As a frequent visitor to Norway and particularly Oslo, I was surprised and excited to discover Grünerløkka.
The Norwegian capital lacks some charm but there are pockets of cool if you know where to look. In the east of the city, once-gritty Grünerløkka has undergone a transformation from a rundown industrial district to a vibrant, arty neighbourhood. The industrial architecture still exists and is in stark contrast to the modern minimalism of the rest of the capital. However it’s the street art that blows you away with the mix of clashing colours, typography and illustration.
As one of the few self-governed culture houses in Oslo, Hausmania offers cheap studios for artists, designers and musicians. It’s a unique place that inspires and encourages collaboration between the different artistic genres. Hausmania has about 20 practice rooms for bands, and about 40 art studios for painters, designers, jewellery-makers and writers. The house is also home to three galleries, four theatre groups, an MC club, a skateboard hall, a craft workshop, an internet café, a book café, a library, a cinema and rentable meeting rooms.
This was such an inspiring place to visit and I can only imagine how awesome it would be work there. Every city should have a Hausmania! Shoreditch comes close. Just imagine an artistic boxpark in Chichester – Buzz Boxpark! I can picture our car park graffitied up and with ships containers in place of our ramshackle garages…
For more Oslo images and to follow my fascination with grime check me out on Instagram.
