Springbrett 2026 - OPEN CALL

Curators aged 24–35 are invited to submit an exhibition proposal based on works from the Christen Sveaas Art Foundation. Applicants are also encouraged to refine their concept by including one or more works by Norway-based early-career artists. One of the themes in Kistefos’ 2026 artistic programme is “Ways of Seeing,” which explores the gaze and the factors that shape it. The jury invites curators to draw inspiration from this theme in developing their exhibition concept. The exhibition will also form the basis for a dynamic education programme aimed at engaging a young museum audience. One curator will be selected by a jury of highly regarded art professionals.

Kistefos’ work spans Norwegian industrial history, cultural heritage and contemporary art, and has been widely acclaimed both nationally and internationally. The goal of Springbrett is to raise the profile of young curators, artists and art educators in the Norwegian art field. The project is supported by funding from Sparebankstiftelsen DNB.

Themes:

One of the themes for the 2026 season at Kistefos is “Ways of Seeing.” We invite applicants to reflect broadly on this theme in their exhibition proposals.

The theme and title is inspired by and drawn from the British author, painter and art critic John Berger’s seminal book from 1972. The book was written based on a TV series with the same name, which Berger created together with producer Mike Dibb for the BBC.

In Ways of Seeing, Berger challenged Western art history by highlighting how visual images often contain hidden ideologies. The book revealed how social, political, and ideological systems are often present in art, and that they play an important part in interpreting an artwork, whether it is historical or contemporary.

For Kistefos’ 2026 season, this theme centers on perspective — how different artists and artworks offer different ways of seeing, whether through figurative or abstract approaches.

A central question is: whose gaze is being represented?

The act of looking —and being looked at— is shaped by many factors: gender, politics, religion, cultural norms, and power structures. At the same time, art has the power to challenge these very influences. We invite curators to reflect on what is shown and what remains hidden — and what these choices reveal.

The theme also encourages exploration of how technology shapes perception:

How do digital tools, media platforms, and new technologies affect what we see, and how we see it? How do different media carry their own "ways of seeing"?

Springbrett Open Call invites young curators to consider these themes in their approach and development of a curatorial concept.

What we offer:

• Stipend: The curator will receive a stipend of NOK 75 000 for their work.
• Masterclass: Professional development through dedicated masterclass and mentor sessions.
• Skills development: Professional experience at an internationally recognised museum of contemporary art.
• Experience collection curating: Valuable experience of curating from an art collection of international caliber.
• Travel grant: Financial support for travelling expenses.
• Exhibition budget to cover: Transport, production, installation, printed materials and wall texts. The budget will be administered in dialogue with Kistefos.
• Production and technical assistance: Technical assistance to realise the project.
• New international networks.

Who can apply?

Springbrett Open Call is open to curators based in Norway who are between 24 and 35 years old. We are looking for a young curator who is early in their career. You should have graduated (with at least a BA level degree, and preferably an MA level degree) and have some working experience from the art field (you may have worked in an art institution or executed one or more of your own curatorial projects). However, work experience is not a formal criteria to apply. We also welcome applicants with different paths into the arts, and who believe they will benefit from and be able to carry out an innovative exhibition project at Kistefos.

The application should contain the following:

• Curatorial concept (max 500 words)

• Present your idea for an exhibition in Nybruket Gallery (2nd floor) for the 2026 season.

• Proposed education programme (max 300 words)

• Some thoughts on how your exhibition can best be mediated to a younger audience. In the implementation of the education programme, the curator can invite collaborators such as art mediators and artists.

• A brief text describing your curatorial practice and why this opportunity is valuable for you (max 500 words)

• Examples of previous projects

• CV

Send your application to live@kistefosmuseum.com

Application deadline: 11 January 2026

Project realization: Exhibition opening June 2026

For more information and questions, please send an email to live@kistefosmuseum.com

About Kistefos

Kistefos is a unique cultural destination located in the beautiful surroundings of Jevnaker. The museum is established on the former factory site of AS Kistefos Træsliberi and consists of an impressive sculpture park with 56 sculptures, two art galleries with changing exhibitions, as well as an industrial museum.

Since the 1990s, Kistefos has been working purposefully to promote Norwegian and international contemporary art. The museum operates at the intersection of Norwegian industrial history, cultural heritage, and art and has received high recognition both domestically and internationally. Kistefos is frequently visited by renowned art institutions from around the world.

In parallel, Kistefos has developed a sculpture park that is today considered among the most important in Europe. The focus on Norwegian and international contemporary art is also reflected in the sculpture park. The opening of the new building, The Twist, in 2019 has further anchored the museum's position as a world-class art and cultural destination.