Hayat al-Sharif’s exhibition ‘The People in Our City’ opens in Stavanger
As part of Stavanger’s 900th anniversary celebrations, photojournalist and former ICORN resident Hayat al-Sharif has joined forces with Stavanger Aftenblad journalist Arild I. Olsson in a project celebrating the city’s diversity and migration history. Together, they have depicted and interviewed 18 Stavanger residents of immigrant background, giving insight into their lives, interests, and contributions to the local community. The project is in the form of a series of articles published in Stavanger Aftenblad and an exhibition displayed in Byparken throughout the summer of 2025.
The People in Our City (Folkene i Byen Vår) celebrates the 200th anniversary of the departure of the Norwegian emigrant ship ‘Restauration’ and Stavanger’s status as a multicultural city. In 2025, over 20% of Stavanger’s population is of immigrant background, with over 180 nationalities represented. Through al-Sharif’s portraits and Olsson’s interviews, the project tells the stories of 18 individuals of different backgrounds, ages, professions, and origins, each adding their narrative to Stavanger’s history. The articles can be read here.
Speaking of the project, Hayat al-Sharif said:
It has always been a dream for me to take part in something that helps build a country- a place where everyone can do their part, in their own way. In Stavanger, I was given this opportunity.
Working on this project was an incredibly meaningful and educational experience. Through meeting and photographing people in Stavanger, I discovered not only the city, but also myself. I learned to build relationships across language and culture, and found my place in a new community. The project was about more than just pictures- it was about belonging, personal growth, and contributing positively to the local community.
For Hayat al-Sharif, the project is both professional and personal. In 2023, she came to Stavanger from Yemen, after facing frequent threats, harassment, and attacks due to her work as a female photojournalist. Her photography, whether in Yemen or Norway, focuses on the everyday lives and experiences of ordinary people. Her work has been recognised by several international awards, including The Prince Claus Fund (2021) and The Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Project Awards (2021), Stavanger Municipality's Cultural Prize (2023).
The exhibition ‘The People in Our City’ opened on 1 August and will remain on display throughout the summer of 2025.
