The Battle for Art

Welcome to the lecture "The Battle for Art".

In the book The Battle for Art (Res Publica, 2025) explores the artist Mariken Lauvstad's role in society and how it is shaped by political priorities, market forces, and changing cultural-political ideals. The book received considerable attention upon its release in autumn 2025, and Lauvstad has since become a sought-after speaker. 

In this lecture, Lauvstad reflects on the role of culture in politically turbulent times:  

How can art and culture – as part of Norway's total preparedness – strengthen the public's resilience against authoritarian ideas and hybrid warfare? Lauvstad draws parallels to the persecution of artists and the suppression of artistic freedom in the period before and during the Second World War, events that helped shape an ambitious European cultural policy in the decades that followed. She explains the relationship between art, freedom of expression and democracy, and discusses the role of art in society in 2026. What frameworks are given to artistic freedom in today's cultural policy? Can culture constitute a «soft power in hard times»? And what does it actually take for art and culture Actually should work in a democratising way? 

The lecture invites reflection and debate around who art is really for, and why we need it.

Mariken Lauvstad is a Norwegian critic, author, and social debater with a particular focus on the art and culture sector. She has distinguished herself as a clear voice in discussions about the role of art in society and democracy. The book "Kampen om kunsten" (The Battle for Art) has contributed to elevating the debate about the conditions for art in Norway.

The lecture is being streamed and can be watched HER or on our YouTube channel.