A society rich in art and culture
Arts and Culture Norway (Kulturdirektoratet) is a public agency reporting to the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Equality. We work to broaden access to the arts and culture and to highlight the important role that cultural activity plays in society.
Arts and Culture Norway’s mission is to help develop Norwegian culture however and wherever it manifests itself – from major national institutions to small, local initiatives. We work to promote a diverse and innovative arts and culture sector, in which artists are free to create and there is room for new forms of expression.
Manage financial grants
One of Arts and Culture Norway’s main tasks is to act as the secretariat for the Arts Council Norway (Kulturrådet), the Government Grants for Artists (Statens Kunsterstipend) and the Audio and Visual Fund (Fond for Lyd og Bilde), which allocate financial support to artists and others engaged in the cultural area. These three independent bodies provide grants at the discretion of experts in the field of arts and culture, at arm’s length from the government. In this context, “arm’s length” means that the government cannot influence who is awarded a grant. Art has inherent value and must be free of constraint.
Share new and updated knowledge and provide expert advice
Arts and Culture Norway publishes analyses and reports on the cultural and creative sectors, which contribute to policy formation and provide the general public with better insight. We contribute to a knowledge-based and forward-looking cultural sector through our extensive overview of both Norwegian and international practitioners and organisations.
Develop institutions and preserve Norway’s cultural heritage
Arts and Culture Norway is responsible for developing museums, performing arts institutions and other culture-related organisations. We provide grants which contribute to the development of these institutions. We also evaluate requests from national or important regional institutions for funding support in connection with the construction of buildings and other premises that meet predefined criteria. In addition, we work to preserve and communicate Norway’s national cultural heritage, while administering schemes that strengthen and document the individual cultural heritages of Norway’s national minorities. We also provide grants to amateur theatre companies and outdoor, community-led theatrical performances based on local historical events.
Increase diversity and accessibility
Art and culture should be accessible to all. As the national coordinator for diversity in the cultural sector, we work actively to broaden participation – as audience members, artists or organisers. Our efforts to promote diversity are directed particularly towards visible minorities, people with disabilities, the Sámi population and members of Norway’s official national minorities.
More exchange and fewer borders
The aim of Arts and Culture Norway’s international activities is to promote artistic freedom and freedom of expression, and paves the way for people from Norway to make use of international opportunities. We support cooperation and exchanges that secure the development of the Norwegian cultural sector and cultural heritage.
We are responsible for the EU’s Creative Europe scheme, EEA funding and contact with UNESCO and other international bodies. Culture knows no borders and everyone must have an equal right to express themselves through art and culture.
Ensure sustainable growth and innovation in the cultural sector
The cultural sector is both influenced by and drives important changes in society. Arts and Culture Norway works to highlight the impact that the arts and culture have on other areas of society, and is a driver for the establishment of a more sustainable cultural sector.