Vanessa Baird awarded Telenor Culture Prize 2018

Baird is an acclaimed artist who has gained recognition amongst critics and the public alike for a number of years. She has made her mark as one of Norwegian contemporary art’s strongest voices covering everything from life’s great challenges to everyday activities.

"Vanessa Baird is one of Norway's most prominent and original visual artists. Her art uncompromisingly visualizes the intimate, private spheres and larger existential issues at the same time. She covers a broad scope, working with large formats as well as small illustrations. Her distinct visual art form attracts attention far beyond Norway’s borders,” says Ingrid Kindem, leader of the jury.



“The aim of Telenor’s Culture Prize is to highlight exciting cultural expressions that engage and create diversity.  Vanessa Baird is an artist who is able to unite social commitment and a very personal artistic expression in a unique way. We congratulate Vanessa Baird as the winner of this year’s award,” says Telenor Group CEO Sigve Brekke.

The artist comments:

“I think this is great. To be appreciated. It’s nice and a big thing, especially when it comes from my colleagues. My dad would have been proud. Would have called him now, but he is dead. So, thanks a lot to the rest of you.”

The prize of NOK 500 000 will be presented the winner during a gala performance at Oslo Concert Hall on 11 June.

The jury of 2018

Ingrid Kindem, musician, composer and leader of the jury, Lars Saabye Christensen, author, Martin Eia-Revheim, House manager at Sparebankstiftelsen, Asta Busingye Lydersen, actress and singer in Queendom, Henrik Mestad, actor, Jo Strømgren, choreographer, dancer and artistic director, and Randi Enebakk Due, Telenor Group’s representative.

About the Culture Prize

Telenor’s Culture Prize is awarded annually to performing artists or organizations that have made an extraordinary contribution to culture in Scandinavia, and have also gained international recognition.

For more information about previous winners, click here.



Press queries: 

Ingrid Kindem, head of the jury

Peer Dahl, Telenor Group Communications
Mobile: +47 41555242 / peer.dahl@telenor.com