An untapped potential in our time 

We are pleased to read that the government in Prop. 1 for 2027 seems to understand the importance of art in our time and that “(..) a free and vibrant cultural life is a prerequisite for an open and democratic society. The intrinsic value of art and artistic freedom are fundamental to the government's cultural policy. A diverse artistic life, with strong institutions and a vibrant free field, is important for freedom of expression and open social dialogue. Art and culture can challenge, touch and create new perspectives, and contribute to reflection, insight and meaning. The government will facilitate such experiences to be available to people throughout the country.” We could not agree more!  

Therefore, it is all the more disappointing that the government does not take advantage of the opportunities inherent in Scenekunstbruket's national dissemination mission. Children and young people in particular need more than ever to meet physically for shared living art experiences. Our mandate for the performing arts and young people provides so much for performing artists to create good art encounters for audiences aged 0-20 across the country. 

Less for production and dissemination

Every year we try to find funds within the budget to increase both production funds and organizer support , but without a major investment, it will only be crumbs. Since 2013, both schemes have been at a standstill. In the same period, according to Statistics Norway, the CPI (consumer price index) has increased by about 48%. It therefore goes without saying that there is less money to both produce performances for this target group and to communicate them. These two things must be seen as a whole, as production funds are what actually contribute to filling the communication of performing arts with good content. A lack of understanding of the ecosystem affects the provision throughout the country. Not least, it affects the diversity of performing arts that young people encounter, including in Den kulturellte skolesekken. 

Content and program at cultural venues

The government's announced Cultural Arena Strategy must also address content, not just infrastructure and buildings. In our contribution to the Cultural Arena Strategy, we explain the potential that lies in our decentralized dissemination system. With an organizer's support, small and large cultural arenas and festivals in Norway can program ready-made and tour-friendly performances for children, young people and families based on local needs and wishes for their audience. As in the last 4 years, we have applied for 2 million kroner to implement an organizer's support for cultural arenas for 2027. This is a reasonable strengthening of existing infrastructure, which has great potential and will provide an increased diversity of different performing arts experiences for children and young people. Read our contribution to the cultural arena strategy .

Kloden theater and SKUDA

Scenekunstbruket is also very critical of the government's lack of increase for Kloden Theatre in the proposed state budget for 2027. After having allocated nearly 60 million kroner to build a new national theatre for the young audience, it is completely incomprehensible that there is no follow-up with funds that make it possible to operate the house. The new house will provide much-needed production opportunities for the independent performing arts field, and will be an important player in the development of performing arts for children and young people.  

It is positive that the government continues its investment in dance, but when the schemes for performing arts and dance in the Cultural Fund do not increase, it is a question of how much this investment will pay off. All artists who produce for a young audience are also completely dependent on the Norwegian Cultural Fund. The fact that the government is once again cutting the Actors and Dancers Alliance, SKUDA, and also showing very little understanding of the overall performance arts field and the connections, does not inspire confidence. For many of the performers in Den kulturellte skolesekken, employment in SKUDA is crucial for them to continue to be professionally active in the performing arts, and to provide art experiences throughout the country to the rising generation. 

Read our full submission to the State Budget here .

Photo: Bardus with the performance Våg. Våg was the most-seen performance from our repertoire in 2025, with 161 screenings for a total of 16,104 young audiences in Den kulturellter skolesekken.