As one chapter closes, another begins.
Dear readers,
2024 has marked a year of transformation at CAS – Contemporary Art Stavanger. After a decade of dedicated service, our beloved Director and Editor Astrid Helen Windingstad has moved on to embrace new challenges. A few short paragraphs cannot capture the immense contributions Astrid has made to strengthen and define CAS’s role in the realm of regional art writing, but suffice it to say, her impact has been profound. On behalf of the entire CAS team and board—along with, we’re certain, the art community of Stavanger—thank you, Astrid!
As one chapter closes, another begins. We’re excited to introduce Sofie B. Ringstad as our new Director and Editor! A writer and curator who recently returned to Stavanger after years immersed in Oslo and Berlin’s vibrant music and art scenes, Sofie brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having temporarily taken on the Editor position since February and now officially on board, she’s eager to bring CAS forward alongside our International Editor, Heather Jones.
These past months, CAS has published a diverse range of pieces. Reviews included twisted Norwegian folk figures in Espen Kvålsvoll’s exhibition at BGE Contemporary, an exploration of placentas in Signe Christine Urdal’s PUST at Hå gamle prestegard, and a mother-daughter duo show at Stavanger Kunstmuseum. First-time contributor Silje Klippen brought a fresh perspective, reflecting on an artist talk at Forhallen from the viewpoint of a group therapist. We profiled the craft artist Yvette Lardinois and heard performance exercises from local artist Anne Marth Rygh. A panel discussion on artist studio visits, which we hosted during Open Studios Stavanger & Sandnes, has been transformed into an article on our website. Academic Malin Gaesse critiqued the promotional video of the local energy fair ONS, while a photo-rich essay about the art/activist initiative Bekkens Bestanddeler transported us to the remote island of Utsira—just to name a few.
We are also excited for the future! In 2025 we will host two residencies in collaboration with local and international institutions – stay tuned for updates. And in recent months, the fantastic team at Jakobsen Frukt & Grønt has been working on a new website and branding for us. A heartfelt thank you to Kulturrådet and Bildende Kunstneres Hjelpefond for making this transition possible. We can’t wait to unveil the refreshed CAS look and share even more inspiring stories with you in the year ahead.
Wishing happy holidays to those who celebrate!
In appreciation,
Sofie B. Ringstad & Heather Jones
CAS Editors