Kaleidoskop

Oslo Kunstforening has entered into a partnership with Velferdsetaten i Oslo to present the annual exhibition Kaleidoskop. This year’s exhibition will be officially opened by the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, on Thursday 16 October 16 at 17, and will be on view until Sunday 26 October.

The exhibition, which has been held annually since 2001, invites both current and former users of Velferdsetaten’s services to exhibit their artworks. The participants share lived experiences marked by challenges and social exclusion related to substance use or mental health – as well as a strong drive to create and express themselves through art.

New this year is that the exhibition will be shown in Oslo Kunstforening’s own premises at Rådhusgata 19. Through this collaboration, Oslo Kunstforening aims to highlight, include, and help elevate an important initiative in the city of Oslo.

The exhibition will be opened by the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, with speeches by Guri Bergo, Director of Velferdsetaten, and Elisabeth Byre, Director of Oslo Kunstforening, as well as a musical performance by the choir Corruso.

Kaleidoskop brings together around 70 participants each year. The works presented span a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, installation, and text. For many participants, the exhibition is something they prepare for throughout the year. Some use the platform to make their voices heard in society, while others find space to set aside challenges and explore their creativity.

Kaleidoskop gives participants the opportunity to share aspects of themselves that are rarely seen. At the same time, the public gains insight into the participants’ joy of creating and their unique perspectives. The exhibition also creates valuable meeting points between participants and their loved ones – regardless of roles or everyday challenges.

Since 2001, Kaleidoskop has been organised by Velferdsetaten, previously in collaboration with Kulturetaten. The exhibition has been shown at the Oslo City Hall, Kulturkirken Jakob, and on the ground floor of Rådmannsgården at Rådhusgata 19. It is currently organised by Nyttig Arbeid, led by Pernille Gormsen, in collaboration with Oslo Kunstforening.