New & Norwegian: A World of Folk

A highlight of Stavanger, European Capital of Culture 2008, New & Norwegian, A World of Folk runs until the autumn.

Bringing together work by 100 of Norway's established and emerging designers, craftspeople and artists, alongside key European players who have influenced the international modern folk movement, the exhibition explores identity through the lens of craft and making, examines how we express who we are through what we make, and illustrates a significant trend identified by Edelkoort in which traditional techniques and rural design inspirations merge with new technologies.

Featured items range from furniture and interior design to ceramics, jewellery, wood and metalwork, sculpture, textiles and toys.

New & Norwegian, A World of Folk will also highlight the impact of international folklores upon Norwegian creativity and explore evolving perceptions of national identity and multicultural awareness.

With their diverse backgrounds the many groups that have come to Norway in recent years have introduced many different way of using colour, pattern and form that is reflected in the new Norwegian style.

Housed within a former sewing factory in the heart of Sandnes' waterfront district, the objects and installations will inhabit a series of site-specific pavilions designed by Helen&Hard, locally-based architects renowned for their innovative vocabulary of sustainable materials and fresh interpretations of conventional structures.