The Saimaa phenomenon provides vitality to Järvi-Suomi — Savonlinna as European Capital of Culture 2026 — project is a follow-up project for the preparation of the Capital of Culture between 1 August 2020 and 31 December 2021. The project is managed by the City of Savonlinna.The Regional Council of South Savo is managing the cooperation project from Culture to Järvi-Suomi — Savonlinna as the European Capital of Culture between 1 March 2019 and 31 August 2020. At the same time, the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) implemented research support — Savonlinna as the European Capital of Culture 2026 — project. With the support of the projects, the Regional Councils of North Savo, North Karelia, South Karelia and South Savo, their central cities Kuopio, Joensuu, Lappeenranta and Mikkeli and the City of Savonlinna aim to be selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2026. The City of Culture Call is referred to as the Saimaa phenomenon2026. Savonlinna is a jointly designated core city; the application document is submitted in the name of one city. Savonlinna is a cultural city whose reputation is built on long history, natural beauty and music. Savonlinna’s phenomenal cultural life is guided by the cycle of the seasons. The cultural capital programme is spread across all cities and provinces, as well as in other municipalities in the provinces. Each central city of the province and Savonlinna will act in turn as the cultural capital of Saimaa 2022-2026. With the Saimaa phenomenon, the Vibrant Power to Järvi-Suomi project aims to ensure the continuity of the Saimaa phenomenon and the deepening of cooperation in Eastern Finland. Cooperation with the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) in the follow-up project; the University’s implementation includes, among other things, the launch of the Saimaa phenomenon2026 research and evaluation package. It is essential to deepen cross-regional cooperation both in the field of culture and between different industries, especially with the tourism industry. The aim is to ensure continuity regardless of whether Savonlinna becomes the European Capital of Culture for 2026. Strengthening the role of culture and art will increase the vitality, attraction and grip power of Eastern Finland. The application process is already seen as an investment with a positive leverage effect on the whole of Eastern Finland. The project consists of 1.Developing the content of the phenomenon2.The launch of the implementation of the Savonlinna cultural strategy3.Communication and marketing4.Saimaa research and evaluation of the Capital of Culture process5.Saimaa’s research and evaluationSaimaa phenomenon has been implemented with vitality2. As a result of the Järvi-Suomienn project, the benefits and successes of the region’s networked approach contribute to the consolidation of the joint action.* The second phase of the European Capital of Culture application has been launched and the content of the application book has been made more visible. In the long term, Eastern Finland’s vitality, economic activity and tourism have been increased.