Change of director at Førdefestivalen

After Førdefestivalen 2018 is over. Hilde Bjørkum will step down in the fall after almost 30 years in the director's chair.

HILDE BJØRKUM RETIRES AS DIRECTOR AFTER THE 2018 FÖRDEFESTIVAL

Hilde Bjørkum has been the manager of Førdefestivalen since the fall of 1989, only interrupted by two maternity leaves and a year as county musician. – It has been a long, exciting and educational journey, says Bjørkum. – Now it is time for new forces to steer the ship forward, which is why I have informed the board that I wish to step down as director after the festival from 4-8 July 2018 has been completed. 

- We have built the festival brick by brick over many years, with hard work and great commitment, and in collaboration with a lot of good helpers; volunteers, public and private supporters and good partners within the cultural sector, says Bjørkum. 

From a slow start with a 50% project position, Førdefestivalen now an important cultural institution in the county with 7 skilled jobs and an annual turnover of around 19 million kroner. The festival is Scandinavia's largest of its kind and is recognized nationally and internationally for its high quality, both artistically and in terms of events, and for a clear and distinctive profile.

The position of director will be advertised just after the New Year. The festival is collaborating with the company Hodejegerne Møllerstad & Christiansen in the recruitment process. Board Chair Tone Winje believes the position will be attractive. – Hilde Bjørkum has laid a very good foundation through her years of work. We would like to thank her for the formidable effort she has put into developing the festival to what it is today. Whoever comes in now will take over a solid organization with good opportunities for further development, she says.

From September 1st, Bjørkum will transition to a 50% advisory position at the festival with a focus on development work.