The programme for H.C. Andersen Festivals 2026 has now been released – and I’m delighted to be part of it.
This year, I’m participating with workshops under the title “Help The Waste Paper People Make New Friends!”, where pupils from four school classes will create their own imaginative Waste Paper People from discarded gift wrap.
The Waste Paper People is an artistic universe I have created, where discarded gift paper is given new life as imaginative paper‑cut figures. The project highlights the potential of reuse and upcycling – but it’s about more than waste and resources. It’s also about community, and about the joy of making new friends and being part of something bigger.
The paper was originally meant to be sorted as residual waste and burned – but instead of going up in smoke, it is transformed into colourful new members of the Waste Paper People. I’m excited to see what the pupils will come up with.
Open workshop – Saturday during the festival
In addition to the school workshops, I’m also hosting an open workshop for all ages on the Saturday of the festival week. Everyone – young and old – is welcome to drop by and create their very own new member of The Waste Paper People
Exhibition: “The Waste Paper People Made New Friends!” – Odense Central Library
All the newly created Waste Paper People – together with my own – will be gathered in a joint exhibition at Odense Central Library during the festival and until 31 August 2026.
I’m very much looking forward to being part of the festival again and hope to see you there – together with all members of The Waste Paper People.
A big thank you to H.C. Andersen Festivals and Odense Central Library for collaborating on this project.
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