The art programme

Since 1994, the Norwegian Scenic Routes initiative has been behind a unique and purposeful investment in art along selected roads in Norway. In addition to its extensive architecture programme, Norwegian Scenic Routes have initiated and produced some of the most ambitious permanent contemporary art projects in Norwegian history – placed in direct dialogue with landscapes.

The programme emphasises distinctive qualities of the Norwegian geography, highlights the encounter between road and nature, and enhances the unique experience of travelling through the landscape. The artists are invited on the basis of an extensive and thorough selection process.

We are looking for artists with practices that in different ways are part of the contemporary art scene, and who create works of art that may form part of a meaningful dialogue with their surroundings. Among the completed projects are artworks made by Norwegian and international contemporary artists who are among the foremost in their may fields.

With their own practice as the point of departure, each artist has developed an entirely new project that contributes to durable placemaking and artistic dialogue with the landscape and surroundings.

The ambition is to put together a programme that emphasises artistic quality and diversity, and that encourages involvement and interaction between people and nature, art and surroundings.

The goal is that these meeting points may expand and challenge the experience of art and nature; that the artworks may help create destinations, while at the same time exploring important questions about nature, geography, landscape, history and identity.

With site-appropriate artworks in selected locations, from Jæren in the south to Varanger in the north, the goal is for all 18 tourist routes to have their artwork. On three of the routes, artworks have been established by Artscape Nordland.

In 2024, artworks commissioned by Norwegian Scenic Routes can be found along eight routes. Five of these works have been supplemented by books in a separate book series published by Forlaget Press.