Curatorial Concept 

The curatorial concepts for the Oslofjord Triennial are rooted in the vision of the Oslofjord as a subject, an interconnected system of living organisms. The Oslofjord is a unique geographical phenomenon that binds Norway's most populous area together. At the same time, we blast underwater reefs, develop coastal zones, and initiate abrupt changes that cannot be undone. We know that the Oslofjord is in a precarious situation.

Here you can read about what we belive art can do: 

Co-creation (sympoiesis)

Co-creation (sympoiesis) involves acknowledging the presence, form, and contribution of other living beings to our shared environment. We can seek perspectives that do not position humanity as the norm for nature. Art can explore sensory experiences in closer contact with all living things. Together, scientific methods and tools alongside art can bring forth sympoiesis.

Co-creation also encompasses PARTICIPATION and THE RELATIONAL between people from diverse backgrounds. Children and young people play a vital role as the future stewards and custodians of the fjord, while older generations can share and pass down stories of the Oslofjord across time.

Public engagement, debate, and knowledge exchange

The Oslofjord Triennial places great emphasis on public engagement as a means of facilitating knowledge exchange, debate, and conversation centered on art, while actively striving to foster interdisciplinary exchange and communication regarding the Oslofjord. Natural dialogue partners include various academic environments conducting research on the Oslofjord, commercial and industrial stakeholders, and organizations representing conservation and environmental interests. Public outreach focuses on participation, co-creation, and location.

Institutional critique

Who bears the responsibility for change? The cultural institutions along Fjordbyen offer views of the Oslofjord's shimmering surface, serving up spectacular sunsets from the rooftop terrace of the National Museum, across the Opera roof, to MUNCH bowing toward the view all the way up to its top-floor bar. The Oslofjord Triennial seeks to highlight what lies beneath the surface, the life and processes we cannot see, but which demand attention to secure the future of life in the fjord.

Through language, art, and artistic methods, attitudes and actions can be transformed. Working with THE PERFORMATIVE means taking action through language and forms of expression, creating the changes we need. Can we open our senses and communicative capacities to encompass other species?

Activism

Art can contribute to expanding forms of expression in the public space, directing attention and motivating action.