A series of posters, fly-posted across Oslo, use the language and form of surveys to ask questions about ethical, financial and creative challenges faced by artists. Stemming from research into current working conditions for artists in Norway, the work asks questions concerning the (financial) lives of and the limits of artists’ political voice.

Artists’ Economies / Kunstnerøkonomier / Dáiddáriid ekonomiijat is commissioned by UKS (Unge Kunstneres Samfund / Young Artists’ Society) an Oslo-based artist membership organisation, as part of their centenary celebrations. It is inspired by an exhibition at UKS in 1971, in which members of UKS installed material from economist Aina Helgesen’s survey Kunstnerkår (Norwegian artists’ economic and social situation), Helgesen undertook a survey of 157 artists, the results of which provided fire for the political furnace needed to fight for better working conditions for artists.

The posters draw on the findings of two focus groups which we helf with UKS members in summer 2021. The new posters relocate the questionnaire into the public realm, onto the fabric of the city.

The posters are in English, Norwegian and Northern Sámi.

Designed by An Endless Supply
Exhibition organised by UKS and Kunstnernes Hus