Norwegian municipality commissions mural from artist Bella Fasmer in Fredrikstad

In recent years, street art has gained significant popularity in Norwegian municipalities, with large murals now appearing in various locations. Artist Bella Fasmer has been commissioned by the municipality of Fredrikstad to create a mural on a school wall—an endeavor that was once unthinkable, given the prior ban on street art and graffiti. Koro, which oversees public art, has noted a surge in interest from towns across Norway, as more municipalities seek to enrich urban environments through commissioned murals. However, art critic Mona Pahle-Bjerke expresses skepticism about this trend, arguing that it may diminish the rebellious spirit inherent in street art.

Fasmer’s latest project depicts a weary troll family setting off for school, adorning a concrete wall that she is transforming with paint and rollers. This mural, commissioned by Urban Samtidskunst on behalf of Fredrikstad, is Fasmer’s third wall project, following earlier work in Oslo.

Urban Samtidskunst is experiencing its most productive year since its founding in 2012, working with 15 artists to create 37 public artworks in 2024. The organization focuses on temporary, figurative murals rather than new constructions, often collaborating with young, emerging artists still in school.

As murals pop up throughout Fredrikstad and other cities, Koro is receiving increasing applications from municipalities seeking funding for public art projects. The proactive approach reflects a growing recognition of the importance of art in enhancing community welfare and urban livability. However, Pahle-Bjerke criticizes the commissioned nature of these artworks, suggesting it undermines the essence of street art, which thrives on spontaneity and defiance. Despite differing opinions, the rising appreciation for street art suggests a shift in public sentiment.