Survival Guide Survival Guide
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SURVIVALSURVIVAL GUIDEGUIDE HowHow toto bebe anan artistartist inin NorwayNorway SURVIVAL GUIDE: How to live as an artist in Norway When an artist moves to a new country there is a lot of new information to relate to: how do you find a studio? How do you register for tax and vat? Where can you apply for funding? This guide provides information This guide was printed in Oslo, Norway In the month of June 2020 about establishing your artistic By 07 Media practice in Norway. Designed and illustrated by Lucia Fiorani Correction by Ric Francis Font family: Brandon Grotesque Distributed in 200 copies Her og Der is an artist networking project that works as a GPS to guide newly arrived artists to the art field in Norway; the project aims to educate these newcomers on how to establish themselves financially and creatively within the art community in Norway. A selected number of artists are chosen for the project once a year. Her og Der schedules meetings with its artist participants, institutions and knowledgeable individuals, in public administration, to provide information about Norwegian art and culture; the purpose is to find concrete solutions - by building bridges - that contribute to actual artist participation in the cultural field. We recognize the need to create opportunities for collaborations that will make the art field more accessible and diverse. The project was initiated in 2018 and began a mentor program in 2019. We are looking for artists who are reestablishing themselves in Norway and who would like to be part of the Her og Der network. Her og Der is initiated by Marie Skeie and Motaz al Habbash and produced by TrAP, an independent arts production company, working to increase diversity within Norwegian arts and culture. Her og Der is supported by IMDI, Arts Council Norway, Oslo Municipality and Billedkunstnernes Vederlagsfond (BKV). CONTENTS : 2. 4. ENTERING EDUCATION THE ART /COURSES 39 23 FIELD 3. studying in Norway 40 1. ALL THE LIVE AND art academy / university 40 artists organisations 24 a list of academies and national artist organisations 24 PRACTICAL PRACTICE universities in Norway 40 regional/local organisations 24 ISSUES art schools 42 9 exhibition spaces 25 AS AN ARTIST a selection of art schools art societies 25 YOU MUST in Norway 42 art centers 25 get a studio 10 lectures and seminars 42 art biennials, projects, 31 access workshops CONFRONT online learning platforms 42 events, programs 26 and project rooms 10 international seminars, art magazines, art platforms 28 funding 10 setting up a company 32 academies, summer programs 42 grants 10 art and technology 28 tax and tax returns 32 artist residencies 43 project funding 11 about tax 32 your application should always include 12 tax return 33 where to apply 15 about VAT for artists 33 job opportunities 15 discounts for inbound VAT 34 freelancing/assignments 15 accounting 34 jobs within the art field 17 invoice 35 OUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR jobs outside of the art field 18 permits 35 44 suggestions for work opportunities EEA/EU citizens 35 APPENDIX and more useful links 19 non-EEA/EU citizens 35 51 boring, but necessary things 19 students 36 In order to continue an artistic practice you may need a studio, access to a workshop, knowledge on where and how to apply for project support and grants, as well as where to get further education and training. Also, you may have to consider different work possibilities to pay the bills. Artists must take a proactive approach to financial success and creative expression. 1. AS AN ARTIST LIVE AND PRACTICE 10 LIVE AND PRACTICE AS AN ARTIST 11 GET A STUDIO that only require the artist to stay in needs clarification or additional the area during the grant period (such information. This will help to ensure While a studio provides work space it can also help you build a creative as Skien Municipality’s artist grant). the text is communicating exactly the and business network. Many artists rent a community studio-space which When applying for a grant write points you want to make. Importantly, is sometimes offered by a municipality, but normally it’s through a private about what you plan to work with in you must write, read and revise your initiative. Greater municipalities often offer art studios for lower rent than the coming year(s), what you want application – take time to work the market price. Contact your local cultural office for relevant information. to explore, specific project plans, through multiple drafts to ensure you If you wish to rent a studio in Oslo check out Oslo municipality’s website. exhibitions that you are working make a strong case for funding. You’ll also find information in the Facebook groupAtelier i Oslo with and how you plan to develop Be short and concise because the (studios in Oslo), where artists announce vacant spaces. professionally. There’s not one way receiver of your application is probably Many cities have Open studio programs such as B-Open (Bergen), Oslo to write an application. It’s advisable not familiar with your work, and they Open and Trondheim Open. On open studio days you may visit artists in to have someone, whose opinion usually have many applications to read their studios and get to know different studio communities. you value, read and critique your through; judges will eliminate lengthy ACCESS WORKSHOPS AND PROJECT ROOMS *appendix page 36 application; they may see where the applications that don’t get to the point. application is weak, contains errors, Sometimes you will need to rent a project room for larger works, or you will need to access a specific workshop and equipment. Check the appendix at the Project funding *appendix page 44 end of this booklet for a list of some available spaces. Before you begin writing your valuable input for your application FUNDING application it is very important to as to whether or not your project is read the guidelines. Make sure you a good fit, and elaborate on funding There are several ways to manage your professional life and economy as an understand the requirements of the requirements. artist in Norway. Many artists – to survive financially – must create a mixed funding organization. The application Some applications are only available economy of a non-artistic job, their artistic practice, funding, job assignments, must be to the point, easy to on a digital portal where you fill in an commissions and sales. understand and contain all relevant online formula. Others request that you This section provides information on how to write a grant/funding information about your project. submit the application through email. application and a list of places where you may apply for support and grants – An application usually must contain a Keep in mind that you may apply for infrequently organizational membership is required. project description, budget, timeline, funding under means other than just art Most applications can be completed in English; if in doubt contact the CV, and documentation of your work. and culture. For example, if your project institution/organization. If you need to find funding for a includes a workshop for neighborhood Grants *appendix page 41 large project consider contacting a children there might be funds related to possible funding source and request local community measures, or funds for There are different scholarship plans offers several grants. Locally you’ll a consultation; personal meetings youth activities where you may apply for artists in Norway. On a national find scholarships that require the artist are usually helpful. They may provide for parts of the project. level most grants are provided by the to live and work in the area where Arts Council Norway. In addition, the grant is offered (such as the Oslo Bildende Kunstneres Hjelpefond Municipality’s artist grant), and others 12 LIVE AND PRACTICE AS AN ARTIST 13 *appendix page 28 YOUR APPLICATIONS SHOULD ALWAYS INCLUDE: Project description Budget CV While there is not one-way to write When you set up a budget it is Your CV must be clearly organized Collections: If your work has been a good project description the Arts important to be realistic: don’t be and should only include information bought or given to a collection Council offers some general advice creative with the numbers. Find out related to your artistic career. you may list it here. This could be on what to include: the content of the real costs of your planned expenses Additionally, be mindful that less is museums, corporate collections, or the project (what you plan to do), and remember to budget an artist’s fee better; you are not trying to tell your even municipalities or agencies. the project’s purpose and background (income). Make sure that the income life’s history. One of the best ways If your work is in private collections (why you plan do this, what you and expenses add up. When it comes to start writing your CV is to read you may list it as follows: want to explore), in what larger to income most funding bodies don’t through another artist’s well-written Works held in private collections context the project stands, and fully finance a project – usually up CV. in Norway, Jordan, Germany and Syria. implementation (how you plan to to 50% – so make sure your income Your CV could include: do it, and what do you need in order comes from different sources, such as Work experience: If you have work Personal details: Your name. You to get it done - in terms of artistic, the Arts Council, municipality, funds, experience from the art field such as may also add year of birth, contact professional, technical, practical and sponsors, and so on.