EXHIBITION CALL FOR PERTIN VALINTA X TIKETTI GALLERY
The Pertin Valinta x Tiketti Galleria exhibition call for 2027 is open
The gallery is looking for multidisciplinary and inspiring exhibition ideas from outsider artists and working groups in Finland and internationally. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The exhibitions last one month and take place in February, May, September and November. All exhibitions are curated and produced inclusively.
The gallery’s exhibitions share the theme Kohtaamisia (Encounters). Watch videos of previous exhibitions:
Kohtaamisia 1: Maija Pilvikki Kimanen x Kirsti Tuokko
Kohtaamisia 2: Valtteri Kleemola & Jani Leinonen
Kohtaamisia 3: Risto Puurunen x Zherbin & Ksenia Voy Kheninen
Kohtaamisia 4: Anssi Kasitonni x Kalevi Helvetti – coming up 20.11.–19.12.2026
Read more about the gallery from Pertin Valinta website here.