Siw Andersen

Background

About Siw Andersen

Art and innovation change systems — and build new ones. That’s what drives me. My mission is clear: support Oslo in it's journey of being a great place to live, make Oslo a world-leading city for sustainable solutions, and the preferred destination for talent, investors and visitors. Supporting creatives and entrepreneurs has always been my long-term commitment. Growing up as an outsider, I learned early on how place, identity and creativity shape belonging. Today, that perspective fuels my work in leadership, startups and city development. I’m currently Managing Director of Oslo Business Region, owned by the City of Oslo. We work to boost economic growth, push the green shift, and position Oslo internationally. Beyond that, I serve on the boards of Galleri ROM (where art, architecture and public space meet) and By:Larm (the Nordic music festival supporting new talent). Earlier I’ve worked across fashion, art, media and music — from Fashion Editor of the award-winning Katachi Magazine, to founder of fashionFokus, and six years as DJ and mentor in the creative collective Koso. I grew up in Ål, with South-Korean roots, and have lived in Singapore, London and spent a brief summer in New Zealand. The mix of places and cultures has shaped how I see the world: as connected, diverse and full of challenges - and full potential. I have previously served on the boards of Oslo Architecture Triennale and Bærum Kunsthall, on the advisory board of Oslo Urban Arena, and the board nominee committee of the business cluster ArenaOslo Keywords that guide me: Leadership, Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Startups, Art, Innovation, Project management, Communication, Place Branding, Identity, Women in Business, DEIB, Urban Development, Technology for Good.