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Reverse-Gentrification of the Literary World

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News & Features » November 2014 » Spotlight on AMSCAN and Scandinavia House

Spotlight on AMSCAN and Scandinavia House

Attention, New York! On Monday, March 14, Scandinavia House (58 Park Avenue at 38th Street, Manhattan) will host a launch event for Stockholm Noir featuring editor Nathan Larson. This event is cosponsored by the Consulate General of Sweden and will feature a guest appearance by the ambassador. It will begin at 6:30pm and is free of charge. Light refreshments will be served. Click here to RSVP.

Today, Akashic is thrilled to spotlight AMSCAN and Scandinavia House with more information about their organization: 

scandinavia houseScandinavia House, opened by the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF), is the epicenter of Nordic culture in America. Scandinavia House was designed by Polshek Partnership Architects and inaugurated in October 2000. Soon after, it became the leading public forum for cultural advancement that features many exhibitions—from film series, readings, and concerts to lectures, language courses, and children’s activities—that highlight the cultural diversity and fervor of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

Scandinavia House has warmly received over one million visitors since 2000, and continues to welcome many more. In addition to its exhibitions and cultural programs, Scandinavia House offers Nordic fine dining and shopping, as well as a play and learning center for children, featuring architecture based on designs of early childhood education centers in Scandinavia. Scandinavia House has become a center for educational and cultural advancement due to funding from the ASF.

The ASF is a nonprofit organization founded in 1911 by industrialist Niels Poulson and other leaders from the fields of business and education who came together and recognized the pressing need for Nordic cultural representation and growth in America. The ASF is highly committed to the enhancement of knowledge, as evidenced by the programs of study, research, and practical training they have provided for over 30,000 Americans and Scandinavians. The ASF is recognized as the first international non-governmental society solely focused on cultural and educational development. The founders created a mission statement concentrating on the advancement and cultural enrichment of the relationship between the United States and Nordic countries. Following generations have stuck to this ideal, creating a supportive community that continues to grow.

The entire community greatly benefits from the programs and projects of the ASF. To help further educational stimulation and cultural development, the ASF provides internships and training for young Americans and Scandinavians who wish to receive experience and knowledge of practical skills. Through the ASF’s Internship and Training Program, these individuals are sent abroad and receive training in their respective fields. The ASF’s Fellowship Program awards individual students, scholars, professionals, and artists with fellowships equaling nearly $800,000 yearly to advance their projects abroad. The ASF also financially supports the public through its Public Project Grants Program, awarding almost $200,000 each year to other institutions across the United States, in hopes to reach out to people outside of New York City, which houses their headquarters.

To learn more about the American Scandinavian Foundation and Scandinavia House, please visit their website.

Posted: Nov 5, 2014

Category: Akashic in Good Company | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,