Success with Kulturella
From desk drawer to book publication and theater stage
Kulturella recently celebrated its first major success story. Author Laila M. Wilhelmsen not only found a collaboration partner for her book project through our platform, but also discovered the opportunity for an artist residency at SEANSE which will now bring her adventure to the theater stage.
A fairytale journey
"Retiroparken's Secrets" is a fairytale for young and old, where sisters Emma and Lilli take readers on an exciting time journey through Retiroparken's 150-year history. The book is based on the actual story of consul Christian Johnsen, who after visiting Retiroparken in Madrid, decided to create his own version in Molde in 1873.
"Writing a book is both fun and educational, but at the same time a lonely affair," Laila tells us. Luckily, she discovered Kulturella and participated in our creative workshop with platform presentation, brainstorming and networking.
A fateful meeting through Kulturella
It was at this event that Laila was introduced to poet Endre Ruset, which would prove to be a turning point for her book project.
"Endre Ruset came into the picture at a time when I had actually decided to let the book manuscript continue to lie at the bottom of my dresser drawer for all eternity," Laila tells us. "Thanks to Kulturella, I knew that poet Ruset took on literary consultant assistance. Yippee! Exactly what I needed to move forward.“
The collaboration has been invaluable for the project: "Endre Ruset's concrete, constructive and creative feedback has absolutely further developed and elevated the quality of the book manuscript. Endre gave me exactly the confidence boost I needed."
Creative workshop with Kulturella in Molde
From book to stage art
The story doesn't end there. Through Kulturella, Laila discovered the opportunity for an artist residency at SEANSE – a national competence center for art development in Volda.
"We got a spot! This means 'Retiroparken's Secrets' will be both a book and stage art," says an enthusiastic Laila. Daughter Sara Wilhelmsen and Skøyerstaten Theater now have the rights to the theater production, and the artist residency at SEANSE will give them the opportunity to develop the performance with professional guidance.
The value of local connection and genuine people
Laila especially highlights Kulturella's local anchorage and personal approach as decisive factors for her positive experience.
"It was undoubtedly the platform's local connection that convinced me. I always support what is local, as long as it doesn't compromise quality," she tells us. "I didn't have to convince a robot that I was NOT a robot. Instead, I immediately received help from service-minded, genuine people when I got stuck."
For Laila, Kulturella has opened many doors: "Thanks to Kulturella, I now find relevant application forms and support schemes with a couple of keyboard clicks, instead of googling myself to death looking for the same information."
Photo: Ingrid Pettersen
Inspiration for new projects
The experience with Kulturella has also inspired Laila to think about new creative projects, from recycled art to vintage-based fashion shows and possible collaborations with young designers.
Her advice to other creative souls considering Kulturella?
"Click in and create an account. Be active, not passive.
Ask, and you will get an answer. You will be both surprised and pleased!"
- Laila Merethe Wilhelmsen