The Kitchen

Anne Beate Hovind is an urban developer and curator specializing in art in public spaces, known for overseeing projects like Katie Paterson’s Future Library and Future farmers’ Losæter/Flatbread Society. With over 20 years of experience bridging art, culture, and business, she has led numerous complex projects and received Oslo Municipality's Artist Award in 2018.

Bjørn Helge Vangen, Head Librarian at the Nobel Institute since 1996, manages the library, archives, and historical material related to the Nobel Peace Prize. As the longest-serving staff member, he also acts as the institutional memory of the Institute.

Elisabetta di Mambro is an artistic director and executive producer, and the founder of EdM Productions, a platform that is responsive to the changing dynamics within the art and cultural landscape of our time. During her 30-year- long career she has commissioned, created, produced, and toured works with leading international artists in both the performing and visual arts, to develop
signature productions, exhibitions, and special events worldwide.

Gjertrud Steinsvåg has been the artistic and managing director at ROM for Art and Architecture since 2019. Steinsvåg's educational background includes Fine Arts at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts (2001-2006) and Creative Curatorial Practice at the Bergen Academy of Art and Design (2010-2012). Previously, she was the head of international projects at Norwegian Crafts (2001-2015) and the program director for the bachelor's program in medium- and material-based art at the Department of Art and Craft at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts (2015-2019).

Helene Larsson Pousette is a diplomat, curator, and writer, former Counsellor for Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, DC, and at the Embassy of Sweden in Serbia, where she initiated e.g. Creative Mentorship Serbia. She has worked at the Swedish Exhibition Agency, Swedish History Museum, Swedish National Heritage Board, and the Swedish Institute. She has curated interdisciplinary exhibitions that unite heritage, history, and contemporary art, and as co-founder of the Stockholm Museum of Women’s History, she initiated ARKIVISM, a handbook and method on how to navigate archives and archive yourself. She has been a member of the Arts Grants Committee and International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. In 2021, she published her book on curating and exhibition processes.

Henrik Syse holds a doctorate in philosophy. He is Research Professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Oslo New University College, author and editor of many books and articles, and a much-used public speaker. He is also Chief Co-Editor of the Journal of Military Ethics. From 2015 to 2020 he was a Member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, serving as its Vice Chair from 2017 to 2020.

Inger Stray Lien is a qualified architect with extensive experience in administrative leadership within Norway's university and college sector. Over the course of her career, she has led large interdisciplinary projects and held numerous board positions, including in private business and cultural institutions. Since retiring in 2016, she continues to stay actively engaged through both voluntary and paid roles and serves as a mentor to several younger managers, sharing her expertise and fostering the next generation of leaders.

Liam Monzer Alzafari is a Palestinian-Syrian scenographer and artist based in Norway. With a Master's in Scenography from the Norwegian Theatre Academy and a background in set design from Damascus, his work explores the intersection of space, politics, and storytelling. Engaging with themes of exile, resistance, and cultural memory, he has contributed to exhibitions and performances across Europe. His practice includes scenography, curation, and spatial dramaturgy, often incorporating sound and light design. Recent projects include The Human Animal and PalNor, a Norwegian-Palestinian archive initiative.

Linn Stalsberg is a sociologist, author, and regular columnist for Dagsavisen and Agenda Magasin. Her latest book, War is Contempt for Life – An Essay on Peace (2024), explores the realities of war, peace activism, and the connection between the peace and environmental movements. Known for her insightful commentary, Stalsberg is a sought-after speaker on issues of pacifism, non-violence, and peace advocacy.

Suad Abdi is the leader of MIO, a newly established interest organization focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by minorities in the areas of substance abuse and mental health. With a deep commitment to supporting individuals from minority backgrounds, Suad works to bring attention to issues such as shame, taboos, and the influence of cultural and religious factors on those struggling with addiction and mental health conditions. Through her leadership, MIO aims to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and provide greater support for marginalized communities.

I am Sunniva Gylver, senior pastor in a parish in Church of Norway (the Lutheran majority folkchurch), and bishop elect – to be the new bishop of Oslo. As a pastor the last 30 years and a citizen of Oslo, I have been engaged particularly in interfaith-dialogue and diapraxis, and in NGO-work concerning peace and climate justice.

Thomas Talawa Prestø is a prominent dance artist and researcher, renowned for his work in African and Caribbean dance through the creation of the Talawa Technique. As founder of Tabanka Dance Ensemble and a research fellow, he has devoted over 25 years to diversifying the Norwegian art field. Prestø’s work, which emphasizes inclusive and decolonial practices, has significantly influenced the dance world, combining practical skills with academic research. He is on track to become a pioneering Ph.D. candidate in Scandinavia, focusing on decolonial dance and performance, further solidifying his role as a leader in this specialized field.