Tvibit's youth culture influence

For being a house focused on culture they have had a massive influence in the whole culture scene and in the city in many ways. Sif goes on talking about how the cultural industry are mostly depended on young people from the Tvibit environment, which to an extent has changed youth work in Norway. “Tvibit is the only Youth Center of its kind. It attracts visits from Norway and abroad to learn from our methods, visions and how we work with the young community” she points out.  

Besides providing a safe environment to develop the artists craft, Tvibit also provides a platform and/or a stage where the young can express their opinions. One of their hopes is for the youth to raise their voice even more. “Tvibit is a part time free zone,” Sif state. In other words, Tvibit is a place where they will provide a place for you to express your opinion safely and respecting the other point of view. 

Being in a unique location in the world can bring unique experiences and challenges. “That is what makes Tromsø and Tvibit very exotic.” Tromsø’s remote location and unique environment is a cause for people from all over the word to come and experience its environment. Sif goes on explaining how Tromsø being remote is easily connected internationally with the short flight to Oslo which is connected to the rest of the world. In addition, she goes on describing the difference between other Northern/Arctic cities. If we compare the size and population we offer everything that a big city does.  

“I don’t dare to think how Tromsø and Northern Norway would be like if we didn’t have Tvibit,” Sif states. The foundation of Tvibit starting from the first youth house has played a huge role on youth work, the arts, development on international relations and social-cultural innovations. With the years evolving very fast they never know what is around the corner, but one thing is for certain. They will keep their core of giving the youth the freedom to organize and develop their projects in a safe environment. Because young people need to be together again, to meet and to be creative. 

Testimonies

Allesandro Bellei - Communication coordinator and leader of the photo group, from Italy 

“Tvibit has an international community and this is very important as it gives internationals the opportunity to integrate themselves and give fresh air to the locals. It is a nice exchange of ideas and influences that goes both ways. In addition, the internationals become cultural ambassadors for Tromsø and Tvibit by bringing ideas and/or influences and developing a similar organization as Tvibit outside.” 

Per Martinsen – Pioneer in electronics, one of the tenants of the house 

“The genius thing about putting this house together is making an arena for people to meet. Across generations, across genres in music and different arts. People that I never knew existed turned up in the house and in the corridors. You end up talking to them. To know their point of view. It’s interesting because it shows Tromso has a lot of diversity.” 

“My interest is how does it work for young people today. I grew up in Tromsø without much and the youth house turned out to mean a lot to me in my teens. I am wondering if it means the same to young people today.” 

“Tvibits cultural influence in the city of Tromsø has been great. Hundreds of bands and artists have rehearsed on the second floor and in the basement. I think the strength of Tromsø as a cultural city has to do with this place. In addition, at the beginning everybody who travelled up here and saw this place where very envious. It is a very necessary thing. Tromsø has like 8 moths of winter and if you don’t do things to focus your energy it is not a pleasant place to be. We need facilities in the winter to make great things.” 

Eilif Bremer Landsend - Film Director, project manager for NRK, been in Tvibit since he was 12 years old 

“Probably I would have not worked in film if Tvibit didn’t exist.” 

“I’ve taken one of Tvibit’s philosophies with me: Dare to do the impossible. Do not be afraid to fail. Dare to make a difference and change the world. Never forget where you come from. Remember to see and encourage others. This helped me learn how to lead other people in a project.”