The anniversary — which has become more than that.

Unge Kunstneres Samfund was founded on 28 October 1921. 30 young painters, painters and sculptors were present. Three months passed before the number of members had doubled, and today you will find 320 active artists from all over the country resting in the membership list.

If conviviality marked the origin of society, one would assume that the form was rather unsentimental. "The association's first meeting was scheduled for 4 February 1921, but was prevented at the last minute when the premises burned down." As far as the wording in the protocol.

However, it soon became apparent that there was no shortage of tasks for the young association, tasks that not only made the U.K.S. viable, but actually indispensable as a purely visual artist organisation. U.K.S. has long taken its place as a supporting factor within Norwegian artistic life.

The association's work to promote the members' financial and professional interests has naturally been close. One would assume that not all great art is created in "dens" and port rooms with bliss as the nearest bed. Presumably the opposite.

Today (1957) we have a scholarship fund of approx. NOK 112,000.

The studio shortage has always been the great national occupational disease of the visual arts, but here too it is starting to lighten up in the corners. Projects such as artist housing in Iladalen, at Ekely and now Bøler, have sprung from the U.K.S. pan.

In order to be accepted into the Young Artists' Society, one must submit five sample works. These are judged by our own jury, whose possible recommendation is dealt with by the board. It is no secret that the requirements are strict, which not only serves the artist himself, but also our audience. Membership conditions itself, said no way except the jury for the future either.

U.K.S. have long since lifted the age limits. Not because youth comes with the years purely in general, but because it may well be so. A buyer at one of our events was rather amazed when he met the work's creator. He was a little over 70 years old. Although we have older members than that, it is reasonably enough the younger and middle generation who represent the tribe.

An important part of the U.K.S.'s work is information activities, which we not only find expedient, but carry out with pleasure. Traveling exhibitions at home and abroad with guides and speakers to name one thing.

From 1937 we have run a goods exchange center under the administration of "Art for Goods"'s council, should anyone prefer this form. In the same year, Oslo municipality allowed us to take over the premises at Rådhusgata 19, not only for free, but with annual contributions in addition. From these century-old premises, the entire U.K.S. work, and here, between the historical aura and today's visual art, you will find our tireless secretary every day within reasonable office hours.

“U.K.S. friends" is an association of the association's stakeholders. It is no small amount of work these loved ones have put in over the years out of pure selfless joy. But the U.K.S. has made many friends through his work. The authorities for example.

It is certainly not common, but we would still like to take the opportunity to thank the authorities for all the benevolent assistance over the years. Oslo municipality and both within and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, - our most heartfelt and unreserved thanks.

Should some people be of the opinion that 35 years is not a "real" anniversary, then we can take comfort in the fact that we are actually 36. But since it is now 34 years since our first exhibition was launched, - yes, should in any case, the cross sum is correct.

Einar Granum.