Kjersti Solbakken Appointed Director of Bergen Kunsthall

Kjersti Solbakken started as director of Bergen Kunsthall on 1 October 2024. She previously directed Kunstnerforbundet, Galleri Format, and Fotogalleriet in Oslo. Solbakken was born in 1984 in Valnesfjord, Norway. Her appointment followed her curation of the 2024 Lofoten International Art Festival, organized by the North Norwegian Art Centre. Solbakken described Bergen Kunsthall as a central meeting place with a 186-year history, presenting an ambitious, experimental, and cross-genre program that reaches wide audiences. She emphasized its unique role in national and international art contexts, as well as within Bergen's population and cultural field. Solbakken expressed excitement to continue this work with current and future partners, an active board, and knowledgeable staff. The institution is known for its experimental programming.