Festspillmøtet

The Festival meeting

with Det store bildet

There is a new world order, and the world we took for granted is turned upside down.

Politics is the art of what is possible. But what is the art of politics? Is that too changed?

Authoritarian leaders have always understood the necessity of art in changing a country’s image of itself. Now, democratic leaders with authoritarian traits are embracing this approach. Why is it still problematic to expect art to be a part of the defence of democracy?

Moderator is programme host and political commentator Eirik Bergesen. There will be talks in the first part of the meeting, and the second part will be a debate which will become a new podcast episode of Det store bildet.

In collaboration with the Bergen Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Kultur Vest, the Bergen International Festival invites representatives from politics, culture and commerce to the 2026 Festival meeting, and an open, honest and current conversation on where the boundaries are between arts and politics in a time of democratic decline.

Language

• The event will be held in Norwegian

Image from the 2025 opening performance, The Great Yes, The Great No, by William Kentridge. Photo: Thor Brødreskift

Contributors

• Eirik Bergesen moderator

• More speakers will be announced

Schedule

• 08.30 Registration & breakfast

• 09.00 Welcome

• Debate & talks, moderator Eirik Bergesen

• Break

• Det store bildet: Podcast with guests, led by Eirik Bergesen

The event will end in time to walk to the Opening ceremony which begins at 12:30 at Torgallmenningen.

Registration

The event is free, but registration is required via Bergen Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A collaboration between

Bergen International Festival, Kultur Vest and Bergen Chamber of Commerce and Industry