Start of Studies 2026: Rector’s Speech

It’s wonderful to see so many of you here today in the concourse for the kick-off of the new academic year. As the school’s rector, this is one of the best things to do. I’m both excited and full of anticipation. Excited because there are always so many enthusiastic and ambitious students and staff here at KHiO who want to move art and society forward. Full of anticipation because there are now 243 new students on their way in, with desires, ambitions, and loads of creativity – and everyone is different, so I’m full of anticipation and curious to see how events will unfold this year.

So, those of you who are now starting your studies here at KHiO – please stand up for a round of applause. Welcome to our school!

Dear new students – the nerve-wracking entrance exams are over and done with. And so the question is, what now?

Relatively speaking, not many students gain admission to KHiO, and the years you spend here are invaluable. So my first piece of advice is to make the most of your time. Not in order to be “perfect” and dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s – but in order to be open and imperfect, to take risks and explore the margins. Here at KHiO, there should be enough time and room for you – whether in collaboration with others or by yourself – to engage in an artistic process and try things out, without entirely knowing what the outcome will be. Use your time to think and create – explore every avenue!

The Oslo National Academy of the Arts – KHiO for short – educates the leading artists in Norway and sometimes also the world. We offer 23 programmes within the performing arts and the visual arts, which also includes design.

KHiO differs from many other studies by virtue of our small cohorts and our emphasis on various types of academic and artistic communities. This means that you will come in close contact both with your fellow students and with the teachers. At times, these relationships may prove demanding, but they are undoubtedly rewarding.

My second piece of advice is therefore to be active members of this community – listen to one another and share your doubts, insights, skills, and knowledge. It is inevitable that your fellow students and your teachers will play a vital role in developing your art, and you will play a vital role in developing theirs.

And my third and final piece of advice is to not pull your punches. Differences of opinion and constructive criticism provide the fuel for development and learning!

This year KHiO celebrates 30 years as an institution. Some of our roots are relatively new, others stretch far back. Our oldest roots come from what became known as the “Provisional Drawing School”, founded in 1818 – over 200 years ago. Our most recent institutional roots belong to the field of dance, with the founding of the National College of Ballet and Dance in 1979. Our anniversary marks the 30 years that have elapsed since five national academies merged to become KHiO, which now consists of the Academy of Dance, the Academy of Theatre, the Academy of Opera, the Design department, the Art and Craft department, and the Academy of Fine Art. All six departments as we know them today are both similar as art programmes, and yet entirely distinct, each with their own specialized traditions and learning methods.

For those of us who work and study at KHiO, the anniversary will be an opportunity to try to look ahead in time as well.

When the world changes as quickly as it does today, when biodiversity, equality, democracy, and the opportunity to enjoy everyday life in peace are being destroyed and undermined, art is also put under pressure. What is needed for us as an institution of higher art education to best navigate this reality? We often face questions from outside about the societal relevance of art education and the need for increased political governance. Although such questions may be legitimate, they can also restrict our ability to advance both the field of art education and KHiO as an institution.

The basis and autonomy of KHiO consist of three freedoms: artistic freedom, academic freedom, and freedom of expression.

The field of art is not predictable, but exists within a broad spectrum of disciplines, formats, and expressions. How the various artistic practices are to be created and presented is not – and should not – be predetermined. That is the crux of the matter.

This also means that the question of social relevance is not the responsibility of each individual artist. I believe that a premise for understanding the relevance of art is that this relevance is forged within a collective, artistic practice. In other words, it is the entire field of art that together creates relevance, through different contexts, positions, provocations, and reflections that help open up new perspectives and insights, not only for individuals but also for society as a whole.

In this context I would like to quote from a recent profile article of Anawana, who we will soon hear more from today:

Anawana has stopped taking part in demonstrations entirely. For her, there is something toothless about everyone smiling and patting one another other on the back after a march and saying “it’s a good thing we went”.

Instead, she examines what her art can do:

“How can I find different idioms and opportunities for resistance, for the power to oppose? How can you hold the authorities accountable? How can I make my work speak”

Here, she reminds us of what is at stake in the future, namely getting art to speak to as many as possible. I think it’s about finding a way to connect with people, with their hearts and minds and the pathways of their nerves – because I believe that art has an untamed power that moves societies. That power is needed now more than ever before. And that is why you are all so warmly welcome to KHiO.