– It is badly needed, says Are Gråbak. He is a church servant in Melhus parish in Trøndelag. The old stone church is one of nearly 1,000 churches that will soon apply for funds for renovation. – This is a big boost for all local communities and means a lot for the whole of Norway, says Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe (Sp). She calls the conservation strategy, which was presented by the government on Wednesday, the start of a historic venture and a historic collaboration. The government wants to ensure that for the next 20–30 years we will spend up to NOK 500 million annually to restore church buildings. The strategy has been drawn up by the Ministry of Children and Families in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate and the Environment. – This is historic. This is what Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum (Sp) says and continues: – Now we will set aside NOK 10 billion, which over time will give NOK 500 million annually to take care of churches all over Norway. It is to take care of the Norwegian cultural heritage. Over the next 20-30 years, up to NOK 500 million will be spent annually on church buildings. Photo: Grete Thobroe / news This money will be used for The conservation strategy includes what are called culturally historically valuable church buildings. This means all protected and listed churches in the country, regardless of ownership. In total, we are talking about just under 1,000 churches. The money comes as dividends from the Swedish Information Agency’s fund and additional grants from the state budget. In total, the fund amounts to NOK 10 billion. There will be three conservation programmes. One for medieval churches, one for churches built in the period 1537 to 1850, and one for churches built after this. Church servants Are Gråbak in Melhus church show the poor condition the church is in now. Photo: Morten Andersen / news It may be about the church building itself, the interior of the church, or other measures such as climate protection and improvement of the electrical system. There must also be an emphasis on, among other things, knowledge, competence, experience and commitment. Medieval churches in stone are to be prioritized first. May enter into force this summer The National Archives will have a central role in the follow-up, and will have the formal management responsibility. The management will be located in Trondheim, in the Waisenhuset by Nidaros Cathedral. In total, there will be 12 man-years here. – This is the biggest promise that has ever happened for cultural monuments in Norway, says national antiquarian Hanna Geiran. – Compared to other countries, we have few monumental buildings, which is why the churches are so important to us. The grant scheme will now be out for consultation. If the Storting agrees to it, the arrangement can enter into force from this summer. Destroying the Kantor organ in Melhus church, Christine Goedecke, says that it would have been wonderful to have money for renovations. She is well aware that the church is in bad shape. Cantor Christine Goedecke in Melhus church. Photo: Morten Andersen / news – The air quality is poor due to plaster falling down. It also goes beyond the organ. The plaster falls inside the organ and can clog the pipes, says Goedecke. She has wanted renovation ever since she started working in the church in 2016. – For me, it’s about a house of worship that should be a great place. Then it’s nice if it shines. – The biggest promise that has ever happened for cultural monuments in Norway Hanna Geiran, National Antiquarian – Compared to other countries, we have few monumental buildings, and that is why the churches are so important to us. We have prepared well, and we will make use of the National Archives’ long experience with antiquarian advice and arrangements for the protection and use of the churches. The National Antiquities Authority also has extensive experience with grant management. Now there are several practical things left to do, such as recruitment for the program secretariat, and we will get started on this immediately. KA CEO Marit Halvorsen Hougsnæs – With today’s launch of the church preservation fund, we stand on the threshold of a new era, where the state will also weigh in. Not to replace the responsibility that currently lies with the parish as church owner and with the municipality. But to enable a heavier, larger and necessary lift. We have therefore been looking forward to this day. Buvik church is also among the churches that can apply for funds from the fund. Photo: Morten Andersen / news – Historically important The Past Memory Association was among several who were skeptical when the government presented the news about the church fund. This is because the government cut grants in anticipation of the fund. – We are very happy with the strategies presented today. This is a historically important investment to take care of some of the most valuable cultural heritage we have in this country, which the Ancient Heritage Association has worked for for many years. That’s what Ola H. Fjeldheim of the Past Memory Association says. He believes that it is a good move to divide into three programs according to age. He is particularly pleased that the emphasis is on building competence. – Many of the churches have stood for hundreds of years. It shows that they are built solidly and sustainably, and with knowledge that we must also acquire in our time. It is particularly important that craftsmanship and material skills are strengthened and incorporated into the future.
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This is how the money from the Church Preservation Fund will be used – news Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio
