19-year-old Agnes Fernanda Kierulf plays bass and trumpet in the band “Vepsestikk”. A newcomer band from the Bergen area consisting of four girls. – We think it is important to be role models for girls who want to play in bands, says Kierulf. This year, “Vepsestikk” is booked for several Norwegian festivals, including the music festival Bergenfest, which takes place in the western village in mid-June. As women, they are clearly in the minority on the festival’s artist list. IN THE MINORITY: Agnes Fernanda Kierulf (tv) thinks it is surprising that more male artists are booked for Norwegian festivals. Surprised, news’s count shows that of the 47 artists and bands that will play at the festival, around a quarter are female solo artists or bands with a majority of female members. Frank Nes is festival manager for Bergenfest. He admits that they can do more to get more women on stage. Photo: Bente Kjøllesdal – It was surprising that there is such a large preponderance of men, says Kierulf when news tells her about the count. – Nevertheless, we have unfortunately become used to it being like this, she adds. Bookings not based on gender For Bergenfest represents what was the average for all Norwegian festivals last year, according to the newspaper Vårt Land. Then there were 25 per cent women who stood on the festival stages. Festival manager for Bergenfest, Frank Nes, says they are consciously trying to have more female artists on the programme. – But we do not book our program based on gender balance, he says to news. – There are several male artists and bands with mainly men. So it’s also about availability, in addition to finances and several other factors, he explains. Culture Minister Anette Trettebergstuen (Ap) wants to say something, but for now not do anything about the proportion of women at Norwegian music festivals. Photo: Snorre Tønset / Snorre Tønset/news The Minister of Culture wants to reverse the trend Culture Minister Anette Trettebergstuen (Ap) believes that the number of female artists should not become a resting pillow. – There are more than enough ladies who can play at festivals. Nevertheless, the festivals continue to book the most men, she says to news. The Minister of Culture will now reverse the trend. Not with a concrete measure, but with a clear call. – I ask the festivals to think a little more about the gender balance when they book artists in the future. Both this year, but also in the years to come, says Trettebergstuen. Siri Haugan Holden in Norwegian concert organizers suggests that the festivals set concrete goals to improve the gender balance. Photo: Jane Lool Specific goals Frank Nes in Bergenfest agrees with the Minister of Culture. – We should all take up the challenge and become better at booking more women in the years ahead. Siri Haugan Holden in Norwegian concert organizers believes that the festivals should set concrete goals going forward. – If we want to change this, concrete goals must be set, she says. – Should the festivals prioritize gender balance over the best and most current artists? – This is a discussion that does not get us further. Women and quality are not mutually exclusive. The majority of Norwegian artists who are big today are women, so there are many to choose from, she says.
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– Surprisingly few women on stage – news Culture and entertainment
