The opening of GalleryLab and ØSTUTSTILLINGEN

The opening of ØSTUTSTILLINGEN also marked the official inauguration of GalleryLab, a new art arena situated right at the heart of Romsås Center.

It was a joy to see local residents, the art community, and partners come together for a vibrant celebration of art in Groruddalen!

Among the initiators are Oslo-Satsingen and Helene Gulaker Hansen, Director of the Ferd Art Programme. She opened the event with a speech that drew connections to the historical role of the Autumn Exhibition, while also looking forward to new art scenes in Oslo. “We are working to make this a gathering place where galleries from downtown can make their way out here—whether to exhibit their own works or develop new concepts in collaboration with the local community,” said Gulaker Hansen.

The exhibition was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Diana Ahmedi (18), the exhibition’s youngest artist, together with Morten Borge, CEO of Ferd who shares with us

“This is the first exhibition by GalleryLab. Oslo deserves great meeting places, also outside the city center. Art can build community, spark new conversations, and give young talents a springboard. Through GalleryLab, we aim to help more young artists showcase their work.”

Kunstnerforbundet is the first collaborator of GalleryLab, actively participating in the jury and offering a dedicated program for the exhibitors at their downtown premises. Lars Sture, Managing Director of Kunstnerforbundet, took the floor and highlighted:

Kunstnerforbundet is proud to be part of this. We need to be where art is happening, and right now, that is here in Romsås. This is not the periphery—this is the very heart of what Oslo should be about in the future.

Thank you to Anita Leirvik North, City Councilor for Culture and Business, and Tamina Sheriffdeen Rauf, spokesperson for urban development policy in the Oslo Labour Party, both of whom highlighted the importance of inclusive meeting places for art. Thanks also to Kunstnerforbundet’s general manager Lars Sture, all the artists—and, not least, all the visitors and residents of Romsås who joined us in the celebration! 

Foto Copyright: Ole Walter Jacobsen