Artsmangfoldighed

Artsmangfoldighed is a concept within the arts sector that emphasizes diversity in artistic production, practice, and participation. It covers a broad range of differences among artists, audiences, and cultural forms, including gender, ethnicity, culture, disability, age, language, geography, and the range of disciplines and formats used in artistic work. The aim is to reflect the diversity of society and to enrich the arts through varied perspectives and experiences.

In Danish and Nordic cultural policy, artsmangfoldighed is often pursued as part of broader goals of inclusion and democratic access to culture. Public and non-profit funders may encourage or require inclusive practices, monitor representation in programming and grants, and support initiatives designed to broaden participation and reduce barriers to entry for artists and audiences.

Implementation strategies commonly include targeted funding for artists from underrepresented groups, collaborative and participatory projects with communities, and programming that reaches diverse audiences. Additional measures focus on accessibility—physical, linguistic, and digital—alongside capacity-building, mentorship, and research into diversity indicators to inform policy and practice.

Proponents argue that artsmangfoldighed strengthens creativity, expands audiences, and supports social cohesion by bringing multiple voices into cultural life. Critics, however, discuss potential tensions between diversity goals and artistic autonomy, concerns about tokenism, and the resource demands of sustained inclusive work. Ongoing evaluation and authentic engagement with communities are often cited as essential for meaningful progress.

Examples of practice include museum and gallery exhibitions featuring artists from varied backgrounds, festivals prioritizing underrepresented voices, municipal arts initiatives with immigrant or minority communities, and education programs that bridge cultural organizations with schools and local groups.