The church warden in Oslo, Kjetil Haga, handed over a large key in glass and crystal to the management of Skeivt art and culture centre (SKOKS) and Pride Art on Wednesday.

The key symbolises that SKOKS will have Sofienberg church as its place of residence in the near future.

The centre has initially leased the Sofienberg church until 2023, says Kjetil Haga to Vårt Land.

The church warden can tell that such a centre is in line with Christian culture.

The church council supports the creation of such an art and culture centre. We had premises that were available and they were interested in renting there. We have had a very good discussion with them and with the local congregation, says Haga.

The chairman of SKOKS, Marius Hofseth, is delighted.

Now we finally land. We will become a living house and a safe meeting place for all types with a wide diversity of art and culture in the city centre. SKOKS will eventually become a national competence centre for the whole country.

Frederick Nathanael is the artistic director of the gay artist collective Pride Art, and is the initiator of SKOKS.

Everyone who defines themselves as gay artists or cultural practitioners at all levels and art forms should have the opportunity to contribute content, he says.

Leader of the parish council, Oddrun Remvik, will look at how the church can be of use to children, young people, gay people and those who need a place to be.

There are major living standard challenges in the area around Sofienberg church, we believe that the church and the church space can become an important part of our diaconal work. We want it to be a cathedral of diversity, she concludes.