C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation
C. LUDENS RINGNES FOUNDATION
The foundation was established in 2003 by Christian Ringnes. Its aim is to build a solid capital base and distribute grants for public interest purposes, with a primary focus on the arts, culture, experiences and environmental protection. The foundation may also itself contribute to the mediation of arts, culture and experiences.
The foundation's main project is Ekebergparken in Oslo. Ekebergparken is a nonprofit organization which opened on the 26th of September 2013. Establishment, operations and maintenance are regulated by an agreement with the property owner Oslo Municipality. The foundation has through this agreement committed to make available a minimum of 300 million NOK to the park project. 100 million NOK for the development of the park, 100 million NOK for the purchasing of sculptures and 100 million NOK to a managing fund. The foundation has operating responsibilities for the park for 50 years.
The foundation was also itself responsible for the actual revitalization and further development of the area leading up to the opening in September 2013. All measures are subject to municipal control with continuous follow-up and reporting.
A professional art committee recommending the purchase and placement of sculptures to Oslo Municipality has been established. At the opening 30 sculptures had been placed, and as of 2024 that number have increased to 45. Further additions are planned for the coming years. The rezoning plan for the area allows for up to 80 sculptures.
C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation is led by a board consisting of three members. Christian Ringnes is the chairman of the board, Berit Kjøll and Øyvind Klevar are executive members. Ina Johannesen is Curator-at-large.
THE ART COMMITTEE
As of 8th January 2009, an agreement was made between the city of Oslo and C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation to proceed with a preliminary project exploring the possibility of establishing a sculpture and cultural heritage park on the Ekeberg hill.
The agency for Cultural Affairs (Kulturetaten) was give the responsibility to lead the preliminary project. As part of this work, The agency for Cultural Affairs in cooperation with the Foundation, were to establish and coordinate an art committee. 6th March 2009, invitations to participate in said council were sent to Professor Maaretta Jaukkuri, and artists Viel Bjerkeset Andersen and Marit Wikland, all of whom accepted. Representing the city of Oslo and The agency for Cultural Affairs, were department director Lise Mjøs and special advisor Gunnar Sørensen. The Foundation’s representatives were Christian Ringnes and Christian Bjelland.
Over the years some of the committee members have changed. However, the committee always consists of representatives from the city of Oslo, the Foundation, and other institutions independent of the two formerly mentioned. The current members are:
Daniella Laurette van Dijk-Wennberg (Kulturetaten)
Jarle Strømodden (The Vigeland Museum)
Åsmund Thorkildsen (Drammens Museum)
Ina Johanessen Dibley (C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation)
Christian Ringnes (C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation)
Viel Bjerkeset Andersen (artist)
The instruction given to the committee is to “(…) in collaboration with the regulatory and cultural heritage group, develop a superior concept for the sculpture and cultural heritage park, that integrates the art, the cultural heritage, and the landscape itself. The art council should develop a sculptural concept, with the feminine as starting point, securing quality and diversity - in the long run making the park a unique facility, in both a national and international perspective”.