Input seminar about design and architecture in Norway

The Norwegian Government has decided to present an action plan for culture and industry. The Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development are cooperating with this plan. To receive input on the progress of the plan, several input seminars have been organized.

I had the opportunity to attend one of them. Its topic was design and architecture and it was held at the Norwegian Center for Design & Architecture, in Oslo. 

 (foto: Michele Widerøe)

At this seminar 17 different speakers within the field design and architecture shared their input with the attendees. After each presentation a designated panel asked them questions.
The main topics were:
 - innovation and entrepreneurship through cooperation and networking, among other things
- funding
- export and internationalization
- knowledge and expertise

Decentralization:

 The topic most interesting for me and my project was the one on cooperation and networking.
It was very positive to hear the director of Norsk Form, Andrea Vaa Bermann comment on the importance of decentralization of knowledge and expertise. As we all know there is only one Design & Architecture Center in Norway and since it is located in Oslo it is very difficult for people from other cities to participate in the activities they offer. Norsk Form has a mandate to promote architecture and design to the whole country. But, they do not have the capacity to do so.

I do not want Norsk Form to establish a subdivision in Tromsø. I want them to support our proposal and give us the means and funds to materialize it. 
A Design & architecture center in Tromsø shouldn´t be the same as the one in Oslo. Tromsø has conditions that are completely different from the ones in Oslo and they have to be taken into consideration.  Professionals from the design and architecture industry, who live and work here, have the knowhow to implement it.

A common arena:

 The importance of the use of design and architecture in society was underlined in this seminar. But, in my opinion, it´s just as important, if not crucial, to show what is being done and by whom in each field. A centre for Design & Architecture in Tromsø will be a place for showing the work of designers and architects in the region. A place where we can obtain expertise and communicate projects.  A place where designers and architects can meet business; a common arena for inspiration and exchanges of ideas, where we can draw inspiration and inspire others.

Other areas within the creative industries, such as film, art, literature, have a common place in Tromsø, but not design and architecture. We want the same thing, we should not aim lower.