About Arts Council Norway

The Council normally meets six times a year. The Council has ten members, appointed by the Government.

The professional committees
Nine professional committees are appointed to deal with specialist fields. Members are appointed on the basis of their artistic and cultural qualifications. In addition, there are a number of project groups and sub-committees, such as the evaluation and appeals committee for literature. In connection with its preparation of matters for comment and discussion, the Council also makes extensive use of external consultants and maintains regular contacts with a large number of highly qualified advisers.

The administration
Arts Council Norway encompasses two other independent funding institutions: the Government Grant for Artists and the The Audio and Visual Fund. All together, these three institutions employ a staff of approximately 50, including management, executive officers in each of the special fields, and clerical and accounting staff. The research section also engages personnel on a project basis.

Annual conference
Each year the Arts Council organises a conference on a specific cultural topic. Participants include cultural operators, cultural workers, and representatives from the local, regional and national authorities.

The Council's award
Each year, the Arts Council awards a special prize for outstanding achievement in the arts to a prominent Norwegian cultural figure. The official awards ceremony is held in the beginning of December. Internationally acclaimed recipients include actress and film director Liv Ullmann, composer Arne Nordheim, architect Sverre Fehn, author and playwright Jon Fosse.

The main tasks of Arts Council Norway:

Managing the Norwegian Culture Fund

Advising authorities and cultural operators

Initiating experimental cultural activities