The great cultural debate: - I want to emphasize that politicians should be as specific as possible

August 15, 2023

Politicians from nine political parties in Oslo will meet on Wednesday, August 23 for The Great Culture Debate. How can professional art and culture help create a good place to live for young people in Oslo? We're gearing up for the debate and have had a chat with the moderator of the debate and journalist at Fagbladet, Marte Bjerke.

What expectations do you have of the politicians participating in the debate?

- I expect politicians to have reflected on the issues we're going to talk about, especially the role of culture in urban development. I think people very often think of culture as an isolated policy, and forget everything else that culture affects.

To what extent do you think politicians will disagree about how professional art and culture can help create a good place to live for young people in Oslo?

- I think the disagreement lies in how culture should be facilitated in terms of money and work capacity. I think politicians are pretty much in agreement that culture is an important contributor to an urban society.

What topics do you imagine will be the source of discussion in the panel?

- Perhaps the role of the public sector and the use of money in the development of culture? "Cultural policy has a fairly broad consensus. It's not very different between the parties. Other political elements are much more divided.

What will you emphasize in your role as a moderator?

- I will emphasize that the politicians are as specific as possible.

Do you have any encouragement for the audience in the hall during the debate?

- It's fun if someone has questions for the politicians! I also encourage people to listen critically.

These politicians are participating

Ane Katrine Øverseth Olsen (Red)

Bjørn Revil (FrP)

Hallstein Bjercke (V)

Mehmet Kaan Inan (H)

Morten Edvardsen (Sp)

Rauand Ismail (MDG)

Rina Mariann Hansen (Ap)

Sarah Safavifard (SV)

Yngve Slettholm (KrF)

Marte Bjerke has extensive experience as a debate leader, moderator and as a cultural journalist in the daily and trade press. She was acting editor of Musikkultur (now Kontekst) for two periods. Her original background is in music, and she has previously worked as a clarinetist, teacher and conductor.

Free tickets and more information about The Great Cultural Debate can be found here. NB! Limited number of seats!

Photo: Rune Eriksen