Elisabeth Byre appointed new Director of Galleri F 15

Galleri F 15 is pleased to announce the appointment of Elisabeth Byre as the new Director of Galleri F 15 and MOMENTUM. She will take up the position after the summer.

Elisabeth Byre joins from her role as Director of Oslo Kunstforening and has extensive experience as a curator, both freelance and within institutions.

– The board is delighted that Elisabeth Byre has accepted the position of leading Galleri F 15 forward. The institution, situated in a beautiful landscape, has, since 1966, presented contemporary and modern art through exhibitions featuring both international and Norwegian artists. Byre brings with her a wide professional network and has an impressive track record in institutional leadership and project management. With Byre as Director of F 15, we gain a highly qualified artistic leader with strong ambitions, and we look forward to the continued development of this important institution, says Chair of the Board Anne Hilde Neset.

Elisabeth Byre has over twenty years’ experience in the art field and possesses solid professional expertise in curatorial practice, exhibition production and institutional development. As Director of Oslo Kunstforening, she has, over the past four years, strengthened and further developed the institution as an important exhibition venue with a clear profile and an ambitious and active programme.

At KORO (Public Art Norway), she led the strategic work on the art projects for the new governmental district between 2019 and 2022. As a curator at Kunsthall Oslo (2011–2017), Byre played a central role in establishing and building a new art institution. As a freelance curator, she curated the exhibition EXIT! at the Munch Museum in 2019, and has realised projects at institutions such as Kunstnernes Hus, Bergen Kunsthall and the Preus Museum.

– I am very much looking forward to taking on the role as Director of Galleri F 15. It is a fantastic institution, with an interesting history, excellent exhibition facilities, highly skilled staff, an important role in the region, and at the same time an exciting potential for further development. I curated one of my very first exhibitions here, and I have always had a special place in my heart for this venue, which enjoys one of the most beautiful locations in Norway, says Elisabeth Byre.

Byre succeeds Lise Pennington. Maria C. Havstam, Head of the Art Department at Galleri F 15, has served as Interim Director since 1 January 2026.

She will assume the position 3 August 2026.


PRESS
For interview requests or further information, please contact Press and Communications Officer, Ann Kristin Traaen, akt@gallerif15.no, tlf. 938 19 216.