TrAP får ny daglig leder: Velkommen tilbake, Nasra Omar!

"It feels good. I’m excited to be working with TrAP again. Both the organization and I have gained new experiences, learned new things, and made new connections. Now we’re reconnecting – and I’m really looking forward to it," says Nasra.

Experience from the North, with a national perspective
Since 2018, Nasra has led TrAP Tromsø, where she established herself as a strong voice in the local arts scene and a driving force for diversity and collaboration. Among other things, she helped launch the Tromsø World Festival and produced art projects such as Sayed Sattar Hasan’s sled at the Northern Norway Art Museum.

"We managed to achieve a lot. In addition to the big projects, it was all the small pop-up initiatives for diversity and inclusion that maybe opened a few doors. The most important thing now is to keep pushing on those doors – and to find new ones," she says.

In Tromsø, she combined her project work at TrAP with a position as an advisor for the municipality. This gave her valuable insight into how public funding can be used strategically to strengthen the arts – especially in regions outside Oslo.

"There are many people with great ideas, but without an organization to support them. TrAP can be a real partner for those individuals. That’s where I see our national potential: to be present – not just represented."

An artist in a leadership role
Nasra is not only a cultural leader – she’s also a performer. As a drummer in the experimental electronic band Ugress, she has performed on stages across Norway and played an active role in the country’s music scene. Through music, she has developed a strong sense of rhythm, collaboration, and listening – qualities that shape her both as an artist and a leader.

"I love playing drums whenever I can. It gives me energy, focus, and joy. There’s something about being part of a collective expression that only exists in the moment – it really reflects how I think about cultural work in general."

She also climbs when she has the time, and dreams of spring climbs without "corpse fingers" – her humorous description of losing circulation in her hands in the cold. In her free time, she enjoys experiencing art and culture and spending time with friends, her partner, and family – whom she’s now excited to live closer to.

"One of the big reasons I applied was to be closer to my family and my nieces and nephews in Oslo. It’ll be wonderful to be part of their everyday lives again – without needing to plan every detail."

A personal commitment to structural change
Nasra is described as fearless, attentive, and generous. She combines warmth with clarity and has a unique ability to build connections across boundaries. She knows the work of diversity from the inside out – and has personally faced many of the challenges that artists from minority backgrounds encounter.

"I’ve always been searching for my own people. In Tromsø, I found a sense of resonance in the Sámi art community. Together, we became braver. There’s something powerful about not standing alone in these spaces – and that has shaped both my artistic vision and my commitment to structural change."

Diversity as justice
For Nasra, diversity is not about "representation" – it’s about rights and democracy.

"Diversity in the arts and cultural field is about the right to participate, about access, and about true equality. It’s about being allowed to exist. In practice, that means we still have a long way to go – especially outside the major cities."

As the new director, she aims to strengthen TrAP’s national relevance without losing its local roots. She emphasizes the need for stronger regional collaborations, shared learning, and a more intentional flow of resources.

"I hope we can grow into a relevant and present actor for more people – not just in Oslo, but across the entire country."

An organization in motion
In the years to come, Nasra hopes to further develop TrAP as a platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration and institutional impact. She envisions a more flexible organization – one that adapts to different needs and art forms, and works even more closely with grassroots communities.

"I’m really looking forward to working with the incredible team at TrAP. This is an organization with deep knowledge of inclusion, norm criticism, and power structures. Together, we can start new projects, elevate existing collaborations – and maybe dare to dream a little bigger."

Thank you, Hilde – and welcome back, Nasra
With Nasra Omar stepping in as director, TrAP is entering a new phase – grounded in the past, but looking ahead. At the same time, we thank Hilde Maisey for ten years of insightful and innovative leadership, and for building an organization that continues to move toward greater diversity, collaboration, and strength.

Nasra describes the transition as both emotional and meaningful.

"It’s both sad and beautiful to be Hilde’s successor. I’ve truly enjoyed working with her and have learned so much – especially through the trust and support she’s given me in developing the work in Tromsø. She’s been a great coach and conversation partner, especially during times when I’ve felt alone in the effort to create more inclusive spaces. It’s with deep humility that I step into this role at TrAP."

Welcome back, Nasra. We’re excited for what’s to come.