Oslo Open Art Festival offers a unique possibility to see and experience the contemporary art scene in Oslo. During the festival you can see art all over Oslo: in artists' studios, in backyards, on the underground, downtown and even in your own neighbourhood.

Oslo Open started in the year 2000 as an initiative by artists who were looking for an alternative to the contemprary art scene outside the big art instiututions and established galleries. With two hundred signatures from artists living and working in Oslo and the support of a few representatives from art institutions, they created Oslo Open: an "open" meeting point between contemporary art, artists and the general public.

The Oslo Open concept consists of artists opening the doors to their own studios and inviting the public in to view their work and work processes in a relaxed and informal setting.

Over the years this concept has developed and now includes additional elements such as art in public space, video art and performance, as well as workshops, sound installations and artist talks.

Oslo Open has been a small but gradually evolving grassroots arts festival. From 2000 to 2007 the amount of attending artists has increased from 270 to 416, in over 90 studios. During Oslo Open 2007, 15,000 visitors were registered.

This year, Oslo Open 2009 has approximately 375 artists participating. They will be showing art in their studios, participating with art projects in public spaces, group shows, video art screenings and performances across the city. This year's management wanted to create a vibrant and social feel to the whole event and have arranged many activities near the idyllic Månefisken, situated next to the river above Grunerløkka. There will be an exciting seminar on the subject " Who Owns Our Public Space", a grand opening party on Thursday night and Oslo Open guides to take you to a selection of open studios. See the program for more details.

All are welcome! We hope to see you there!

Best regards

Kristina Telfer

Project manager