Bringing the performing arts into the classroom

More and more Norwegian pupils are struggling to find their place – with themselves, with each other and in everyday school life. Kavli Trust is awarding NOK 4.25 million to the LIVSKUNST pilot project, led by Kilden performing arts centre in Kristiansand, which brings professional artists into classrooms to strengthen a sense of belonging and community.

Every year, thousands of Norwegian pupils start Year 5 – an age when friendships mean everything, and exclusion can leave lasting marks. Research shows that pupils’ wellbeing, motivation and sense of belonging are under pressure. At the same time, Norwegian schools lack capacity: half of all teaching in arts and practical subjects is delivered by teachers without formal subject qualifications.

This is the gap that LIVSKUNST aims to address.

The project has been developed by Kilden performing arts centre in Kristiansand, one of Norway’s largest arts and cultural centres, in collaboration with Kristiansand municipality, Knuden kulturskole, Kristiansand’s municipal school for music and the arts, and the University of Agder.

The core of the project is that professional arts educators from Kilden teach Year 5 pupils for three hours a week throughout the school year. Music, dance, drama and creative writing are the methods used. The aim is for children to learn to understand themselves, trust one another and feel that they belong.

“We know that art is an effective tool for creating community and an arena where more people feel that they belong. LIVSKUNST does this systematically, over time and in collaboration with schools – a combination we believe in,” says Ingrid Paasche, CEO of Kavli Trust.

What sets LIVSKUNST apart from many other cultural projects is its duration and depth. The arts educators work side by side with the pupils’ own teachers. Teachers take an active part in the lessons and gradually build their own skills in arts-based teaching. The aim is for the methods to continue in schools after the project period has ended.

“We meet children who rarely get the chance to show who they are. When they try dance or drama, we see them begin to look at each other differently. That is what we want to bring into everyday school life – as a regular part of the week,” says Audhild Wessman.

The pilot will run for three years, from 2026 to 2029. The first year will be used for preparation, followed by implementation in one school in the second year before the model is expanded to three schools in the third year.

Around 150 pupils will receive weekly teaching. In addition, up to 2,000 Year 5 pupils in Kristiansand will take part in Den store sangfesten, a large-scale singing event, where the pupils’ work throughout the year culminates in a performance on the Kilden stage together with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra.

The pilot includes built-in research follow-up. Eva Mari Andreasen, Head of Research at Kilden and holder of a PhD in health sciences, leads a feasibility study that will provide a basis for possible national scaling. The University of Agder is also planning further and continuing education based on the LIVSKUNST model – ensuring that the expertise extends beyond Kristiansand.

“What I particularly appreciate about LIVSKUNST is the combination of strong professional foundations and a realistic plan for long-term sustainability. Many projects work well while funding is available. This one is designed to become part of everyday school practice,” says Rune Mørland, Grants Manager for Norway at Kavli Trust.

Kavli Trust has awarded NOK 4.25 million to the project.

Facts about the project

• LIVSKUNST is an arts-based education programme that strengthens life skills, social skills and belonging among Year 5 pupils through music, dance, drama and creative writing for three hours a week throughout the school year.
• The pilot is led by Kilden performing arts centre, in collaboration with Kristiansand municipality, Knuden kulturskole and the University of Agder.
• Kavli Trust is supporting the pilot with NOK 4.25 million.
• The pilot will be carried out in three primary schools in Kristiansand, with the aim of scaling the model nationally.
• Many Norwegian schoolchildren experience lower wellbeing and increased stress. LIVSKUNST strengthens schools’ capacity in arts education through teaching and teacher training, ensuring that the expertise remains after the project has ended.