Porsgrunn

Photo:
Wesam Almadani and Maria Guribye reading poetry. Photo: Porsgrunn Library.

Porsgrunn is a large river town located in the district of Telemark, close to the sea and the mountains.

With a rich industrial history, Porsgrunn has a long tradition of trading, connecting internationally, and being a cultural hub with activities such as the live music venue Rockeklubben,  the annual Porsgrunn International Theater Festival hosted by Grenland Friteater, one of Norway's oldest independent theater groups, and the Porcelain Museum.

In 2023, the council of Porsgrunn Municipality voted in favour of joining ICORN. In January 2024, the official ICORN Membership Agreement was signed, making Porsgrunn the 25th ICORN City of Refuge in Norway and the 86th worldwide.

Porsgrunn Public Library is responsible for coordinating the ICORN residency, also offering an office space available for the city's current ICORN resident.

The library has served the local population since 1846 as a natural meeting place for people of all ages and a cultural venue.