The Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs, through its Department of Culture, Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs, is responsible for multilateral international cultural co-operation as well as for the promotion of international culture in Norway. The Arts Council Norway is a member of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies (IFACCA).

Important cultural partnerships between Norwegian organisations and overseas artists are predominantly established on an institutional level and limited funds may be available for outstanding projects, although these may only cover air fares and subsistence.

Historically the most interesting exchanges have involved a two-way process in which Norwegian artists have also visited the home countries of their guests, however co-operative projects of this kind have generally evolved out of personal contacts between artists or arts managers.

Most overseas artists visiting Norway are invited by a festival, an artist-in-residence programme or a cultural venue. However, artists and curators keen to proactively seek opportunities for presentation in Norway are advised to:

Below is sector-specific information for overseas artists:

Artists working in the performing arts will find the festivals listed in this directory provide the principal opportunity for cultural exchange, and indeed festivals such as ULTIMA Oslo Contemporary Music Festival in Oslo and the Bergen International Festival both programme extensively with overseas artists. Norway’s various jazz festivals also have a long tradition in providing Norwegians with cosmopolitan musical experiences of a high international standard. Important support organisations for this sector include the Music Information Centre and the Norwegian Association for Performing Arts (NAPA).

For visual artists there are various guest studios and artist-in-residence schemes available, especially in Oslo where numerous long-standing ateliers are active. Office for Contemporary Art Norway provides helpful information for overseas artists.

NORLA - NORwegian Literature Abroad provides information for those operating in the field of literature.

Professionals interested in presenting applied arts in Norway should seek information from the Norwegian Association for Arts and Crafts

Film makers should contact the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI) as a first port of call.

Artists from developing countries can in addition contact Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation (NORAD).

Visiting Arts provides advice to overseas artists interested in presenting their work in the United Kingdom.