History and archives
The Norwegian Festival of Literature is the largestl literary festival in the Nordic countries and has taken place in May/June in Lillehammer every year since 1995. The festival originated from the Nansen Academy‘s Sigrid Undset seminars in 1993 and 1994.
Previous Festival Programs (Norwegian)
2023
2022
2021
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Festival Themes
Until 2014, the Norwegian Festival of Literature had a main theme for each festival. Since then, there have been several focus areas, both geographically and linguistically.
| In dialogue with the world | 2023 |
| British focus | 2022 |
| Nordic focus | 2021 |
| Spanish-language focus | 2020 |
| French-language focus | 2019 |
| Japan and Germany | 2018 |
| India | 2017 |
| USA and migration | 2016 |
| China | 2015 |
| Russia, Eastern Europe and Freedom of Speech | 2014 |
| Responsibility | 2013 |
| Money | 2012 |
| The city | 2011 |
| Detachment | 2010 |
| Truth | 2009 |
| The future | 2008 |
| Infidelity | 2007 |
| Staging | 2006 |
| Conflict and reconciliation | 2005 |
| Europe | 2004 |
| Crime and poetry | 2003 |
| Myths | 2002 |
| Power | 2001 |
| Folly and writers | 2000 |
| Damned writers | 1999 |
| What should we do with the story? | 1998 |
| The 70s in Norwegian literature | 1997 |
| The 60s | 1996 |
| A vision takes form | 1995 |
| The Middle Ages | 1994 |
| The biography as a literary genre | 1993 |
Festival strategy 2022-2024
The Norwegian Festival of Literature aims to be the foremost meeting place for readers and writers in the Nordic region.
Artistic Leadership
The Norwegian Festival of Literature aims to be the Nordic region’s foremost meeting place for readers and writers. The festival will include literary diversity and maintain a high artistic standard.
Local Foundation
The festival is deeply rooted in the city of Lillehammer, with its history and literary heritage. Our venues and literary homes provide a unique setting for open and inclusive encounters between authors and the audience.
International Meeting Place
The Norwegian Festival of Literature aims to be a showcase for Norwegian literature and has a particular responsibility to promote younger authorship. The program will include prominent Nordic authors and a selection of particularly notable and important international writers.
Important Arena for Debate
Through its own events and collaborations with others, the festival will be a significant platform for literary debate. The festival aims to set the agenda on current societal issues and also leverage literature’s advantages to delve into the depths of ongoing public discourse.
Promoting a Love for Reading
Strengthening an enthusiasm for reading in children and young people is one of the festival’s most important tasks. Pegasus will be a national beacon for the dissemination of literature, maintaining a high artistic standard and reaching as many children and young people as possible.
Sustainable Festival
The festival will prioritize sustainable alternatives. It will contribute to awareness and knowledge about the environment, be open and inclusive, and excel as a platform for freedom of expression.
Predictable Financial Frameworks
The festival will continuously work to ensure a predictable economy, allowing room for further development. This is a prerequisite for achieving the other goals.