Norwegian Society of Composers

In the autumn of 1958, Arne Nordheim was granted membership of the Norwegian Society of Composers, based on his first two major works: a String Quartet from 1956 and Aftonland. Several months later, he was selected as a deputy member of the board, and over subsequent years he worked diligently to improve the working conditions of composers, including as president of the board in the years 1974–1979. In 1974, he played a pivotal role in an “Artistic Action” (Kunstneraksjonen), demanding from the government the introduction of royalties for the use of the products of artistic work, the broadening of the public range of the use of works of art and a guaranteed minimum wage. This led to cooperation between various artist organisations and the ministry. As a result, in 1978, artists acquired the right to negotiate with the government the provisions of a law relating to the size of grants and royalties and the rules that govern them.

www.komponist.no