Photography in Norway - Photographic Archives

Photographic Archives

Efforts to preserve photographic works in Norway is coordinated through the Norwegian Ministry of Culture, has been made the responsibility of the Norwegian Archive, Library and Museum Authority, the Preus Museum, and the National Library of Norway. Archives are funded through the Norwegian Cultural Council, public funding of related topical areas, and revenue generated by reproductions and other services.

The responsibilities of the Norwegian Archive, Library, and Museum Authority are to:

• Coordinate cooperation among archives at the national and county levels
• Contribute to the development of photographic documentation software
• Provide advisory services on documentation, preservation, and copyright issues
• Maintain and update the registers of Norwegian photographers and collections
• Follow up on conclusions and findings from preservation plans and projects
• Publish information materials
• Publish the bulletin Svarthvitt - kulturhistorisk fotografi

The responsibilities of the Preus Museum are to:

• Conduct research on photographic history
• Develop a bibliography and specialized library
• Assure acquisition of Norwegian and international photography
• Assure acquisition of photographic equipment
• Facilitate open employment positions, lectures, seminars, and publications
• Provide professional advisory services

The responsibilities of the Norwegian National Library are to:

• Ensure that photographic material is deposited in the library in accordance with statutory requirements
• Ensure reproduction for recovery purposes
• Route photographic materials
• Offer free archiving in secure storage facilities
• Offer conservation services
• Advise on conservation, digital storage, catalogueing, and larger projects

In 1928, the first initiative to create a national photographic archive was started through the formation of an iconographic commission. This was initially intended as a means to preserve historical visual records, but over time the interest increased in photographic archives that also preserved the craft, art, and technology of photography.

In addition to central archives in the National Library's facilities and at the Preus Museum, there are 25 regional archives, organized by counties. A number of local libraries, museums, and other institutions also maintain photography archives.