New association for cultural tourism and business development

12 Norwegian craft companies have joined forces to form a legal association: Artisans at Work Économusée Norway. “This is a historic day and a milestone for the craftsmen in the network. The association's vision is to promote cultural tourism by demonstrating genuine Norwegian crafts and design, Asbjørn Stavland in Norges Vel, states.
Artisans at Work Économusée Norway was founded on February 13th and aims to create a joint branding for the international quality brand Artisans at Work Économusée. In the recent years Asbjørn Stavland has been in charge of developing several companies in Norway through an international Interreg project funded by Nordic Peripehery and Arctic programme. He has also been the facilitator of the new association.
Strengthens member companies through cooperation
The new board will work with Norges Vel to develop collaborative projects between the members. This includes partnerships for delivering experience packages to tourists and also develop targeted marketing for increased revenue and profitability for the member companies.
In addition to promoting cultural tourism and emphasizing true Norwegian crafts and design, the association will work towards target groups that match the purpose of the association. They will also collaborate on digital solutions, especially to achieve targeted marketing. The association will establish a joint competence pool to strengthen member companies.
Board of Artisans at Work Économusée Norway
As the chairman of the board was elected Mette Bakketun, Aurlandsskoen.
As the deputy chairman of the board was elected Torbjørg Grøttveit Gjerstad, Oleana.
Øyvind Myhr, Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk and Stine Hoff, Stine Hoff Kunstglass was elected as board members. Gro Uglenes, Syse Gard was elected as deputy member.
The founders of the association
- Flåm, avdeling Aurlandskoen
- Stine Hoff Kunstglass
- Fjordtønna
- Oleana
- Tønnegarden
- Oselvarverkstaden
- Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk
- Ciderhuset
- Syse Gard
- Bunad Verksted (Romsdalsmuseet)
- Arven
- Mylnå