Holmlia Cultural Harbour (Holmlia Kulturhavn) is a non-profit foundation and initiative dedicated to fostering cultural expression, community, and inclusion in the Holmlia area and the wider Søndre Nordstrand district of Oslo, Norway.
Holmlia Cultural Harbour is envisioned as the heart of cultural life and inclusion in its diverse local community. Holmlia is one of Oslo's most diverse districts, which has historically suffered from a lack of cultural infrastructure and financial cuts. Holmlia Cultural Harbour was founded by local enthusiasts in May 2021 as a reaction to this, and the organisation's core mission is to create a vibrant community where people of all ages and backgrounds and discover, participate, and grow through creative experiences.
Holmlia Cultural Harbour has taken over an old bank and turned it into a vibrant and creative cultural arena that offers a broad spectrum of cultural activities and events, including music, dance, theatre, film, photography, art exhibitions and workshops, aiming to engage residents through both professional programming and volunteer efforts. It operates as a vital local arena for mastery, co-creation, and pride, focusing on utilizing the power of diversity to bring people together. The initiative has also been politically active in securing a permanent cultural venue in the district and was recognized for its community efforts by winning Oslo City's Artist Award in 2024.
The core of Holmlia Cultural Harbour is radical inclusion and celebrating the power of diversity. It’s not just about one genre; it’s about providing a space for all cultural expressions—from hip-hop and contemporary music, to social gatherings and art installations, to interactive workshops and youth gatherings. Holmlia Cultural Harbour is a vibrant meeting place where people of all ages and backgrounds feel ownership.
"Holmlia Cultural Harbour – a harbour for cultural expression, community, and growth! Our purpose is to run a permanent art venue where everyone, regardless of background or interest, can discover, participate, and grow through a wide diversity of cultural experiences, built on the power of inclusion."