Saturday, 17. May 2025, Experience 2 at Skagens Museum

A Journey Through Time: Skagen Then and Now

The photo competition hosted by the Skagen Museum as part of the Creative Europe–funded project Open Atelier, invited participants from the Northern Region on a unique journey through time - bridging the past, when the Skagen artist colony flourished, with the present, where Skagen thrives as a modern industrial town.
This theme allowed visitors to explore Skagen’s rich and evolving identity, capturing both its historical depth and dynamic present.

Although the event was primarily aimed at a younger audience, it drew participants of all ages. The sense of adventure and thoughtful programming had broad appeal, demonstrating that a well-designed cultural experience resonates across generations. Visitors expressed joy and satisfaction with the day’s events and the locally inspired menu, which paid tribute to Skagen’s heritage as a fishing town.

The synergy between the museum’s exhibition and the town itself was especially impactful. Several participants noted that, in their eyes, Skagen had become far more than just a summer destination - it is a town rooted in culture, history, and ongoing transformation. Many left Skagen with a newfound appreciation for the town and its legacy.

On the day of the Public Event, a total of 71 photos taken by 25 persons was previewed by the appointed pre-jury that had the following young creative members: Ann Sofie Knudsen Jensen (AJ), Ditte Marie Sommer and Alma Risted Thordal Nielsen. All 3 of them had attended the workshop earlier that laid the fundament for the Public Event. They selected 33 of the received photos which the jury thereafter went through and gave a process of assessments.
Kathrine Just Jørgensen, assistant at SKM was secretary for the 2 x jury.

Finally, the winners of the Open Atelier Photo Competition in Denmark at the Skagens Museums was selected by an appointed jury, namely photographer and artist Joséphine Douet, former mayor and art connoisseur Kurt Kirkedal, photographer Lars V. Andersen and Kalinka Ranfelt-Tørngren, the assistant at Skagens Museum that had the responsibility for the Public Event.

1. Prize

FREDERIKKE BJØRNAGER, with the Photo Død/Death

2. Prize

CECILIE MIERITZ, with the photo Fiskerlivets Fibre
/Fisherlife Fibers

3. Prize

CECILIE FRICKE, with the Photo Ingen Titel/No Title

See the 33 photos selected by the pre-jury: