People with disabilities make up the country’s largest minority, yet remain severely underrepresented in the fields of art and architecture. Many possess valuable experience in navigating society in creative ways. The Summer School provides participants with a platform to explore how these perspectives can contribute to innovation in art and architecture.

Background and inspiration 

The Summer School builds on the British initiative Architecture Beyond Sight and has been developed by architectural historian and filmmaker Anna Ulrikke Andersen, adapted to the Norwegian context and ROM’s areas of focus. Architecture Beyond Sight was launched in 2018 by The Disordinary Architecture Project in collaboration with The Bartlett School of Architecture to promote participation from disabled people in the field of architecture.

Learning framework 

The Summer School introduces participants to fundamental principles of art, idea development, and architecture. Teaching is led by artists, designers, and architects with lived experience of disability or chronic illness. The program allows participants to:

- Explore a variety of techniques and materials

- Develop their own projects with individual guidance

- Learn about the work of disabled artists and architects throughout history

- Discuss how lived experiences of disability can contribute to innovation in art and architecture

No prior experience with art or architecture is required. Every participant receives a tailored assignment, access to materials, and an inclusive learning environment that encourages experimentation and creativity.

Contributors and partners

The Summer School was further developed through a two-day workshop at ROM in March 2023, with key contributors including:

- Anna Ulrikke Andersen (initiator, architectural historian and filmmaker)
- Malin Langøy Aarbø (journalist)
- Steinar Brovold Hauge (artist and program assistant at ROM)
- Fredrik Alden Thorsen (artist)
- Anja Tveiterås (artist)
- Jos Boys (The DisOrdinary Architecture Project)
- Kari Kjelskau (Sunnaasstiftelsen)
- Aidan Moesby (artist og curator)
- Amy Van den Hooven (designer, Open Pain Lab)
- Mia Bjørlykke (medical student, collaborator in Open Pain Lab)
- Unge Funksjonshemmede (recruitment partner)

Teaching team

- Anna Ulrikke Andersen (architectural historian and filmmaker), 2023-2024
- Jos Boys (design activist), 2023
- Kari Kjelskau (former tattoo artist), 2023
- Aidan Moesby (artist og curator), 2023
- Mia Bjørlykke (medical student, collaborator in Open Pain Lab), 2023
- Amy Van den Hooven (designer, Open Pain Lab), 2023 - 2024
- Steinar Brovold Hauge (artist), 2024 - 2025
- Ihra Lill Scharning (artist), 2024 - 2025

Impact and the way forward

The Summer School challenges and expands diversity within the fields of art and architecture. Highlighting role models and providing an inclusive learning environment open new career paths for a group that often faces barriers in traditional educational settings. Experiences from the project will be gathered in a handbook for greater inclusion in the arts and architecture sector.

The project supports several articles in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD):

- Article 24 (Education): Creates an inclusive learning environment
- Article 9 (Accessibility): Explores architecture’s role in universal design
- Article 30 (Participation in cultural life): Promotes representation of disabled people in the arts and architecture sectors

The initiative is intended to continue and expand beyond its pilot period, with the goal of becoming a permanent program and a model for inclusive art and architecture education. Our aim is to further develop it into a national learning program with enhanced individual guidance and networking opportunities.

Duration: Five-day full-time workshop

Fields: Art, design, and architecture

Target group: People with disabilities aged 16 and up

Prior knowledge: No previous experience required

Location: ROM for Art and Architecture, Oslo

Schedule: Annual workshops in 2023, 2024, and 2025

Organiser: ROM in collaboration with national partners

Funding: Supported by Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, Arts Council Norway, Bufdir, City of Oslo, Sophies Minde Foundation, Bente Skansgård Fund, and NTNU

Want to contribute?

Contact Artistic and Managing Director Gjertrud Steinsvåg:
📧 gjertrud@r-o-m.no
📞 413 02 883