The Oslo School of Architecture and Design. Photo: Glenn Hagbru / Norsk Designråd
Access to central networks, a large and prosperous public, and proximity to markets all contribute to the development of the cultural industries in the Oslo region, making it a natural place to establish a creative business. Add to this a highly educated work force and some of the most important Scandinavian intitutes of higher learning in the creative arts, and Oslo becomes even more attractive.
The creative industries are dominated in large part by single-person and smaller enterprises.New study programs are designed to accomodate this reality by combining culture, economics and business. Another boost for creative start-ups is Norway's first culture incubator, established in 2005.
IKADA is an "incubator for art, architacture and design," located in the heart of east Oslo along the Akerselva river.
Below are some of the most relevant educational institutions within the creative arts in the Oslo region:
The Oslo school of architecture and design
Offering PhD and Master's in architecture and industrial design.
Oslo National Academy of the Arts (KHiO)
Programs in arts, crafts, design, theatre, ballet og opera.
Westerdals School of Communication
A private institution for advertising and communication.
Oslo University College
OUC is Norway's largest national college, offering 33 bachelor studies and 18 Master's programs.
Norwegian Academy of Music
Norway's foremost institute of musical exucation, with programs in classical, directing, jazz and music therapy.
BI Norwegian school of management
Norway's leading school of economics, BI offers Bachelor's in culture and management and a Master's in innovation and entrepreneurship.