Pori Jazz 2026 poster released

The Pori Jazz 2026 poster was designed by Johanna Kallio, a native of Pori who is known locally for her atmospheric Caffè Locale, among other things. Kallio has, among other things, created large works of art for the Pori Art Yard in the summer of 2023 and organized the Luovuuden virtaa luodolla (Creativity Flows on the Island) painting event together with her friend, funded by the Rakkaudella porilaisille (With Love for the People of Pori) welfare fund. The design of the reusable cups for the 2025 Porispere festival is also Kallio’s work. Her latest exhibition was in Tampere, and the next one is being planned for her hometown.

”I have always dreamed of creating art for large public spaces and major events. I was overjoyed when I received an invitation to present my own views on jazz. I arrived with a folder under my arm and left the meeting with a wonderfully exciting feeling. I decided that if I wasn’t chosen, I would mourn for a day and then start working on new pieces in my studio and continue towards my dream. But now my dream is here and now,” Kallio recalls her feelings from the end of the summer.

“When creating the poster, I delved into the 1960’s and drew inspiration from that era. I admired and studied posters from the beginning. When choosing colors for my work, I was reminded of people’s colorful summer clothing. My happy friends and other jazz fans dancing, getting into the rhythm of the music and the movement of their bodies. Wonderful new encounters with people that will remain in my memory and, for some, also in our lives. I lovingly smeared paint on my sleeves and fingers as I searched for meaningful color combinations.”

It is a tradition at the festival to choose a new poster for each year. The new poster forms the basis for each year’s graphic design, which is used on the festival’s website and social media channels, in printed materials, decorations, clothing, and other products. ”When I was working on the piece, I had timelessness in mind. I hoped to create a graphic line that would make the work look like it could be from any decade,” Kallio explains.

The 59th International Pori Jazz Festival will be held on July 10–18, 2026, with the main concerts taking place at the Kirjurinluoto Concert Park on July 16–18, 2026. Free-of-Choice single-day tickets and three-day tickets are available for purchase at Ticketmaster Finland.