Kristin Danielsen, from Arendal in Norway, has been named the new Director of the Nordic Culture Fund and will assume the role in September 2025. She brings extensive experience from the arts and culture sector at national, Nordic, and international levels, most recently serving as Chief Executive Director of Arts and Culture Norway.
Sigmundur Ernir Rúnarsson, Chairperson of the Fund’s Board, highlights Danielsen’s leadership qualities:
"With Kristin Danielsen, the Fund gains a strong, ambitious, and vision-driven leader who will continue its proactive approach to grant-making and international engagement. Her deep expertise in cultural policy and cooperation makes her the ideal person to lead the Fund at a time when Nordic and global cultural collaboration is more crucial than ever."
As Director, Danielsen will oversee the Fund’s secretariat in Copenhagen and play a key role in shaping its strategic direction, further strengthening Nordic cultural cooperation.
Reflecting on her new role, Danielsen states:
"The Nordic collaboration is a unique, globally recognized model based on shared values of democracy, freedom of expression, and equality. Culture has always been at its core, and I look forward to contributing to its growth. In today’s world of geopolitical challenges and polarization, cross-border cultural cooperation is more important than ever. I see great potential in positioning the Nordic Culture Fund as a catalyst for initiatives that showcase the region as a leader in creative collaboration and problem-solving."
Danielsen has led Arts and Culture Norway since 2016 and has chaired IFACCA (the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies) since 2023. She previously served as Director of the Deichman Library in Oslo and held leadership roles in various Norwegian music and performing arts organizations. A trained dancer, she studied at the Norwegian Ballet School and Broadway Dance Center in New York, later earning an MA in Arts Management from the University of London.
Until Danielsen takes office, Acting Director Søren Merrild Staun will oversee the Fund’s daily operations.
See the notice from Nordic Culture Fund here!
