Festepunktene

Festepunktene, also known as festival points, are a system used in Norway to allocate funding for cultural events and festivals. The system was introduced in 2007 as part of the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs' efforts to promote and support the country's vibrant cultural scene. Festepunktene are awarded to festivals and events that meet specific criteria, including artistic quality, cultural significance, and community impact.

The allocation of festepunktene is based on a points system, where each festival is evaluated by a panel of experts. The points are awarded in three categories: artistic quality, cultural significance, and community impact. The total number of points a festival can receive is 100, with a maximum of 33 points in each category.

Festivals that receive a certain number of points are eligible for funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs. The amount of funding is determined by the number of points a festival receives, with higher point totals resulting in larger funding allocations. Festepunktene are intended to support festivals and events that contribute to Norway's cultural diversity and promote cultural exchange.

The festepunktene system has been praised for its ability to support a wide range of cultural events and festivals, from small local events to large international festivals. However, the system has also been criticized for its subjectivity and the potential for favoritism. Despite these criticisms, the festepunktene system remains an important tool for promoting and supporting Norway's vibrant cultural scene.