Feeling Recognized as a National Ibsen Project

“We are so grateful for this,” says director Barbara de Haan.

The news was released Tuesday evening, announcing that the Socialist Left Party (SV), Labour Party (Ap), and Centre Party (Sp) are joining forces to allocate a total of 23 million NOK to the Henrik Ibsen Museum and the Sølvåren Ibsen Interpretation Center. In addition, the parties want the VEV museum building in Brekkeparken to receive 2 million NOK in operational funding.

“There are very few grants for museum purposes in this year’s state budget, so we are both grateful and humbled to be proposed for such a large allocation. It shows that society wants to take part in a national Ibsen project, like the one we have in Skien,” says Barbara de Haan.

“The most important thing about this allocation is that it enables us to carry out our extensive plans for the Henrik Ibsen Museum,” she adds with a smile.

Operational Funding Ensures an Open Museum

Not only did the Henrik Ibsen Museum receive millions. The new VEV museum building in Brekkeparken also seems to have secured operational funding. Two million NOK will be allocated in the state budget, which, of course, is applauded by the director and all the museum staff.

“For the public, after all, operations are what matter most. Still, it’s perfectly fitting that the operational grant comes now, since the entire building with the All This is Yours exhibition opened in April this year. This is the first year we have been truly open year-round.”