Welcome to Arts Council Norway

ARTS COUNCIL NORWAY was established in 1965 with three principal tasks:

• managing the Norwegian Culture Fund
• advising the central government and public sector on cultural affairs
• initiating experimental cultural activities in areas which the Council considers to be of particular interest

Each year the Storting (Norway's national assembly) provides an overall allocation to the Culture Fund. In 2010, the total allocation amounted to NOK 430 million.

Although the Council is formally managed and financed by the Ministry of Culture, it retains a largely independent position. The Ministry is responsible for laying down general cultural policy guidelines and managing the operating grants for national and regional cultural institutions, while the Council manages the allocation of funds to artistic and cultural projects throughout the country.

Chair of Arts Council Norway is Bentein Baardsson (2009-2010)