Elefant is a common work space for creative professionals, located at Erfjordgata 8, Storhaug, in East Stavanger, Norway.  Erfjordgata 8 is a five floor brick building, originally raised for canning industry in the early days, later turned into an offset print house in the 80´s. 

In 2013, we - a small group of people working in the arts and cultural entrepreneurship - wanted to relocate from our current offices and artist studios in town. As a result of thorough research, we discovered this huge building that had been empty for eight years, with high ceilings, industrial atmosphere and perfect location. We took on a lease, and there and then we founded our collaborative called “Erfjordgata 8”, later known as the umbrella and brand “Elefant”. 

It has to be mentioned that in 2013 we committed only to half of the 2nd floor, as we did not know how this would develop, being harshly confronted with market sq.m. prices and needs of better facilities. With financial support from Arts Council Norway and Stavanger Municipality we were able to make a spare start, and to construct studios, offices, exhibition space, workshop and common areas the way we wanted. Then we expanded from six to more than 20 creative workers within a year.

Since then, our strategy has been to patiently, solely and steadily focus on attracting and including creative tenants that bring in professional experience, high ambitions and positive energy. 

Today we are spread over all five floors, and more than 35 professionals are currently part of Elefant; architects, photographers, visual artists, sound studio, music production- and management, guitar builder, writers, art critiques, art historians, designers, publishers, film makers, producers, dancers, singers, tailor, sound proofing, snowboard builders, journalists and more.

Click here to see the list of all the great tenants.