As a participant at the festival, you get to create music, dance, theater, photograph or create other forms of art together with experienced artists and educators in a workshop of your choice.

Participation in the workshops takes place during the day. In the afternoon you can go to concerts, see performances or just hang out with the other participants at the festival. There is a plan for each day, and clear frameworks for when you will work in the workshops and when you have free time on your own. On the last day you show something that you/the group have made to the audience.

Young people aged 14-20 can register. We facilitate people with disabilities 14-40 years.

Registration, allocation of places and waiting list

All groups at NUK are well-mixed and consist of participants with different skills, different backgrounds and experience. Diversity is in focus and the groups are put together so that each individual gets the best experience.

We process applications based on 2 main points:

• What you write about information, wishes and needs.
• A holistic approach to group composition.

Processing of the first applications takes place from 2 to 9 May. You must have submitted your application before 30 April for your application to be considered for this round.

If you do not get a place in your 1st or 2nd choice, you will be contacted to find a workshop that is suitable. Every year we try to accommodate as many people as possible. In cases where all the workshops are full, there is a waiting list.

The application form can be found here.

Who reads the applications?

It is primarily the head of NUK who processes the applications in close dialogue with an interdisciplinary team consisting of artists, educators and social workers. Everyone is bound by confidentiality, but we can sign our own forms if necessary. In this case, please contact the head of NUK before filling out the form.

What happens if I submit an application after April 30?

Applications received after April 30 will be processed on an ongoing basis after the first round of awards if there are still places available.

Leisure and accommodation

Everyone who participates in NUK is offered to stay overnight at a school in Harstad. The school is also the main base for NUK and the venue for all meals and leisure activities outside of the workshops. The school has a secretariat with adults on duty 24/7, so it is completely safe to stay and stay overnight there.

You state whether you want to stay at NUK or arrange your own accommodation in the registration form.

PS! If you do not stay overnight, you can still participate in all activities and meals after the workshop day is over, it is up to you.

24-hour staffed secretariat

The secretariat at NUK is a resource and care center for everyone who participates in NUK. There are adults working here 24/7 who can help you with most things you might need during your stay.

The secretariat consists of people with different skills, but all are trained as educators, social workers, environmental workers or similar. They make sure that everyone is well and that rules and agreements are adhered to.

How much does it cost?

In 2025, it will cost 1500 kroner per participant to join NUK. If you register before April 30, you will get a 50% discount on the participation fee, and only pay 750 kroner. For the money you get:

• 4 meals a day for 6 days
• Accommodation
• Workshops with experienced artists and instructors
• Most everything you need to be creative (costumes, paint, make-up, etc.)
• NUK sweater
• Free entrance to the Festival's concerts and events as long as there is space
• Free transport during the festival week if needed

Travel support

Participants under 20 years of age who are resident in Northern Norway can apply for travel support for amounts exceeding 1000 NOK against receipt. The maximum amount for travel support is 5000 NOK. How much we can give in support to an individual also depends on how many people apply.

Drug-free event

NUK is a drug-free event. All use of alcohol and other drugs is prohibited, even if you are over 18 years of age. Violations will result in repatriation at your own expense.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Contact the head of the youth initiative, Catherine Michelet: catherine@festspillnn.no

All groups at NUK are well-mixed and consist of participants with different skills, backgrounds and experiences. Diversity is in focus and the groups are put together so that each individual has the best experience.