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

Mykhailo Tkach, Andrei Aliaksandrau, Arevhat Sahakyan (Factor TV), Nino Bakradze (iFact), and Lola Tagaeva (Verstka).

Free Media Awards for 2026. Press freedom under pressure in wartime: – Silence does not protect democracy

September 29 2026

This year’s winners of the Free Media Awards from the Fritt Ord Foundation and Zeit Stiftung Bucerius received their awards in Toppsalen at the Munch Museum in Oslo on 29 September 2026.
The Belarusian journalist and media manager Andrei Aliaksandrau came straight to Oslo after spending over five years in prison for his work. Aliaksandrau dedicated the award to imprisoned journalists and editors in Belarus and quoted the Liverpool FC anthem: “You’ll never walk alone”.

Mykhailo Tkach heads investigations at Ukrainska Pravda, which uncovers corruption, even in a Ukraine fighting an existential war against Russia.
– I face charges in at least thirteen cases related to my work. I have been threatened. My team has been threatened. And what is our answer? To keep digging. Silence does not protect democracy. Journalism does.

Mykhailo Tkach

Ukrainian, Georgian, Armenian, Russian and Belarusian journalists and media to receive five Free Media Awards for 2026

September 3 2026

This year’s prize laureates for the Free Media Awards from the Fritt Ord Foundation and Zeit Stiftung Bucerius are:
The investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach from Ukraine
The investigative media outlet iFact from Georgia
The online media Factor TV from Armenia
The online media Verstka from Russia (in exile)
The journalist and media director Andrei Aliaksandrau from Belarus (imprisoned)*

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.