Call for applications from libraries 2018-19: Ready, steady, debate!

June 29 2018

Fritt Ord invites applications for grants of NOK 60 000 each for communications activities and discussions based on contemporary factual prose and fiction. For example, funding can be used for debates, seminars, talks with writers or discussion fora.

In recent years, libraries have taken on a whole new role as an arena for public discussions and debates by offering venues for events. Which new topics of debate can the libraries bring into the public space? Which relevant publications and authorships have the potential to capture the interest of a wide audience? Which topics of debate are of concern to young people today? Are there new forms of arrangements that inspire audiences to engage in dialogue and conflicts of opinion?

Applications are invited from public libraries, or from individuals or organisations that have an event agreement with a library. Applications for funding may refer to individual events or for series of events. The initiatives should be carried out in autumn 2018 or in 2019. Applicants are asked to draft a project outline that explains the theme, activities and time frame. Please attach a budget and funding plan.

Through this call for applications, the Fritt Ord Foundation seeks to encourage activities that will promote literature and strengthen public libraries as communications arenas. Applications should be submitted using the form on the website, see www.frittord.no and choose ‘Applications Centre’. Mark your submission “Ready, steady, debate!” in the title field.

Deadline for applications: 29 June 2018.

Contact: Oskar Kvasnes, Fritt Ord: Tel. +47 230 14644
Email: oskar@frittord.no

News

Fritt Ord's grants for master’s degrees

August 30 2026

Is your master’s project about freedom of expression, social debate or journalism? If so, you can apply for a student grant from the Fritt Ord Foundation.

The Freedom of Expression Foundation Tribute 2026

August 18 2026

The rap duo Karpe has been awarded the Freedom of Expression Foundation Tribute for giving voice to the experiences of many young people from minority backgrounds. Through the language of rap, they are expanding the space for the expression of identity and belonging.

The 2025/26 Monitor survey

June 17 2026

The Fritt Ord Foundation and the Institute for Social Research (ISF) invite you to the launch of a report and a subsequent discussion on Monday, 8 June 2026, from 9.00 to 11.00 am, at Fritt Ord’s premises at Uranienborgveien 2 in Oslo.

Where do people draw the line when it comes to freedom of expression, and what do they believe to be the greatest threats to an informed debate at a time characterised by unrest, crises and international conflicts? Do they feel there is sufficient diversity of opinion and enough room for divergent viewpoints? And how do people assess access to truthful and relevant information in a media landscape featuring new formats, new voices and artificial intelligence?

Outside the Storm: Launch of Reuters Digital News Report 2026

June 2 2026

The Fritt Ord Foundation, the University of Bergen and the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism in Oxford invite you to a breakfast seminar on Tuesday 16 June 2026 from 08:30–10:00 at Fritt Ord’s premises at Uranienborgveien 2, Oslo.
The event presents the Reuters Digital News Report 2026 – the world’s largest and most important media survey – which launches internationally on the night of 16 June.