In Norway, art, culture, sports and volunteering [Kultur, idrett og frivillighet] are often regarded as “kulturlivet”, or cultural life. These arenas form a foundation for young people’s participation, creative expression, personal development and sense of community.

The main national policy instruments ensuring that all children and young people have access to a diversity of art and high‑quality cultural experiences remain the Municipal Schools of Music and Performing Arts [kulturskoler], The Norwegian Youth Festivals of Art [Ung Kultur Møtes – UKM] and The Cultural Schoolbag [Den Kulturelle Skolesekken - DKS]. The Cultural Schoolbag is administered nationally by Kulturtanken, the state agency for children and youth culture.

In recent years, Kulturtanken has strengthened its efforts to promote diversity, accessibility and collaboration between the cultural and education sectors. Local youth clubs (ungdomsklubber) and other open youth meeting places (åpne møteplasser for ungdom) also play an important role in supporting young people’s participation in cultural life at the community level.