Turku 800 programme call for the anniversary year 2029 is now open
The newly opened call aims to create an anniversary year that brings together people from across Finland.
The programme call for the anniversary year of Finland’s first city opened on March 6, 2026. Turku’s anniversary year 2029 encourages new "firsts" and strengthens the sense of urban community. The newly opened call aims to create an anniversary year that brings together people from across Finland.
Turku’s 800th anniversary will be celebrated in 2029 with a diverse programme. Through the Turku 800 call, which opened in early March, organisers are looking for projects that will culminate in the anniversary year: large and unique experiences celebrating Turku, smaller community activities taking place across the city, and initiatives that strengthen the future of Turku. The Turku 800 programme call will remain open until December 1, 2028—almost until the beginning of the anniversary year.
"Turku’s anniversary year is a celebration for everyone. The themes of the anniversary year were created together with residents, and now we are building a diverse and impactful programme that will be felt throughout Turku," says Mayor Piia Elo.
Applications for the anniversary programme can be submitted through an online application system. If a project meets the criteria for inclusion in the anniversary programme, it will be selected as part of the programme. Selected projects will become part of the community implementing the anniversary year, will be featured in the anniversary communications, and will receive the official anniversary programme label.
Follow us on: 
"We hope to see a wide range of contributors join the programme, exploring Turku, the idea of ‘firsts,’ and other anniversary themes from their own perspectives. We look forward to many events, research initiatives, art, urban culture, sports activities, and—fitting for a birthday celebration—some surprises as well," comments Salla Mistola, Programme Manager for Turku 800.
Through the online application system, applicants can also apply for financial support for the implementation of their projects. The main funding call closes on June 12, 2026. A smaller funding round may also be organised in 2027; however, depending on how the programme develops by then, it may be targeted more specifically.
The first programme announcement for the anniversary year will be made in October 2026. As programmes can be submitted until the end of 2028, additional programme announcements will also be made in the following years.
An anniversary year for all residents of Turku
The Turku 800 programme call, which opened in early March, invites various organisations to participate with programmes they have created themselves. Closer to the anniversary year, the programme will also include anniversary actions and gifts that anyone can contribute.
Examples of anniversary actions include volunteer initiatives, civic engagement activities, and anniversary pledges. Small grants may later be available to support these actions through a separate application process.
It is also possible to submit ideas and proposals for the anniversary programme even if the person or organisation does not plan to implement them themselves. These ideas—intended for others to realise—can already be submitted through a form available on the anniversary year website.
Two open information sessions will be organised about the Turku 800 programme call. The first will be held online via Teams on Monday, March 23, from 14:00 to 15:00, and the second will take place at the Studio of the Turku Main Library on Wednesday, April 15, from 14:00 to 15:00. A link to the online session will be published on the anniversary website approximately one week before the event.
Application timelines
- Turku 800 programme call:March 6, 2026 - December 1, 2028
- Main funding call for the Turku 800 programme:March 6 - June 12, 2026
- More detailed information about the Turku 800 programme call can be found on the City of Turku’s website.