Conservation through use
Norwegian Heritage Foundation (Norsk Kulturarv) was established in 1993, and is a charitable foundation that aims to contribute to preserving Norway’s cultural heritage through sustainable use. The Foundation’s motto is: Conservation through use. Norsk Kulturarv works throughout Norway, carrying out practical projects in collaboration with commercial and public-sector partners.
In addition to personal members, Norwegian Heritage Foundation has a country-wide network of collaborating local authorities and commercial members.
Norwegian Heritage Foundation was mainly founded as an organization of interest for private owners of heritage properties. Ties to the agriculture industry have always been very strong, as many of these properties are in connection with farms all over the country. Cooperation with several different ministries and with the Directorate for Cultural Heritage/ Riksantikvaren is also always essential.
The Olavsrosa badge of quality
Norwegian Heritage Foundation owns and operates the “Olavsrosa” badge of quality. This high ranking honour is granted high quality heritage sites all over Norway – almost 150 recipients.
«Mend a roof» / Ta et tak
Since 1998 we have been supporting owners of old buildings through our project «Mend a roof». App NOK 75 mill have been devided on more than 4 800 properties.
Norwegian Tasting School / Norsk Smaksskule
Norwegian Tasting School/ Norsk Smaksskule was initiated in 2013 by one of Norway’s best known chefs, Arne Brimi. In cooperation with chefs all over Norway we teach and inspire teachers on taste and nutrition.
Clear a Heritage Site/ Rydd et kulturminne
Norwegian Heritage Foundation received the Grand Prix of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/ Europa Nostra Awards in 2012 in Category 4: Education , Training and Awareness Raising for the project “Clear a Heritage Site”.
“The Jury appreciates the pedagogical approach of engaged teachers with young schoolchildren on heritage sites, that otherwise would have been left over to degradation and neglect. By cleaning and clearing small scale landmarks in forests, fields and other rural areas, the next generation can be actively involved and is made aware of these treasures of their heritage, which may not seem outstanding on first impressions, but are nonetheless very significant for the cultural landscape.. The collaboration of schools with local authorities is an example of best practice at low cost that can be recommended to teaching institutions all over Europe.”
“The Jury appreciates the pedagogical approach of engaged teachers with young schoolchildren on heritage sites, that otherwise would have been left over to degradation and neglect. By cleaning and clearing small scale landmarks in forests, fields and other rural areas, the next generation can be actively involved and is made aware of these treasures of their heritage, which may not seem outstanding on first impressions, but are nonetheless very significant for the cultural landscape.. The collaboration of schools with local authorities is an example of best practice at low cost that can be recommended to teaching institutions all over Europe.”
This project has involved tens of thousands of children and youngsters from schools around the country. The foundation is also a member of the Best in Heritage Club. We are now introducing new “Clear a Heritage Site” activities for the coming 3 school years.
Education
Norwegian Heritage Foundation is the owner of Hjerleid, Norways largest school offering education within traditional crafts.
The Norwegian Federation of Cultural Heritage
Norwgian Heritage Foundation is one of the 32 different NGOs working within cultural heritage and the conservation of cultural sites, buildings, vessels, vehicles, railroads and practices within The Norwegian Federation of Cultural Heritage.
Together we are working actively to enhance the cooperation between the member organisations, strengthen the impact of cultural heritage organisations in the norwegian society and improve the conditions for the cultural heritage movement.
In total we involve app 270 000 personal memberships of a population at app 5 mill in Norway.
Contact information
Erik Lillebråten
Managing director
Phone: +47 909 71 257
Email: erik@kulturarv.no
Office address: Ullinsvin, Edvard Storms veg 26, 2680 Vågå, Norway
Mailing address: Box no 26, 2684 Vågå0, Norway
CONSERVATION THROUGH USE