Bjørvika art programme pioneers new approach to public art commissioning
A new public art programme is underway as part of the redevelopment of Bjørvika – Oslo’s harbourside development. Conceived as a response to the Slow Space curatorial vision developed by curator Claire Doherty in 2009-10, the projects will commence in 2013, bringing to Oslo a series of artistic interventions, structures and environments which seek to have a long-term impact on the use and character of Bjørvika.
What sets this programme apart from the conventions of urban landscape design and iconic public sculptures across European city waterfronts, is a commitment to a set of principles inspired by the Slow Movement:
- a commitment to collective art production and experience rather than studio-based objects
- the use of sustainable and locally sourced materials and produce
- the promotion and support for non-commercial activities as a means of growing social exchange and neighbourhood renewal
- the celebration of Oslo as a dynamic site of cultural exchange
The programme will include two projects which directly involve Oslo residents in their production and which make that process of production transparent, alongside works which examine our experience of time. You can follow the programme blog here.
The commissioned artists/artist groups are:
- Futurefarmers: Amy Franceschini, San Francisco, USA (Lead Artist). Her collaborative team will include: Marthe Van Dessel, Antwerp, Belgium, Stijn Schiffeleers, San Francisco, USA, Lode Vranken, Gent, Belgium and Kristin Bergaust, Oslo, Norway. Read more here.
- Heather and Ivan Morison (UK). Read more here.
- Katie Paterson (Scotland). Read more here.
- We are also currently in discussion with Toril Johannessen (NOR) about a provisional work for the programme – confirmation of this project will follow later in 2012, due to the artist’s current commitments. Read more here.