Kulturrådet

Kulturrådet, or the Norwegian Arts Council, is a government agency in Norway under the Ministry of Culture. It administers state funding for the cultural sector and provides strategic advice on cultural policy. The council supports a wide range of areas, including performing arts, visual arts, literature, museums, cultural heritage, music, libraries, and cultural education, with emphasis on quality, accessibility, and diversity.

Funding is distributed through grant schemes and programmes to organizations, artists, projects, and institutions at national and local levels. Grant decisions are typically made by committees and external experts, based on criteria such as artistic merit, public benefit, audience development, and international collaboration. The council also conducts analysis, monitoring, and reporting to inform policy and to promote cultural development.

Governance of Kulturrådet includes a board and an executive director, with responsibilities defined by government policy. It operates within the framework of national cultural policy and coordinates with the Ministry of Culture, other public bodies, cultural institutions, and international partners to support and develop the cultural sector across Norway. The council also promotes cultural accessibility, inclusivity, and collaboration between artists, communities, and regional authorities, aiming to strengthen the cultural landscape nationwide.