Walls of resistance: Street art meets the fight for liberation

On Friday, June 27, SAIH invite you to the unveiling of Oslo’s largest mural – a massive 590 m² – at Christian Krohgs gate 39/41.

The unveiling mark the highlight of our artivism project – a collaboration between SAIH and Street Art Oslo, part of the Oslo Street Art Festival 2025.

In a time marked by unrest, we aim to use art as a tool for resistance. Inspired by SAIH’s slogan, education for liberation, this project highlights the power of community and solidarity.

James Finucane, the festival’s artistic director, says about the partnership:

The mural consists of two parts. The upper section will be created by an internationally renowned street artist, who will be announced soon. The lower section is designed by graffiti artist Flexi Aukan (Mikal Bøckman) in collaboration with SAIH’s activists.

Program // Friday June 27

Part 1 - Artist Talk with Flexi Aukan
Time/place: 16:30–18:00 at Folk in Storgata
We invite you to a conversation with the artist behind the activist part of the work. Mikal Bøckman, also known as Flexi Aukan, is a visual artist, musician, and activist with roots in both Hauketo and Chile. He combines the energy of graffiti with political struggle and artistic expression. The talk will include a short introduction by Selma Bratberg, President of SAIH.

Part 2 - Symbolic unveiling
Time/Place: 18:00–19:00 at Folk i Storgata
We celebrate the unveiling of Oslo’s largest mural, with music, speeches, and slam poetry at Folk in Storgata.

Speakers include:

• Selma Bratberg, President of SAIH
• Anita Leirvik North, Vice Mayor for Culture and Business Development
• Jihad Al-Mahdi, leader of Students for Palestine at UiO

Slam poetry by poet and activist Ida Helene Benonisen.

Light refreshments by Cousins – a young, multicultural food collective known for tasty and sustainable food.

Part 3 - Visit the mural and join the Improv Street Art Tour
Time/Place: 19:00 at Christian Krohgs gate 39/41
As the program ends, we’ll head together to the mural in Christian Krohgs gate. This is your chance to see the artwork up close – since the main event takes place at Folk. You're also invited to join a free Impro Street Art Tour hosted by Street Art Oslo.

This is not a traditional guided tour, but a playful and thought-provoking experience that challenges how we think about both art and reality. When fact, fiction, imagination, and the city space blend together, new perspectives emerge. Come along for the ride!

We hope to see you there!