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GREAT SUPPORTED CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Kurt Nilsen goes on a Christmas tour for the eleventh year in a row, also in the crown year 2020. Photo: Frode Hansen, VG
The Ministry of Culture’s stimulus plan provides a million sparks to some of Norway’s best artists, who can now complete their planned Christmas tours.
The Ministry of Culture’s stimulus plan for the cultural industry was opened to applications last Friday, and several have been launched and received commitments in record time.
«Yesterday we requested funding for the stimulation plan. Today we receive a commitment of support. Spouse for expedited case processing. Now we are light and happy and the tour this fall with a total of 40 concerts can go its own way», Bjørn Eidsvåg writes on Facebook.
His company Quint AS has received NOK 3 million from the plan.
OPEN ARMS: Bjørn Eidsvåg is happy about the Christmas support from the Ministry of Culture. Photo: Helge Mikalsen, VG
Of the 21 applicants who have been awarded a grant from the scheme so far, it is Kurt Nilsen and his apparatus who have received the most so far: 13.3 million.
The money goes to the Tune-In company, which organizes the Nilsen concerts.
Nilsen owns ten percent of Tune-In, the rest is owned by the All-In company, where Nilsen manager Jan Fredrik Karlsen, Jens Nesse and Petter Stordalen are the largest shareholders, with approx. 80 percent in total.
Thanks Nilsen
Kurt Nilsen describes it as “a real joy” that this is now becoming a reality.
– Nothing is better than having the feeling of working again, with the nicest people I know and, most importantly, knowing the audience, he tells VG.
– That the Ministry of Culture and the government have allocated money to the cultural sector, and that the Cultural Council has dealt with this so quickly, we must all give thanks. I’m looking forward to getting back on the road and having a proper Christmas vibe at a time that means, if possible, even more, he adds.
Thanks Abid Raja
Jan Fredrik Karlsen, who has been very critical of the authorities’ handling of his industry, tells VG that this is a day of joy.
– They have listened to us, and they have fulfilled us, says Karlsen to VG.
– We submitted the application on Friday afternoon, and we are pleased that the Cultural Council has now given us such a prompt commitment, as we have desperately wanted and conveyed what we need. Many thanks to the Minister of Culture, the Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Council!
Kurt Nilsen will hold 26 concerts until Christmas. The tour begins on November 26 in Tønsberg and ends on December 22 in Bergen.
The location of the crown means that only 200 spectators are allowed per concert.
Karlsen explains that the 13 million guarantee that the tour goes according to plan and that the entire commercial chain, which includes houses of culture, musicians, technology, equipment and catering providers, can participate in the stimulation program.
According to Karlsen, this ensures that the gap between what you get out of the 200 tickets sold and what the entire production actually costs is now covered.
– Includes a friendly rate for those who are not permanent employees. We have advocated for what is correct and with the crown situation in mind.
The stimulation plan has a total budget of NOK 500 million and is valid until the end of the year. So far, 120 have applied for funding.
– I am glad that the cultural sector applied for funding so quickly and that we can get the first payments so quickly, says Kristin Danielsen, director of the Cultural Council, on the council’s website.
– The plan will contribute to increasing the level of activity in the cultural sector and, above all, it will guarantee that the public throughout the country will once again have access to cultural experiences.
Minister of Culture: – Do not cancel
Raja writes in an email to VG that Karlsen is generous in thanking them.
– There are 500 million in the pot before the new year, and I want as much culture as possible throughout Norway. Therefore, my appeal to the cultural sector is: APPLY, do not cancel!
Cries of caution
The culture minister says that those who cancel risk very little support, as the government will set a maximum ceiling on the amount per organizer for the entire period, and that there will be little money to distribute.
– I therefore send a warning; Now you have to organize and request the stimulation program, because that’s what money is all about.
He says that while the incentive scheme will be paid on an ongoing basis, the payout for those who cancel won’t come until January.
– And then it is not certain that there is money left.
The Culture Minister says he hopes Kurt Nilsen will bring the Christmas spirit to the whole country.
– Actually I voted for him when he won, says about Kurt’s coming into the spotlight on “Idol” in 2003.
