Wergelandakademiet

Wergelandakademiet is a cultural and educational organisation inspired by Henrik Wergeland’s ideas about public enlightenment and their later development in the work of writer Ingeborg Refling Hagen. Her efforts after the Second World War engaged children, young people and adults, and this tradition informs the academy’s activities and purpose.

The organisation arranges literary seminars, theatre outings and cultural summer camps for children and young people. Through encounters with literature and other art forms, Wergelandakademiet aims to help participants learn more about themselves, their culture and the world today, and, in turn, to share that knowledge with others. Its work also seeks to nurture personal development and a sense of responsibility towards the wider community. These values are presented as important in resisting historical amnesia, groupthink and passivity.

The Wergeland name reflects both the Norwegian tradition of public education associated with Henrik Wergeland and the broad world perspective of his writing. The academy also offers subscriptions to Wergeland quotations and a newsletter, and connects visitors with related cultural organisations and resources.