Three decades have passed since Färgfabriken was established as a dynamic platform for dialogue around contemporary art, architecture and the built environment. Its location in Beckers former paint factory in Stockholm’s historic industrial district of Lövholmen, continues to influence its identity and ambiance.
Today, Färgfabriken is a world-renowned creative exhibition space that is characterised by its experimental and accommodating nature. Lindéngruppen is the main partner of Färgfabriken foundation and Jenny Lindén Urnes chairs the board of the foundation.
“Färgfabriken encourages collaboration between artists, architects and other stakeholders and the cross pollination of different ideas and perspectives on the role of architecture and art in society,” says Anna-Karin Wulgué, Director and artistic leader at Färgfabriken. “International exchange has been a key focus over the years along with sustainability in the built environment.”
These ideas of collaboration and exchange on art and architecture have evolved into the ‘Färgfabriken model’ over the years, which is still reflected in how it works today. Färgfabriken remains a platform for artists, urban developers, politicians, researchers and members of the public to come together to create new ideas as part of collective processes.
“In the late 1990s, Färgfabriken promoted the idea that it was not only urban developers who should shape cities, but that urban development should be done collectively with a broad spectrum of stakeholders. This notion is common today, but it was quite innovative back then,” reflects Anna-Karin Wulgué. “Färgfabriken has used this model all around the world over the years, along with the importance of art, culture and sustainability in urban development.”
One example is Färgfabriken’s ‘New Urban Topologies’ learning process, which was an international exchange through art and urbanism that has been applied in many cities around the world. Färgfabriken’s latest platform – the ‘Architecture Triennial’ – explores the future of the built environment and evolves every three years. The theme for the first triennial is architecture as an artform and its crucial role in societal development.
“As an established hub for artists, architects, the public and neighbours, Färgfabriken will play an important role in the redevelopment of the Lövholmen neighbourhood in the years ahead,” continues Anna-Karin Wulgué. “We will work to ensure art will continue to thrive in Lövholmen by nurturing an environment where artists and culture blossom. Afterall, culture is essential for a living city – particularly when redeveloping a heritage neighbourhood.”
Färgfabriken will continue to build bridges between culture, architecture, politics, business and civil society – with an ability to convert ideas into action. This is important in an increasingly polarised world.
“I believe that Färgfabriken will be more relevant than ever in the coming years as a platform for bringing people together, both locally and on the international stage,” says Anna-Karin Wulgué. “A key focus area for us going forward will be to broaden our audience – particularly by engaging and empowering young people on culture, such as through the Färgfabriken’s Youth Council. We are looking forward to the next 30 years of contributing towards a better world.”
About Färgfabriken
Färgfabriken is a foundation and exhibition space for contemporary art and architecture. Based at a Beckers former paint factory in Lövholmen, Stockholm, Färgfabriken serves as a platform for art, architecture and cultural events. Färgfabriken is managed by the Stiftelsen Färgfabriken (Färgfabriken foundation), which is politically and religiously independent, and is supported by the City of Stockholm, Region Stockholm, the Cultural Council and Lindéngruppen AB.
Get the full story at www.fargfabriken.se
