It all started as a joke in a small wood shed in Lunde, but rumors of the world’s smallest culture house have spread in music circles. In just one year, Horg Kulturhus (culture house) has gained a solid fanbase, and several artists contact Helge Strand asking him if they can come and play their music in the intimate and special venue.
– I like to make things happen, he says.
After the official opening with an art exhibition on October 6th last year, Tove Bøygard, Stig Ulv, Caroline Bonnet, Randi Tytingvåg Trio and Enok Amrani have played at Horg Kulturhus. In addition, Theater Fabel has played the performances Voluspa’ and Master Jakel.
-I’ve always been going to a lot of concerts. We lived in Bergen for 20 years, and there it was a concert almost every weekend. So when you come here, you miss it. Then I had to create it myself, says Strand about how Horg Kulturhus was created.
The word “horg” is a Norse word for a gathering place. The choice of name stems from the desire to create a meeting place for people in Lunde.
-There is a need for people to come out and meet each other. I think this place helps to fill this need, he says.
The concept is to give people a cultural and musical experience, preferably in Norwegian, performed in a small and intimate space. With room for only 20 guests the music experience becomes special, close and intense.
-I sit here and smile by myself every time there is a concert. There has been a real feel-good atmosphere at all the concerts up until now. People who go to a lot of shows actually say it is the greatest they have ever experienced. Getting that feedback from people who have been to maybe 300 concerts in their lives, and then they say this is the best !!! says Helge Strand happily.
In addition to creating his own concert experiences, Strand is committed to supporting other cultural actors. That’s why he started the tradition “Horg drar på bortekamp” (“Horg goes away”), where he and guests from Horg Kulturhus travel and see the artists who have played in Lunde at other concert venues.
The aim for next year is six new concerts. The first two artists have already been published; in May 2020 Tom Roger Aadland and Ottar Kåsa play the first two concerts at Horg.
-I get a lot of positive feedback from people in Lunde who think it’s cool that something is happening and that it’s a little different. Because there aren’t many places like this around, Strand says.
I am so lucky!!!!! Yesterday I played in the soulful and very special Horg culture house in Lunde. That house is like going into a magical and atmospheric Viking adventure, with Culture House managers Helge Strand and Berit Reknes welcoming you with open arms and warm cheeks, thank you very much for everything you do for people and culture! And the nicest crowd, with their heart on their sleeves.”
– Artist Tove Bøygard on Instagram after playing at Horg Culture House