The Library Series
March 14–September 26, 2026
“Deeply Rooted” is a public programme connected to the activation of OCA’s Library. Throughout 2026, OCA will host a series of events examining knowledge production, archiving and artistic research methodologies within contemporary art—linking artistic practices to sociopolitical questions that shape our global present.
The project includes archivists, researchers, cultural workers and artists who preserve and provide access to the myriad knowledge systems shaping our societies. Together with audiences, we explore how knowledge can be formed, shared and challenged.
Complimenting the public programme is the work carried out at OCA to renew its library and make it more accessible to the public. OCA’s library will become a research space where discourse, critical inquiry, artistic practices and the public converge. As part of this work, OCA will add to and expand its broad collection of exhibition catalogues, artists’ books, monographs, journals, as well as books on curatorial practice, critical theory, art history and philosophy.
The title of this public programme is drawn from the term the deeply rooted, coined by artist and curator Sundus Abdul Hadi. She defines the term as “…communities who are connected not just through struggle, but through deeply rooted ancient identities, familiar spirits, and shared experiences of resistance…” The intention of the event series is to confirm and map the cultural experiences and interpretative frameworks that bind deeply rooted communities together, while simultaneously investigating both the production and consumption of knowledge.
“Deeply Rooted” is curated by Piniel Demisse, as part of her one-year position at OCA, which is supported by Arts Council Norway.
Programme
Breaking Bread & Language: March 14
Johnny Chang, Michael S. Bekele & Makda Embaie
OCA – Office for Contemporary Art Norway
Film screening, Seeking Mavis Beacon: April 16
Olivia M. Ross and Haweya Jama
Deichman Bjørvika
On the Things We Forgot to Remember: April 17
Gwen Rakotovao, Olivia M. Ross, Kudzanai Chiurai, Miki Gebrelul & Piniel Demisse
Kunstnernes Hus
What Happens Between Art-Making & Critical Thought?: June 20
Dr. Myriam D. Diatta, C. Grace Chang, Apichaya (Piya) Wanthiang & Flexi Aukan
Kunstnernes Hus
Libraries & Counterpropaganda: September 26
Contemporary And (C&) book residency w/ Ethel-Ruth Tawe, Inemesit Richardson & Dr. Olin Moctezuma-Burns
Kunsthall Oslo
About OCA
OCA – Office for Contemporary Art Norway is a foundation promoting contemporary art from Norway internationally. OCA expands international opportunities and contributes to global exchanges through various activities, including grants and residencies, research visits and network development, public programmes, and publishing. OCA is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Equality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is the commissioner for Norway’s contribution to the visual arts section of the Venice Biennale.
