Norway

COVID-19 measures in Norway

• Campaigns from artist union to prevent public authorities from withdrawing payment for cancelled concerts.
• A campaign on social media (#norefund) encouraging people who bought tickets for cultural events not to ask for a refund.
• Arts Council Norway declared that they will not demand refund for projects that are cancelled.
• Facebook platforms for digital culture dissemination are created.
• Several concerts, readings etc. are held on Facebook, including crowdfunding.
• General economic measures such as tax reductions are adopted by parliament.
• The House of Literature in Oslo and the Norwegian Writer’s Centre create a solidarity fund for vulnerable freelancers and others in the literature industry.
• The Minister of Culture launches a scheme (EUR 30 million) to support cultural life.
• Public libraries provide increased digital access to literature.
• Museums publish guided tours online.
• Telemark Research Institute launches the research project “Digital adaptation in the times of virus. When cultural life goes viral”.
• Several cultural institutions such as theatres, museums and the National Opera & Ballet lay off artists and other employees.
• Several festivals and other events in the summer have been cancelled.