The Arts Council Norway is an arms-length, advisory body for national cultural issues which is intended to facilitate the initiation of cultural projects. Administratively and financially the Council falls under the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs, but it still retains its independent position. The Council administers the Norwegian Cultural Fund (NOK 300 million in 2007), which is part of the public purse.

The Arts Council Norway board normally meets six times a year. The Council has thirteen members. Nine members are appointed by the Government – two on the nomination of the Norwegian Association of Local Authorities – and four are appointed directly by the Storting.

Nine professional committees are appointed to deal with specialist fields. Members are appointed on the basis of their artistic and cultural qualifications. In addition, there are a number of project groups and sub-committees, such as the evaluation and appeals committee for literature. In connection with its preparation of matters for comment and discussion, the Council also makes extensive use of external consultants and maintains regular contacts with a large number of highly qualified advisers.

The Council also encompasses two other independent funding institutions: the Government Grant for Artists and the Audio and Visual Fund. All together, these three institutions employ a staff of approximately 50, including management, executive officers in each of the special fields, and clerical and accounting staff. The research section also engages personnel on a project basis.

Each year the Arts Council organises a conference on a specific cultural topic. Participants include cultural operators, cultural workers, and representatives from the local, regional and national authorities.

Each year, the Arts Council awards a special prize for outstanding achievement in the arts to a prominent Norwegian cultural figure. The official awards ceremony is held at the end of October. Internationally acclaimed recipients include actress and film director Liv Ullmann, composer Arne Nordheim, architect Sverre Fehn, and author and playwright Jon Fosse.