The Norwegian Way
an introduction to the Oil for ART-program
Solo performance lecture by
Amund Sjølie Sveen.
First performed at the Barents Spektakel Festival in Kirkenes (NO), Feb 5th 2010.
Also performed in
Murmansk (RUS),
Helsinki (FIN),
Tallinn (EST),
Haparanda (S),
Bergen, Trondheim, Stamsund, Harstad, Hammerfest, Svolvær and Oslo (NO).
Supported by:
Norwegian Arts Council
Freedom of Expression Foundation
Co-produced by Pikene på Broen / Barents Spektakel Festival
Ca 45 min. In English.
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Photographs by Ole-Kristian Losvik
Norway is the richest country in the world. It is also rated the most peaceful country, it has the most well-functioning state, it has won the Eurovision song contest, and it is probably the best place on earth to be an artist – economically speaking. It is all because of the oil.
When the Iraqi people starved, the United Nations launched the Oil for Food-program to make it possible for Iraq to sell oil in exchange for food. Norway has more than enough of both food and oil, but we need something to fill our lives with meaning. We need the Oil for ART-program.
The Norwegian Way is a dive into the self image of Norway, the problem of the oil, the possible connection between money and happiness, and an exploration of what possibility art has to change the world.