It’s a great honour and pleasure to present the four nominees – Marte Eknæs, Ane Mette Hol, Tori Wrånes and Institutt for Degenerert Kunst – for the Statoil art award 2011.

They represent different approaches and perspectives, exhibiting a unique creative energy that is difficult to match. They have produced artworks that provide unique opportunities for joy, provocation, beauty, learning – and self-insight; but only if you are open, curious, and willing to learn. Although only one of the nominees will receive the award, we will also follow the development of the other three with keen interest. They are all high-calibre talents.

We would also like to commend the art award jury, Olav Christopher Jenssen (chair of the jury) and jury members Solveig Øvstebø, Caroline Ugelstad, Göran Christenson, and Øystein Ustvedt, for their commitment and discretion. Their wide range of experience and expertise ensures that they will reach a well informed, discerning decision. Further we want to commend artistic director Mats Stjernstedt and his staff at Kunstnernes Hus for their dedicated effort in making the Statoil art award nomination exhibition an excellent process and event.

The fundamental idea of the Statoil art award is to give talented young artists living and working in Norway, and Norwegian artists working abroad, an additional incentive to develop their artistic talent in the direction they feel is right.

The award is part of our programme Heroes of Tomorrow that encourages talented young people in different disciplines. We know that talented people in many fields is key to developing a sustainable and transparent society. We want to encourage and support talent development in the broadest sense of the word.

The award is an integral part of the Statoil art programme, along with four other elements: the collection, the exhibitions, learning and communication. Our commitment to art allows us to make a contribution to the cultural development of the communities in which we operate, as well as build our corporate culture and profile. But most important of all: art awakens creativity and inspiration – it brings people together and into conversation with each other.

On behalf of the people who have made the 2011 award possible, let me welcome you to the Statoil art award 2011. We are confident that you will enjoy – and be challenged by – the journey!