Through discussions on representation, access and power, it examines whose stories shape the Nordic narrative. At a time of growing political polarisation and social division, the conference considers the role of public art in creating space for friction and dialogue.
You can read the full program on Mesén’s webpage: https://www.mesen.no/nordic-niceness
The conference is open and free to all, but requires a registration as the places are limited. Lunch will be available at an additional cost. The conference will be streamed online:
https://hanaholmen.fi/en/events/public-art-beyond-consensus
The event in Hanaholmen is the second gathering in a series that started in Oslo in spring 2026, and the third conference will take place in Reykjavik in 2027.
About the FORCE Network
The conference is organised as part of the initiative FORCE (Freedom, Open-Dialogue, Resilience, Collaboration, and Empowerment), initiated by Oslo based organisation Mesén. It is a platform aimed at strengthening support for artists, with a focus on those working in public spaces. FORCE also emphasizes the role of art as a platform for democratic dialogue and artistic freedom of expression. To learn more about the FORCE Network go to Mesén’s website.
Accessiblity
The auditorium (Celsius) is located on the second floor and is accessible by lift. Most of Hanaholmen’s public facilities are well-suited to visitors with reduced mobility. Read more: https://hanaholmen.fi/en/sustainability-accessibility-hanaholmen
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The event is organised by FORCE (Freedom, Open-Dialogue, Resilience, Collaboration, and Empowerment), a platform aimed at strengthening support for artists, with a focus on those working in public spaces, in collaboration with Hanaholmen – the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre and The Finnish-Norwegian Cultural Institute. The conference is supported by Nordic Culture Fund, The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland, Eckbos legat, and Fritt Ord.