The government’s budget proposal is a possible crisis for the free performing arts field in the capital and thus also in Norway. The free performing arts field, you said? Yes. We are the ones who are not employed by a theatre, but create the art projects from scratch – for the enjoyment of adults, young people and children. Crisis, really? That’s how it is every time. A budget is presented, and some shout loudly that this is the hook on the door. But this is actually news, even if it may disappear a little: the government has proposed grants for 16 new projects under the scheme for national cultural buildings, a new scheme for regional cultural funds and more money for the operation of several cultural institutions. And: Last year, a new support scheme was introduced for established performing arts companies. Still, we complain. To quote news’s cultural commentator Inger Merete Hobbelstad: “It is the cultural field we are talking about, after all.” Yes, it is. We are the ones who create value without generating profit. Other types of values, such as joy, wonder and conflict. And now more support has come both to institutions and to us in the free field. But we who create performances must have a place to create them. This is the crisis: In Oslo, where most of the performing artists live and work, it is often almost impossible to find a suitable production space. But before the reader yawns and scrolls on, let’s say something about city and country: City and la la country Many people probably think that the budget has a nice district profile. Let us remind you of something: Yes, most funds go to artists who live in Oslo. But most of the people whose applications are rejected also live in Oslo. This is where the vast majority of artists live and work. Some of us artists were actually born and raised here, in Groruddalen even. There is also quite an audience here. Over 700,000 people live in Oslo municipality. There are 140,000 people living in Groruddalen alone, and there will be more. They don’t have a theater or a cinema, but many families with children who can’t afford it. The city is also part of the country. It is not always a contradiction. And: Many of us Oslo artists produce and show art all over Norway every now and then. For our own part, we will have our next premiere in Kirkenes. Kloden theater At the bottom of Groruddalen – in the middle of Oslo’s largest development area – a new theater building is planned for children, young people and families. And for the entire free performing arts field. But: After ten years of hard work, and broad support throughout the country, there may not be a Kloden theater after all. After two years of government support, NOK 0 has been set aside for the project in the government’s budget proposal. Too bad for us, don’t you think? No, too bad for all of us. What children and young people (and the rest of us) need Kloden theater got its name because they think big. It will be a theater where children and young people will be able to experience the best performing arts from all over Norway, and from abroad. Children and young people need it. We must not forget that they are more than their age group. They are individuals with unique experiences, perspectives and interests. Children and young people have the right to participate in artistic and cultural life, and they deserve to experience different artistic expressions and different perspectives. Just like us, they need both to be able to identify themselves and to be challenged. That’s why we need Kloden theatre, a development arena and a screening venue for the breadth of the best in theater and dance for our children and young people. Junction But no art without artists. Kloden teater is well on its way to becoming a place of production and development for everyone who creates performing arts, for children, young people and adults. We artists also need to be challenged. Authors of children’s books are inspired by books for adults. This is also the case with stage artists. We are inspired by each other’s work, and Kloden teater can inspire more people to create something for the little ones and the young. Room for art In order for children and young people to have a rich offer of theater and dance, we need stages, but also rehearsal rooms. We must have a place to create art. This is a bit boring to talk about, and perhaps also to allocate money for, but it is critical. Without a production room, there will be no theater and dance. This is a serious problem: the very few suitable production rooms in Oslo are usually fully booked well in advance. According to the plan, Teaterhuset Kloden will have two theatres, but also good production rooms (and much else). We need this: Økern, Groruddalen, Oslo and Norway. Critical phase What has long been a hope for many of us needs government support, now, if the project is to come to fruition. So far in 2024, Kloden theater has had 11,500 audiences, 240 performances and events, collaborated with over 50 different performing arts companies from all over the country, and 135 kindergartens and schools that have experienced various performances. Everything is ready to convert the temporary premises into a proper theater building. The municipality is involved. The state has granted some support two years in a row, but now it has stopped. What are they thinking about, or forgetting, up there in the ministry and the government? Send us your opinion Want to write? Feel free to contact us at news Ytring with your post. The guidelines can be found here. Published 13.10.2024, at 16.24
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What about the capital? – Speech
