National stage for Norwegian and international folk music, joik and folk dance
As a national stage, Riksscena is a central institution within the folk music and folk dance sector - a field characterized by strong local tradition bearers, many voluntary organizations, and a low degree of institutionalization.
Our role has been developed to work well within this rich landscape, so that the traditions can develop on their own terms.
Read more here about the history and the people behind our work.
As a national stage, Riksscena shall be a leading arena for presenting, developing and raising the visibility of traditional music and dance.
Our mandate is described in the statutes as follows:
Riksscena’s purpose is to serve as a national meeting place for people and organizations within the sector and for the public. This purpose shall be achieved by being a stage for traditional and experimental Norwegian and Sámi folk music and folk dance, as well as folk music and folk dance of foreign origin, a professional stage, an active presenter, a professional and competent production venue, and a bridge-builder between practitioners and presenters throughout the sector in Norway and corresponding communities abroad.
Orally transmitted or locally rooted Norwegian folk music and folk dance, together with joik and traditional folk music and folk dance of foreign origin, shall constitute the core repertoire of Riksscena’s activities. Experimental projects and popularized forms of folk music and folk dance shall also have a natural place, and the Oslo venue shall also serve as a social meeting place for performers and audiences.
Riksscena grew out of many years of work within Norway’s folk music and folk dance communities to establish a dedicated national stage and meeting place. In 2004, these plans were developed further through a study on establishing a national stage for folk music and folk dance, and the following year the Norwegian Parliament decided to support its establishment.
Riksscena was formally established as a foundation on 16 March 2007 by Juoigiid Searvi, Landslaget for Spelemenn, Norsk Folkemusikk- og Danselag, Noregs Ungdomslag and Samspill International Music Network. The ambition was broad from the outset: the new institution would encompass Norwegian and Sámi folk music and folk dance, as well as traditions originating in other parts of the world. It would serve as a stage, production venue and meeting place, while also acting as a bridge between different communities and sectors.
At the same time, the Schous Quarter in Grünerløkka was being developed as a cultural centre, and Riksscena was given new, purpose-built premises in the former brewery complex. The building was completed in 2009, and on 9 September 2010 Riksscena opened its doors to the public.
Jan Lothe Eriksen led the process leading up to Riksscena’s establishment and became its first director. Helge Skansen took over in 2010, followed by Ane Carmen Roggen in 2019.
The four founding organizations - FolkOrg, Noregs Ungdomslag, Samspill International Music Network and Juoigiid Searvi - represent different parts of the living traditional music and dance sector. The founding organizations appoint the chair of Riksscena’s board.
Riksscenerådet is the foundation’s advisory body and meets once a year. It elects some of the members of the board. Members of Riksscenerådet are institutions and organizations in Norway whose work aligns with Riksscena’s purpose:
- Etnisk Musikklubb
- Folkemusikksenteret i Buskerud
- Folkemusikkveka
- FolkOrg
- Førde Folkemusikkfestival
- Grappa Musikkforlag
- Horisont
- Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge folkemusikk og tradisjonskunst
- Juoigiid Searvi
- Jørn Hilme-stemnet
- Kalottspel
- Musikernes fellesorganisasjon
- Nordsjøfestivalen
- Noregs Ungdomslag
- Norsk Folkemusikklag
- Norsk folkemusikksamling, Nasjonalbiblioteket
- Norsk kvedarforum
- Norsk senter for folkemusikk og folkedans
- Norske Dansekunstnere
- NTNU Dansevitenskap
- Ole Bull Akademiet
- Plateselskapet ta:lik
- Riddu Riððu
- Sami Komponistat
- Samisk Hus (Oslo Samiid Searvi)
- Samspill International Music Network
- Stiftinga Hilmar Alexandersen
- Transnational Arts Production (Trap)
- Folkemusikk Nord
According to our statutes, Riksscena’s purpose is to serve as a national meeting place for people and organizations within the sector and for the public. FolkOrg’s annual showcase festival, Folkelarm, and Riksscenerådet are important meeting points at our venue. During festivals such as Dans Dans Dans and Klangen før fela, practitioners and organizations come together for professional and social gatherings.
These networks are also active throughout the year. As the national stage for folk music, joik and folk dance, we depend on being closely connected to a wide range of communities - because in our field, knowledge resides with the tradition bearers. Broad collaborative models with committed groups, organizations and venues throughout Oslo and the rest of the country have become an important key to the development we are now experiencing.
Riksscena co-produces events and collaborates with a number of festivals, production communities and local organizers . both in Oslo and elsewhere in Norway. In this way, we reach wider audiences and build new audiences for folk music and folk dance. We are also committed to supporting the independent sector and strengthening valuable cultural organizers who have fewer resources.
