As a festival participant, you get to create music, dance, theatre, photography or visual art together with experienced artists and educators in a workshop of your own choice. You will stay overnight at a school in Harstad together with other young people, take part in fun activities in the afternoons, make lots of new friends and be part of an inclusive, creative community.
Workshop participation takes place during the day and is compulsory. In the afternoons, you choose what you would like to do from our daily leisure programme: you can go to concerts, see performances, take part in Bonfire, Block Party and a dance battle – or simply hang out with the other festival participants. On the final day, you and your workshop group will present some of what you have created to an audience as part of a full NUK showing.
Young people aged 14 to 20 can apply. We also facilitate participation for people with functional variations aged 14 to 40.
Applications, allocation of places and waiting list
The application deadline for NUK is 3 May. If there are more applicants than available places, applications will be processed on an ongoing basis according to when they are received. Those who apply first will normally be prioritised.
Applications received after the deadline will be considered if places are still available. If the event is full, applicants will be placed on a waiting list and contacted if a place becomes available.
We make adaptations as far as our resources allow for participants with functional variations and other access needs, as well as for companions. Places are allocated based on which access needs we have the capacity and resources to meet, so that we can ensure a good experience for all participants. We have a limited number of overnight places for companions.
We therefore cannot guarantee a place for everyone who applies, but we do our best to find good solutions and welcome as many participants as possible.
You will receive confirmation of whether you have been offered a place at NUK, and which workshop you may have been allocated, at the end of May.
Information provided in the application form will only be shared with NUK staff and instructors where necessary for planning and delivery. Everyone involved is bound by confidentiality.
How we allocate workshop places
When processing applications for NUK and putting together the workshop groups, we place particular emphasis on two factors:
- the information you provide in your application, including your wishes, experience and any needs
- an overall assessment of the group composition
As far as capacity allows, we try to give everyone a place on either their first or second choice. If there are no available places in these workshops, we will contact you to ask whether you are open to being placed in another workshop.
The workshop groups at NUK are put together with the aim of creating good and inclusive learning environments. The groups therefore consist of participants with different experiences, skill levels and levels of functioning. Diversity and inclusion are central, and we work to create groups where participants can develop, learn from one another and experience a sense of belonging.
Applications are processed in the first half of May.
Accommodation and leisure time
All NUK participants are offered accommodation at the NUK base at Harstad Kulturskole. Breakfast, dinner and social activities outside the workshops also take place here.
At Kulturskolen there is a staffed secretariat with adults present around the clock, so participants have a safe place to be both day and night.
In the application form, you state whether you would like to stay overnight at the NUK base or arrange your own accommodation. Participants who do not stay overnight can still take part in shared activities and meals after the workshops if they wish.
24-hour staffed secretariat
The secretariat functions as a resource and duty centre for participants during NUK. Adults are present around the clock and can assist if help or follow-up is needed.
The secretariat consists of staff with relevant professional backgrounds, including educators and youth workers. They help create a safe framework for the stay and ensure that agreements and shared rules are followed.
How much does it cost?
It costs NOK 750 to take part in NUK. The participation fee covers:
- accommodation
- four daily meals
- workshops with experienced artists and educators
- most workshop equipment, such as instruments and paint
- NUK hoodie
- free admission to True Northern Arts Festival concerts and performances, subject to availability
- free transport during the festival week when needed
- participation in Bonfire, Open Stage and Block Party – social meeting places for young people at the festival
Travel support
NUK participants can apply for travel support to cover travel costs exceeding NOK 1,000, against receipts. The maximum travel support amount is NOK 5,000. How much support can be given to each participant depends on how many people apply. You will receive a link to the application form once your place at NUK has been confirmed.
Drug- and alcohol-free event
NUK is a drug- and alcohol-free event. All use of alcohol and other intoxicants is prohibited, even if you are over 18. Breaking the rules will result in being sent home at your own expense.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the head of the youth programme, Catherine Michelet, if you have any questions: catherine@festspillnn.no