Kolibrí Festivaali, one of the biggest children’s cultural festivals in Finland and unique in the Nordic Countries, offers the most free and multilingual activities. In 2026, Kolibrí celebrates its 15th edition.
We want to thank all the artists who participated in the Annual Open call. All the applications we received showcased professionalism and an interest in making children’s culture in Finland more polyphonic and accessible. We received 46 applications, and here are 13 selected artistic proposals!
Kolibrí Festivaali 2026 Selected artists
- MUDA Kids: African Rhythms for Living Communities by Baraka Paul Issabu & Kasheshi Leonard Makena
- Trio Mandeng by Maarika Autio & Adama Kone & Mohamed Bangoura
- TATAKI: A fun multicultural concert for all ages and backgrounds by Aarne Toivonen & Ni Jui Hsin
- Let’s make Kolibri together by Maria Teplykh
- The Shadow Puppets’ Dream Community by Maikki Kantola team
- The Dance of Many Voices by Vera Lapitskaya
- Our Growing Neighborhood: A Living Community Workshop by Donna Roca
- Papermix workshop by Jérémy Gaudibert & Bianca Iacoviello.
- Fluttering Theatre by Lu Chen & Zina Marpegan & Burak Türköz
- Loica: Sing The Way by Angela Valenzuela
- Condomínio by Rogério Nuno Costa
- Let’s Build a Rainbow! By Odette da Silva
Selection process for Kolibrí Festivaali 2026
Congratulations to all the artists who will make this edition possible. The Kolibrí Festivaali’s main theme is “Living Community – Long Live Community!” We are excited to co-create yet another year of meaningful connections for children and families through art and culture, creativity, and shared experiences. This is the way to celebrate Kulttuurikeskus Ninho ry 10 years of building community and promoting a more inclusive in children’s art and culture sector in Finland.
Kulttuurikeskus Ninho ry provides opportunities for art and science professionals with diverse backgrounds and abilities to undertake creative work, apply research, and engage in events and projects in the children’s culture sector.
This year’s selection team included a group of young selectors who participated in the entire process. The goal was to include the voices of those young generations, most of whom have grown up with Kolibrí. Their insights were key to the final selection. We are very grateful and proud of them.
We want to thank everyone who took part in the selection process, voluntarily offering their time and effort, and once more, showing their love for Kolibrí.
Selection team coordinator – Senuri Gunasekara
Technical Support – Eduardo Acosta
Selection team members Adriana Minhoto, Patt Blech, Inés De Louis Moro, Matilda Gazzotti, Núria Rovira Marti, Patt Blech, Tinka Kukkamaki.
Production: Laura Gazzotti
Save the date for Grand Kolibrí Opening:
Saturday 29.8.2026 at Majansaali, Keskustakirjasto Oodi (Helsinki) as part of Helsingin Juhlaviikot.
Kolibrí Family Days:
- Saturday 12.9. at Sello Kirjasto (Espoo),
- Sunday, 20.9. at Kultturikeskus Caisa (Helsinki) and
- Saturday 26.9. at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Pessi (Vantaa).
Remember to check Kolibrí Festivaali full program by 14.8.2026.