by: ritnas
A topic that has been creating quite the stir within the Norwegian artworld recently, is the collaboration between The National Gallery and the (very wealthy) Fredriksen sisters.
FOTO: Morten Qvale / Nasjonalmuseet
In a slightly saddening turn of events though, it was poorly received by a, perhaps, surprising amount of our countries cultural connoisseurs and culturally interested. With several people f.ex. claiming the agreement is mainly a ploy to benefit and create larger capital for the Fredriksen sisters, and not The National Gallery itself. One chronicle even stated that the collaboration is simply a Trojan Horse in pretty wrapping paper. Others are concerned that the collaboration will compromise the integrity of the museum by shifting their focus towards international art.
However, if this truly is the case, then why is the director of The National Gallery, Karin Hindsbo, herself so keen on this opportunity?
In a defensive statement issued by Hindsbo, she clarifies that all though she sees and values the social engagement people have shown, this agreement is in fact one that she will continue to stand by. Her defense states that the exhibition will be curated and directed by the museum itself, without the direct engagement of the Fredriksen sisters. It will also include newer, international artworks that will greatly benefit the audience by creating an even richer viewing experience.
In defense to potentially jeopardizing the museums integrity she states that this collaboration allows the museum to use their other sources of subsidization to buy even more pieces by Norwegian artists. The exhibition collaboration will also only take place in one of around 90 rooms in the museum, meaning only 10% of its exhibitions.
The harsh reality of the artworld is that even with subsidies from ex. the government, both budgets and earnings are very limited. This is problematic due to the fact that when it comes to the arts it is widely believed that innovation, such as this collaboration with the Fredriksen sisters and the added opportunities creates, is in everyone´s best interest. However, without support innovation would be very limited, if not impossible. Which could, furthermore, result in jeopardizing the integrity of the Norwegian artworld as a whole.
The ability to acknowledge and accept these harsh realities of art funding, and trying to find the most beneficial solutions is key in both maintaining and moving the art market forward. Without sufficient subsidization, entire cultural aspects could stand in danger of vanishing.
It is this exact way of thinking that makes the collaboration between The National Gallery and the Fredriksen sisters such a golden opportunity for the Norwegian art market as a whole, whilst also helping in maintaining the cultural importance that The National Gallery represents to our society.
And that is why not only the museum´s director should be keen on the idea, but also art and culture lovers everywhere.
Sources:
- Abbing, Hans (2004): Why Are Artists Poor? : The Exceptional Economy of the Arts. Amsterdam University Press.
Read: 04.10.2019
Read: 04.10.2019
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