AiR in Ålvik, Hardanger

Kunstnarhuset Messen (Arthouse Messen) is an art centre in the heart of fjord Norway in Hardanger. Kunstnarhuset Messen is supported by Arts Council Norway, seven Hardanger municipalities and Hordaland County Council. Messen is situated in the village of Ålvik and have a rich cultural heritage. The centre organizes seminars, workshops and various other activities and offer an artist-in-residence programme for Norwegian and international artists in all genres.

In Kunstnarhuset Messen you live and work together with other artists.
Kunstnarhuset Messen was built in 1918 to host the director and his engineers at the local metal industry company Bjølvefossen. Bjølvefossen is now shutting down the factory and there is space for art and people working in arts. There are 5 artists working here on a daily basis (in paintings, performance, art film and lyrics).

Accommodation
There are 8 bedsites (including 2 apartments) and 10 studios in the building. Rooms and apartments are equipped with furniture and bedlinen. Shared kitchen and showers. Kitchen is fully equipped.

Studio / Workspace
Kunstnarhuset Messen consists of three floors á 420 square metres. On ground floor there is six studios, all with 4 metres height to ceiling. 1st floor has 4 studios originally built as offices. Wireless internet connection free of charge. No other tools or equipment are provided.

Location
Driving distance from Bergen to Ålvik is 2 hours. The village is located by the Hardangerfjord in Kvam municipality., and has a population of  740. There is a small village centre with a food store, post office, school and church. Ålvik changed from being a rural farming area to an industrial village in 1905 when Bjølvefossen Industries was established. When Bjølvefossen built Ålvik, consultants and architects were hired to decide the colours and design of the village. Nearest town centre is Øystese 20 min by car.

Application criteria
A higher education in arts is required. For more information on the residency, send mail to post@hardangerlokk.no

Other
Kunstnarhuset Messen is a social workplace.

Address
Kunstnarhuset Messen
Postboks 4
5614 Ålvik - NORWAY

12-3 2009