The Music Equipment Scheme
To ensure access to satisfactory rehearsal spaces throughout the country, and to ensure access to satisfactory technical conditions for the performance of popular music.
To manage and allocate public grants for equipment to venues, clubs, organisers, rehearsal communities, as well as the development, facilitation and construction of rehearsal spaces and performance venues within the field of popular music.
Since the inception of this measure in 2009, several hundred rehearsal spaces/venues, rehearsal communities, big bands and folk music groups have received grants for rehearsal equipment, and venues all over the country have received grants for performance equipment. The Music Equipment Scheme has also provided grants for approximately 140 shipping container-style rehearsal spaces, which have been set up throughout all counties in Norway, as well as grants for building and refurbishing rehearsal spaces.
The Music Equipment Scheme distributed USD 3 481 308 (29, 8 million NOK) in 2015.
The Music Equipment Scheme receives its funding from the proceeds of the Norwegian national lottery, which are allocated by Royal Decree.
That the Music Equipment Scheme should be continued as it is, and that the management of the scheme has been well targeted according to its mandate.
All music genres should have access to apply for grants through the Music Equipment Scheme. Music genres that are not currently included in the Music Equipment Scheme also need support for facilitation of rehearsal studios and, to a lesser extent, performance venues.
The evaluation found that the current responsibilities of the Music Equipment Scheme should not be delegated to other organizations such as Arts Council Norway or the Norwegian Music Council.