- Following an inspiring recruitment process we are very excited to present our new artistic director at Dansens Hus, says chairman Silje Riise Næss. - Stine Nilsen is an inclusive, cultural leader with impressive international experience. She has previously moved from the role of dancer to artistic co-director at the renowned Candoco Dance Company (UK). After her return to Norway and her job as artistic director and CEO of the CODA International Dance Festival, she has distinguished herself as a festival director with a particular eye for relevant and diverse programming. At the same time, she has strengthened the role of the Norwegian dance arts field in the festival. It almost feels unfair to rob CODA of such a beacon. But we are sure that Stine is ready for even bigger tasks, and we look forward to her making a mark on Dansens Hus, forming part of Dansens Hus' management duo together with Executive Director Sunniva Steine.
A broadly composed employment committee originated from, and gave advice to, the Board. Behind the decision lies a demanding and thorough selection process, based on a long and exceptionally strong applicant list. The committee, consisting of the dance artists Sulekha Ali Omar and Carl Joseph Santos Aquilizan, artistic and general manager at DansiT in Trondheim, Arnhild Staal Pettersen, employee representative for Dansens Hus, Kirre Arneberg, and chairman Silje Riise Næss, has conducted a large number of interviews. Director Åsta Braathen in Headhunters has contributed with solid organization of the process.
- I am delighted and honored to be given this trust from the appointment committee and the Board, says Stine Nilsen. Now I am looking forward to working with the knowledgeable team at Dansens Hus, and to further developing Dansens Hus' important role as a national venue for dance. I am also looking forward to involving many Norway-based artists in presentation, choreographic development and outreach, and promoting Dansens Hus both as a national and international venue. One of the new things I specifically want to achieve is to invite various dance artists to be guest curators for limited periods of time. I also look forward to working further with something that is close to my heart, namely accessibility and inclusion for a diverse audience.
Stine Nilsen will commence the position August 1st 2024.