Kulturytring 2025: Når er det krise i kulturlivet? (engelsk)

During Kulturytring 2025, TrAP invites you to the conversation “When Is It a Crisis in the Cultural Sector?”
This talk marks the launch of a new national initiative to strengthen safety and preparedness within the arts and culture field. The project brings together experiences from a range of institutions and disciplines, aiming to develop new practices and share knowledge across sectors.

“We are in the midst of a culture war,” says Hilde Ghosh Maisey, outgoing director of TrAP.
“Artists and cultural workers we support are facing increasing threats. We must take greater responsibility – not only for the artists but also for the audience.”

She adds:
“We also need to learn how to better care for audiences through strong safety routines – and start integrating security staff as part of our cultural institutions. This is a field where we need to think in new ways and stand together across roles and institutions.”

Pernille Ødegaard, with a background in both the police and the cultural field, points out that threats against outspoken artists are often underestimated:
“Artist care is often overlooked, especially in smaller institutions. Security must become a natural part of planning.”

“One of the biggest challenges,” she continues, “is that many in the field don’t see themselves as part of emergency preparedness. But security isn’t just about guards and police – it’s about how we create safe environments from the planning stages to the execution of events.”

“I’ve seen how fear can creep in – for both artists and audiences. That’s why it’s crucial we talk to each other, learn from one another, and dare to speak openly about what we’re experiencing. We can’t leave this to individuals alone.”

“By working across disciplines, we gain holistic solutions and better understanding. It requires openness, trust, and mutual respect – but together we are stronger,” says Pernille.

Nasra Ali Omar, incoming director of TrAP, believes the initiative is a vital step forward:
“This is an important part of today’s reality – something we must face together. Culture is often the first thing to come under threat when solidarity, equality, and identity are under pressure.”

“I hope this project helps build meaningful connections between artists, institutions, policymakers, and the public. We need to engage wherever we can for the sake of the collective,” she says.

Panelists:
• Pernille Ødegaard – Moderator, with a background in policing and the cultural sector
• Nasra Ali Omar – Moderator, incoming director of TrAP
• Bjørgulv Vinje Borgundvaag (H) – Advisor and former State Secretary
• Rhiannon Hovden Edwards – Director of the Culture Department at Virke
• György Ujvári-Pintér (Hungary) – Program Manager, Magic Mirror / Sziget Festival

The conversation will be held in English and is free to attend with a Kulturytring festival pass.
Learn more about the event at: www.kulturytring.no