www.konstmuseetinorr.se
A NEW COUNTY ART MUSEUM IN KIRUNA
The thoughts of an art museum in Kiruna have been around for a long time, and the enthusiasts pushing the idea over the years have been many. In September 2013, Kristallen by Henning Larsen Architects was announced as the winning entry of the architect competition for Kiruna’s new town hall. A town hall as well as an art museum, scheduled for completion in October 2016. The art is an important reason why people visit the current town hall, and it will become even more significant, as the new town hall will house an art museum with opportunities to organise various kinds of exciting and interesting art exhibitions, and making Kiruna’s art collections more accessible. From the jury’s statement about the new town hall in Kiruna
The planned art museum premises consist of exhibition spaces spread across four levels, an art archive, and specially designed spaces for educational activities. In addition to these spaces, the local plan of the new building also includes offices, workshops and a reference library. There will also be coordinated spaces for a museum shop, lectures and stage performances in the new town hall.
Art is a cultural expression that is growing stronger in Norrbotten, with the help of increased regional and municipal support. Investments into the 1% rule, and the establishment of new art operations, alongside investments into local art practitioners and art education activities aimed at children and young people, have contributed towards giving art a clearer place in society. With Kiruna as the starting point, and with county-wide operations, Norrbotten’s future County Art Museum makes it possible for art to play an even more prominent role.
ART IS A LARGE PART OF KIRUNA’S HISTORY
Art is a large part of Kiruna’s history, of society, and the self-image of the residents. Strong art traditions tracing the development of the town since its founding at the beginning of the last century make Kiruna an obvious location for Norrbotten’s first - and Sweden’s northernmost - art museum. In the mid-1900s, Hjalmar Lundbohm’s extensive art collection was donated to Kiruna municipality. Since 1959, the collection has expanded annually, through the Kiruna grant, for instance. Today, the still growing collection consists of over 2,000 works of art, made using various techniques, such as painting, watercolours, drawing, sculpture and installation. These collections of Swedish art are a good foundation for a County Art Museum. An art museum in Kiruna is needed for art to be able to continue to be part of Kiruna, and contribute to a vibrant society.
THE ONLY OPERATION OF ITS KIND IN NORRBOTTEN In 2009, Kiruna Municipality and Norrbotten County Council decided to begin art activities before a building was ready. Konstmuseet i Norr’s commission includes creating county-wide operations. Through close collaboration with the artists, distinctive conditions for each project to claim its space in several public places across the county are created.
The fact that Konstmuseet i Norr is currently run as a nomadic operation also means that the artists are invited to create new works, specially adapted to suit the operation’s mobility. The county-wide commitment brings art to the spectator, and creates a mobile structure that promotes new ways of observing art and new ideas of what an art museum can be. It’s the only art operation of its kind in Norrbotten. Konstmuseet i Norr is to manage and vitalise Kiruna’s artistic heritage, and contribute to the development of Swedish contemporary art by producing innovative art projects of international quality, based in Norrbotten. The operation strives to be widely accessible, and has the aim of showing innovative works of high quality
that can broaden the idea of what art is, and promote debate. The communication of art’s various expressions shall, through the stimulation of people’s creativity, reflection and critical thinking also awaken their own desire to create. Art education operation Lilla Norr shall increase interest in, and knowledge of the idea of art, through educational efforts with target groups of varying ages. Lilla Norr’s operations have the purpose of anchoring Konstmuseet i Norr’s art projects in the everyday lives of children and young people, and of engaging them in artistic and joyful experiences.
Konstmuseet i Norr is a politically run operation with a management group, a working group, and a reference group. The responsibility of implementing Konstmuseet i Norr’s operational and artistic activities lies with a project manager helped by a project assistant, both of whom are based in Kiruna. Konstmuseet i Norr will carry on its county-wide artistic and educational activities until the new art museum premises in Kiruna are ready.
A NATURAL PART OF SOCIETY
Public art is part of a democratic society where all citizens, regardless of background, have access to qualitative art experiences in their immediate environment. Art is an international means of communication, and a tool for creating a society that is inclusive, sustainable and attractive. Art and culture create identity, and exist as expressions in all social strata and cultures. Stimulating people’s creativity and desire to actively choose artistic experiences awakens people’s desire and motivation to be creative themselves. It is incredibly important that we stimulate development in the cultural sector - with a strong focus on children and young people. Kent Ögren, councillor, Norrbotten County Council
With the help of communicative and educational measures, the interest for, and knowledge of art as a form of expression grows. With educational art activities aimed at children and young people, an attitude towards art as a natural part of society and everyday life is promoted.
A NEW CHAPTER
The work with building a County Art Museum in Kiruna has led to the beginning of a new chapter in Kiruna’s and Norrbotten’s art history. Over the coming years, the construction of a new building, organisation and art operation will make up a large part of Konstmuseet i Norr’s overall work. During the same period, the art activities that are now established will also continue to offer new and interesting art projects to the same extent. To administrate and develop art, it is important to create space for it, and opportunities for people of varying backgrounds to partake of art and cultural experiences. Kristina Zakrisson, councillor, Kiruna Municipality
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TO ME, ART MEANS:
Illustrations: Beata Boucht
The propagation of art is beneficial and healthy. Hjalmar Lundbohm managing director, patron of the arts and art connoisseur