Kristiansand municipality – Art and culture week in Kristiansand

On Saturday 11 May, Kunstsilo opens its doors. Photo: Kristiansand municipality

Kristiansand is preparing for a week of varied cultural events, which include the opening of Kunstsilo, cultural history lectures, the European Conference and Democracy Week. These events will help promote debate, creativity and community in the city.

— A milestone for Kristiansand

— The opening of Kunstsilo is a milestone for Kristiansand. This new grant will enrich our shared cultural experiences and strengthen the city’s position as a central cultural destination. We look forward with anticipation to how Kunstsilo will function as a central gathering point for artists, cultural workers and the public, says culture director Camilla Jarlsby.

Camilla Jarlsby outside Myren farm. Photo: Kristiansand municipality

On Saturday 11 May, Kunstsilo opens its doors to the public. The festivities start at 10.20 a.m. with a parade through the streets of Kvadraturen led by the Tveit Union Musikkorps. This will be followed by opening speeches, including from Minister of Culture Lubna Jaffery and art collector Nicolai Tangen.

Entertainment will be available both inside Kunstsilo for those with a ticket, and outdoors every hour from 11am to midnight. The day ends with a spectacular show from Kunstsilo’s terrace on the fifth floor, which will be best experienced from a boat, Lagmannsholmen and other places where Kunstsilo can be seen.

Entrance tickets to visit the Kunstsilo indoors are sold out, but there is still the opportunity to participate in the festivities outdoors, either on the Silokaia during the day and in the afternoon, and not least by watching the magnificent closing show from a greater distance. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive on foot or by bicycle, as parking options on Odderøya are limited.

Photo of Kilden and Kunstsilo taken in 2022. Photo: Kjell Inge Søreide

There will also be food sales outside on the day, available to anyone who wants to take part in the celebration.

You can find a more detailed program on Kunstsilo’s website:

Opening of the art silo on 11 May

Art silo program outdoors

• At 10.20: Parade from the Castle, through Markens, and on down to Kunstsilo.
• At 11.00: Opening speeches from the outdoor stage at Kunstsilo. Outdoor activities with more surprises.
• At 11.25: Salute from Lagmannsholmen with Christiansand Artillerie Compagnie.
• At 11.30: The doors open for those with tickets.
• From 11.45 to 22.30: Varied entertainment from various artists and ensembles, including music, dance and song. At 22.30 the closing show starts from Kunstsilo’s terrace.

Cultural events across Kristiansand

In addition to Kunstsilo’s opening, the municipality will offer a number of cultural events throughout the week. Tangvall, Nodeland and Vågsbygd library invite you to language cafes and baby meetings, which give residents the opportunity to meet and learn across languages ​​and age groups.

Exact dates and times can be found on the Kristiansand public library’s website:

Krsbib.no

Nodeland library. Photo: Helge Dyrholm / Kristiansand municipality

At Søgne old rectory you can attend Sven Egil Omdal’s lecture about the Norwegians in Sachsenhausen for NOK. NOK 120, or experience Culture Sunday with a concert, café and exhibitions. More information about these events can be found on the Søgne old rectory’s website:

Søgne old rectory – see what happens

Drone photo from Kristiansand municipality September 2020 Søgne old rectory. Photo: Tor Erik Schrøder

Democracy Week and the European Conference

This week, Kristiansand is also hosting Democracy Week, which aims to facilitate meetings, conversations and art and cultural experiences to promote democratic values. The highlight is the European conference on 6 May.

You can read more about Democracy Week and the European Conference here:

Democracy week

Liberation and Veterans Day 8 May

Since 2013, Kristiansand municipality, under the leadership of the mayor, has organized a reception for the veterans from Kristiansand on liberation and veterans’ day on 8 May. In recent years, veterans from surrounding municipalities have also been included, as similar events have not been available in their respective municipalities. This year’s commemoration of 8 May will include wreath-laying, speeches, salutes and events at several memorials around the municipality. Detailed program and more information can be found here:

Marking of 8 May

Wednesday 8 May marks this year’s liberation and veterans’ day. Christianssand Artillerie Compagnie will salute with 21 shots from Lasaretthøyden on Odderøya at 12.00.

Kristiansand’s week with a focus on culture, art and democracy is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and commitment that characterizes the city. Regardless of whether you are interested in artistic experiences, cultural history or social debate, this week will offer something to suit every taste and interest.