From Knowledge to Opportunity

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Norway

Music Norway’s capacity-building programs are a key instrument for strengthening professionalism, sustainability, and international impact in the Norwegian music industry. The programs are designed to provide artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals with relevant knowledge and tools, enabling them to work more strategically in both national and international markets.

Through these programs, Music Norway combines professional development with the transfer of practical experience from seasoned industry professionals. The goal is to support long-term capacity building, increased value creation, and a stronger international presence for Norwegian music.

Comprehensive Capacity Building

The programs cover a wide range of topics that are essential for a sustainable career in the music industry. These include, among others:

  • international market insight and export strategy
  • business understanding and rights management expertise
  • management, team building, and career development
  • marketing, visibility, and branding
  • networking and relationship-building with international stakeholders

The content is tailored to different target groups and career stages, from early professional development to further growth in established international markets.

DRIVE foto Anna Kristine Lund redigert
Participantes in DRIVE: Dennis Kiil, Mathilde Orlien, Shirin Khademi, Marthe Vee, Nikolaj Gloppen, Torgeir Ekeland og Malwina Witkowska.

Program Formats

Music Norway’s capacity-building initiatives are offered in different formats, depending on the target group and purpose. These usually include longer-term programs with thematic workshops, industry gatherings, courses, and mentorship-based schemes. What they all have in common is a strong practical focus and close alignment with the real challenges participants face in their work.

The programs are often carried out in collaboration with Norwegian and international partners and may be linked to specific markets, genres, or professional roles within the industry.

KUPP 2 2 mars 2024 Bergen foto Anna Kristine Lund
Participants in KUPP 2.2. Anders Hannevold, Ingebjørg Vilhelmsen, Inga Margrete Aas, Jonas Lie Skaarud, Louisa Palmi and Tobi Pfeil

Networking and Knowledge Sharing

A central value of the programs is networking. Participants are given the opportunity to build relationships with other industry professionals, both in Norway and internationally. The sharing of experience between participants and speakers is a core element and helps strengthen the overall level of expertise within the industry.

Through the programs, participants also gain insight into how the international music market operates in practice and how Norwegian professionals can position themselves strategically over time.

In 2026 Music Norway will focus on the following programs

KUPP 3.0.

KUPP is a development and networking program for professional composers under the age of 35 who wish to develop their artistic practice, build international networks, and realize new projects. The program period will be 2026–2027.

KUPP is a collaboration between the Norwegian Society of Composers and Music Norway, with support from Talent Norway, the Sparebankstiftelsen DNB foundation, and the Norwegian Composers’ Fund.

DIY

DIY is a competency program for export-ready, self-represented artists—a program that provides them with the tools and insights they need to professionalize their business and strengthen their international efforts.

Part of Music Norway’s Public Mission

The capacity-building programs are an important part of Music Norway’s broader public mission: to increase value creation in the Norwegian music industry and facilitate international success. By investing in skills and knowledge development, the programs contribute to more robust industry players, clearer strategies, and more sustainable careers within Norwegian music.