Focus on the region and promoting handicrafts
Since Sørlandets Kunstmuseum was established in 1995, the museum has assembled its own collection which today consists of approximately 1,700 works.
Initially, the collection was supposed to build upon and complement the works that were a part of the the Christianssands Picture Gallery, which focused on contemporary art and handicrafts. The museum has consistently maintained a regional profile featuring acquisitions of works by artists with a local connection to Agder County. Over the years, various directors and different purchasing committees have also secured the acquisition of essential works by Norwegian and, to some extent, Nordic contemporary artists and craftsmen.
In connection to the move to Kunstsilo, the name of the collection has changed to the Sørland Collection.