The Norwegian Culture Council faces mounting pressure after revelations that committee leaders awarded substantial public funds to their own organizations. Multiple instances have emerged where individuals on professional committees allocated millions to projects they lead directly. The council now plans an internal investigation, but critics demand external oversight to ensure impartiality.
Director Morten Traavik described the situation as fundamentally unfair. He argues external forces must intervene because the council cannot properly investigate itself in matters involving close relationships and conflicts of interest. The controversy centers on whether proper arm's length distance was maintained in funding decisions.
Culture Council leader Sigmund Løvåsen acknowledged public concern while defending the technical legality of the allocations. All awards were made according to current laws and guidelines, he stated, but recognized they violate public expectations of fairness. This tension between technical compliance and ethical perception lies at the heart of the controversy.
In Parliament's question time, Silje Hjemdal of the Progress Party referenced multiple scandals involving dual roles within the cultural funding system. One case involves dance company Impure seeking to retain 7.5 million kroner from a previous allocation. Complicating matters, Hooman Sharifi leads both Impure Company and chairs one of the Culture Council's evaluation committees.
Regulations typically require such funds to be repaid, but uncertainty surrounds this specific case. Two professional committees within the Culture Council will now review the matter, including one chaired by Sharifi himself. Sharifi's lawyer, Hans Marius Graasvold, states his client followed all council rules and was absent during relevant discussions.
The controversy touches Norway's broader cultural governance framework. Cultural and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery told Parliament she takes the matter seriously, acknowledging allocations that shake public trust. She has requested a comprehensive review of how conflict rules are implemented and enforced within the cultural funding system.
Venstre politician Grunde Almeland sees clear systemic failures requiring immediate resolution. He emphasizes this concerns trust in the entire cultural funding mechanism, not just individual cases. The situation reveals tension between Norway's traditionally close-knit cultural community and requirements for transparent governance.
This funding controversy emerges as Norway balances its oil wealth with cultural investment. The country directs substantial petroleum revenues toward cultural development, making transparent allocation crucial. Public confidence in these mechanisms affects broader support for cultural funding across Norwegian society.
The case reflects ongoing challenges in Norwegian cultural administration where personal relationships often overlap with professional roles. Similar debates have occurred around Arctic development projects and energy sector governance, showing patterns in how Norway manages potential conflicts in specialized fields.