Transforming Public Spaces Through Creativity and Community

The “Why Art?” film project is deeply connected to the urban renewal strategy for Bispebjerg Bakke, part of Copenhagen Municipality’s regeneration efforts between 2022 and 2026. This initiative aims to transform Bispebjerg Bakke into a vibrant, green, and inclusive neighborhood, fostering strong community bonds, dynamic institutions, and an ideal environment for children and youth. The vision is to create a place where people choose to live, blending development with respect for the area’s history, architectural heritage, and daily life.

At the heart of this transformation is art—the art of life. Public spaces hold a unique power, as they are where we all meet as equals, irrespective of background, age, or status. Art in these spaces plays a crucial role in this connection, offering spontaneous encounters with creativity as people navigate their daily routines. Recognizing this, the project made art a central element of the renewal efforts.

The film explores multiple non-verbal layers, offering insights into art as a tool for deeper self-understanding and one’s place in the world. By subtly flipping familiar experiences and shifting everyday perspectives, the narrative leads us through profound and intimate insights from local residents. The artist duo Hesselholdt & Mejlvang conveys these messages, culminating in a powerful final performance that ties everything together.

To bring this vision to life, the Art Patrol (Kunstpatruljen) working group was formed. Their mission is to uncover existing hidden artworks throughout Bispebjerg Bakke and introduce new artistic expressions into the area. By weaving art into the fabric of public spaces, the project aims to strengthen community identity, improve quality of life, and ensure Bispebjerg Bakke evolves as a neighborhood that harmonizes progress with its rich heritage.

“In connection with the development of an art strategy for Bispebjerg Bakke in Copenhagen, Kasper Christiansen contributed a film that both documents the inclusive process and highlights the role of art in public spaces.

The result is a meticulously crafted production that beautifully balances the communication of factual information about the process with the poetic potential of art. Kasper’s ability to translate complex material into a film with broad audience appeal is of great value not only for promoting the specific art strategy but also for fostering public dialogue about the potential of art in general.”

I had the great pleasure of collaborating with Kasper on the production of the film Why Art/Hvorfor Kunst.

Kasper is highly receptive to ideas and requests, a pleasure to work with, and has a keen ability to analyze and understand how to bring visions to life on film. He also added his own creative touch to the film, making it even better than I had imagined.

Additionally, the film is beautifully produced, and the choice of music perfectly complements the film’s theme.

Mille Holm, Special Consultant, Områdefornyelsen Bispebjerg Bakke.
Lotte Boesen Toftgaard, Curator and Art Advisor, Umage.

Cast:
Sofie Hesselholdt, Vibeke Mejlvang, Lotte Boesen Toftgaard, Niels Frid-Nielsen, Jonna Daldorph Nielsen, Estrid Haulrich, Kim Stig Andersen.

Supported by Statens Kunstfond (The Danish Arts Foundation)
Produced for Københavns Kommune (Copenhagens municipality)