Aschehoug’s garden party – Aschehoug’s garden party canceled

Of all the summer’s cultural parties, Aschehoug’s garden party is the largest most expensive – and probably the most important. Now it’s canceled, again.

– We will return stronger next year. Then Aschehoug publishing house is 150 years old, says publishing manager Mads Nygaard to Dagbladet.

1250 guests in the garden

The party was also not held last year in the garden of the publisher’s venerable and fashionable villa on Skarpsno in Oslo. Cause: covid-19.

– We made the decision earlier this week. We do not find it justifiable in the prevailing circumstances to arrange such a large party, even if it is outdoors. When 1250 people are gathered in the garden of the Aschehoug villa, it becomes cramped, says the publisher.

Aschehoug promises to make up for lost time next year.

– Then we turn 150 years old, and it will be marked throughout the autumn. And of course there will be a big garden party on the last Thursday in August – as always, before the corona, says Nygaard.

– Well spent money

The culture and media industry is experiencing other and tougher times. Many companies have in recent years downgraded the scope of large markings and partying, to save money.

– Will Aschehoug in the future use the corona to make the garden party smaller and cheaper?

– No, not at all, says a clear and distinct Nygaard, and adds:

– This is money well spent on our authors, guests and friends of the publisher. The garden party is in honor of everyone who is connected to us in one way or another. We have perhaps Norway’s finest garden, and being able to meet in an informal way once a year and drink, eat and mingle is important.

Handing out the Aschehoug Prize

Last year, the Aschehoug Prize was not awarded. It goes to a Norwegian author, regardless of which publisher he or she is affiliated with. But this year the prize will be awarded.

– The Aschehoug Prize is awarded, but on a smaller scale. When and where the award ceremony will take place is not clear. It is not us, but a jury linked to the Norwegian Critics’ Association that is responsible for the selection of the author, says Nygaard.

Big 150th anniversary party

The award has existed since the early 70’s. But Aschehoug publishing house has existed much longer. The publishing house was founded in 1872.

– It is unusual for a business to live so long, says Nygaard:

– The publisher has left its mark on the formation of the nation even before the dissolution of the union. 150 years is a long time in those contexts, and it must be marked.

– In what way, do you mean?

– 20 September 2022 is the anniversary day itself, and it must of course be celebrated properly. We will have more markings during the next autumn, but we will get closer to that, says Mads Nygaard.

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