The aim of the Working Group on Culture (WGC) is to strengthen cultural identities, promote intercultural dialogue, and foster lasting cultural connections between the countries and regions of the Barents cooperation.
Culture
Cross-border cultural cooperation is a cornerstone of the Barents collaboration.
Cultural development plays a vital role in supporting both social cohesion and economic growth across the Barents Euro-Arctic Region. By fostering shared cultural experiences and creative exchange, regional cooperation in the arts strengthens community ties and contributes to a vibrant, sustainable future for the region.
Barents Scholarship for Cultural Cooperation 2023 awarded to Koli Art Residence (FIN), Marit Shirin Carolasdotter (SWE) and Ekaterina Bespalova (NOR) (Photo: Janne Käyhkö)
The Barents Scholarship for Cultural Cooperation
Established in 2016 by the Ministers of Culture of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, the Barents Scholarship for Cultural Cooperation celebrates and supports outstanding contributions to cross-border arts and culture in the Barents Region.
The scholarship is awarded biennially to one recipient from each of the Barents member countries: Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Each award is valued at €10,000, recognizing exceptional artists, institutions, or organizations whose work strengthens cultural collaboration across national borders.
The Working Group on Culture (WGC) under the Barents Council is responsible for implementing the scholarship. The WGC plays a central role in promoting practical cultural cooperation in the region and encourages innovative development within the arts and cultural sector.
In autumn 2025, the scholarship will once again be awarded to three recipients—one from each participating country—whose work exemplifies the spirit of artistic excellence and cross-border engagement in the Barents Region.
Previous programmes:
Barents Program 2019-2023
Creative Barents Strategy (2019–2023)
Cultural Cooperation in the Barents Region (2014-2018)
New Horizons in the Barents Region (2011-2013)
New Winds in the Barents Region (2008-2010)
Voices in the Barents Region (2003-2006)
