Assesment criteria

An overview of the assessment criteria, requirements, and framework for Balansepotten.

Eva Rowson speaks into a microphone in front of dozens of people at Kulturhuset in Bergen.

Eva Rowson, managing director of Bergen Kjøtt. Bergen Kjøtt has previously received funding from Balansepotten for a training platform on diversity in sound and light engineering. Photo: Øystein Haara / Vill Vill Vest.

We believe that a rich and vibrant cultural sector needs a diversity of perspectives and voices. The sector must be open, accessible, and inclusive, so that everyone can experience art and culture from a wide range of perspectives and expressions. Balansepotten supports initiatives that contribute to this work.

Who can apply?

To apply for Balansepotten 2026, your organization needs to:

What does the jury look for?

An independent jury appointed each year reviews the applications. The jury makes a recommendation, which is formally approved by the Board of Balansekunst. The decision is final.

The jury prioritizes projects that:

  • Address equality and diversity at a structural level

  • Promote participation from underrepresented groups in the cultural sector

  • Offer new approaches compared to projects that have previously received funding

  • Come from member organizations that are not fully publicly funded

The jury also looks at the overall distribution of funding. They consider how grants can be allocated across different types of initiatives and cultural fields, while ensuring geographic diversity.

What can you apply for?

✅ Balansepotten supports projects and initiatives that contribute to a more equal and diverse cultural sector. This may include:

  • Costs related to carrying out the project

  • Expenses for communication, training, or other project activities

  • Consumables and one-time equipment necessary for the initiative

❌ Balansepotten does not support:

  • Ordinary operating expenses

  • Purely artistic projects

  • Permanent investments in equipment or infrastructure

  • Projects or initiatives that have already been completed

General requirements

  • The project should have a clear focus on diversity, equality, and accessibility.

  • The project should benefit more people than the applicant alone and contribute to positive change in the cultural sector.

  • Projects funded through Balansepotten 2026 must take place between 1st of 2026 and 1st of August 2027.

  • You need to submit the application before the project starts, through Balansekunst’s application portal.

  • The project should include some co-financing, such as your own funds, in-kind contributions, or both.

  • There is no minimum application amount. The maximum grant per application is NOK 300,000.

  • Balansekunst can support collaborative projects between members and other partners. However, the member organization must be the responsible applicant.

  • Projects that receive funding should clearly state that they are supported by Balansekunst. You can download our logo here.

Payment and reporting guidelines

  • Grants of up to NOK 200 000 are paid in full once the application is approved.

    For grants above NOK 200 000:

    • Two-thirds are paid upon approval

    • One-third is paid after the final report and signed financial statement have been submitted

    • You need to submit a report and financial statement no later than two months after the project is completed.

    • You normally do not need to submit receipts and accounting documentation, but you must keep them available in case of an audit.

    • Grants above NOK 200 000 require a financial statement certified by a state-authorized or registered auditor.

    • If you need more time to submit your report, you can apply for an extension through the application portal and provide a reason. Balansekunst may decline requests for extensions.

  • Any unused project funds should be repaid to Balansekunst once the project is completed, unless otherwise agreed in advance.