Residents of Oulu are invited to take part in creating a light artwork for the Lumo Light Festival by suggesting what they consider to be the ugliest place in their city. In autumn 2026, artist Katja Muttilainen will create her work The Ugliest Place in the City at the location chosen by the residents.
Participation begins with an open survey where people can propose the place they consider the ugliest. The survey is completed via an online form and is open until May 3, 2026. Based on the suggestions, Muttilainen will select a few locations suitable for the artwork. In June 2026, residents will vote on these finalists, and the location with the most votes will be chosen as the final site for the piece.
Katja Muttilainen is creating the work in multiple cities
Katja Muttilainen is a trained lighting designer, a creative art professional, and a teacher of lighting design. In her art, work, and curatorial practice, she is particularly interested in encounters, participation and communication, as well as creative and community-based knowledge sharing.
The Ugliest Place in the City has previously been realized in Jyväskylä, and in addition to Oulu, it will also be created in Tartu, Estonia.
