We spoke with Sylvia Jacobsen, project manager for the 100th anniversary, to find out what we can expect in the anniversary year.

- We are really looking forward to it! There will be an anniversary party and a kind of birthday party where everyone in the region is invited to a three-day celebration from August 20 to 22, 2027. It will of course be a free attraction that is suitable for everyone, both children, young people and the elderly. You will get the feeling that you are at a maritime party for the 100-year-old! In addition, we are planning a southern tour.

What can we look forward to the most?

- That there will be a public festival with cake, music, activities and we have invited several guests . Among others, Christian Radich and Minister of State Lehmkuhl will join the celebration. You will of course have the opportunity to come on board for a tour these days.

- I won't go into all the projects, because there are many. But there is the art project in collaboration with Galleri Bi-Z with famous artists at Sørlandet who will create more paintings inspired by The Ship . They have been or are going out sailing for inspiration. It will be an important contribution, not only on Sørlandet , but throughout Norway. We are also planning something exciting with Kilden, Kuben Museum in Arendal and Vest-Agder Museum, but we won't go into detail about it.

Famous artists involved in the project

Currently, the artists who will be involved in the project are Per Front, Anna Berthelsen, Erik Pirolt, Ørnulf Opdahl and Frank Brunner. They all have different things they are most excited about in the art project. Contemporary artist Per Front talks about his history with the sea.

- The reason I wanted to be part of the art project is both because I was born and raised by the sea, but also because my dad was a war sailor. Dad told me stories about it when I was little, which made me want to travel. So the School Ship Sørlandet has always been in our lives. I have sailed across the Atlantic myself and love to float with the wind in my own sailboat.

- When the project with the 100th anniversary of Sørlandet came up with several other artists that I like and respect, I had to say yes. I think we can come up with an exhibition or work that will give a different perspective on what Skoleskipet is Sørlandet can be. What I'm most looking forward to is being on voyage , even though I have sailed with Sørlandet before. Then I can gather the raw materials to work with. I don't know where I'm going to get it from, but I'm going to make something.

Artist Anna Berthelsen also grew up with the sea.

- My father was a sea captain, so I have always had a close relationship with boats. I have worked on ferries myself. The sea is an important part of my artistry. Sørlandet in itself is a treasure and a jewel for the entire region. In the past I have been on a few day trips with Sørlandet and it was absolutely fantastic.

- I'm looking forward to delving into the history and I think it's exciting with the theme of young people. That you give them a chance or a different year on board. I think it can be a great opportunity to stop and reflect. The friendships that are created, also in relation to the Tall Ships Races, that they are created because you want young people to go out into the world and make connections.

The artist Erik Pirolt, also known as Sydpolen, has several relationships with Sørlandet .

- It's fun that it is Sørlandet , I know the skipper on board. My father-in-law has also been very involved in Sørlandet and I've been on a little trip with the ship myself. I got some nice ideas when I was asked to join. It's fascinating about the construction technology, and I also have some fun ideas that could be cool. What I'm looking forward to is making things, that's what I think is the most fun. It's also a nice group to work with, then you kind of become a good group.

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