The Blender is a workshop aimed at creative SMEs from cities participating in the Creative Metropoles project. The workshop is an opportunity for companies to meet, share experiences and discuss how their businesses will face new challenges presented by changes in global economy and technology. 

Creative Metropoles is an EU-project that runs from October 2008 to September 2011. Oslo is one of eleven participating cities in the program. The aim is to explore key elements of what makes efficient public support systems for creative industries. The project looks at best practice in both policy and practical tools on how the public sector operates in support of the creative economy.

The Blender has been organized to coincide with the international Creative Economy and Beyond congress, which takes place 9-10 September during Helsinki Design Week. Companies selected to join the workshop will also be able to attend the conference.

More information about Creative Metrolopoles can be found on the official website.

Konglomeratene is an Oslo-based co-op that delivers audiovisual material to organisations, companies and independent artists that wish to promote their work outside the mainstream arena. The company is also engaged in cultural events, screening independent movies and offering lectures. The staff consists of film directors, photographers, film editors, production designers and writers from Norway, France, Iran and Chile. For more information about Konglomeratene please contact Sebastian Koren on +47 952 44 383. The company website is currently under construction.

0047 is a platform for projects, exhibitions, publications and events in and in between the fields of art and architecture. It was founded in Berlin in 2004 as an exhibition space for Norwegian art and architecture but has since become an international project involving artist, architects and curators from all over the world. 0047 is currently located in an old factory in the district of Grønland in Oslo. The space includes an exhibition space for contemporary art and architecture, an event space for workshops, screenings and happenings, and studios and offices. Please visit www.0047.org for more information about the company.

Photo: Edouard Truedsson, Sebastian Koren og Truls Meby from Konglomeratene.