Miniøya's Social Responsibility
Whether we’re talking about cultural diversity, inclusion, equality, or a sense of belonging, we view Miniøya as a gathering place with multiple paths, bridges, and entry points. We have various projects, initiatives, and partnerships that help us advance our values. Our goal is always to create high-quality cultural experiences for children within a safe, sustainable, and engaging environment.
"12% of the tickets for Miniøya 2026 have been distributed through humanitarian organizations and local partnerships in Tøyen."
What are we going to do?
Ticket Fund and Local Partnerships: Every year, we distribute at least 10% of our tickets through various charitable organizations and local partnerships. We have been part of the Salvation Army’s activity card program for many years, and cardholders can order free tickets for their families. We also partner with Fattighuset, the Red Cross, ROSA, and other social and humanitarian organizations to distribute tickets to families facing financial hardship. With support from the Grieg Foundation, the Anthon Foundation, and the Bergesen Foundation, we are able to engage in long-term work on selected social projects. One of the most important things we do is invite our neighborhood to the festival through partnerships with schools and preschools.
We are proud of our connection to Tøyen and the Gamle Oslo district, and we place a special emphasis on program activities that promote local participation in the surrounding area. We do this in many different ways, such as by inviting choirs and bands to collaborate on musical projects. In our experience, collaboration through active involvement generates the most enthusiasm and the highest level of participation.
"Everyyear, the 4th-grade students and their parents at Tøyen School are invited to the festival. "
The Lakkegata School Choir. Photo: Bård Gundersen
“‘Thank you so muchfor the free tickets; the kids and their moms had a great time—they said they felt so normal walking around the festival, like they were just an ordinary family. So that was really great!’”
Volunteering
To make Miniøya a reality, we rely entirely on the help of a large group of volunteers. Anyone who wants to contribute is welcome to join us, and we have extensive experience in tailoring tasks to meet different needs and abilities. We aim to be a place that fosters unity and inclusion, and we help provide valuable work experience for many people, including through collaborations with various “Ung Jobb” crews.
“Miniøyahas collaborated with Oslo Prison’s Stifinner’n and Nettverk etter soning ever since its inception in 2010. They have provided plenty of help during setup and takedown, and have attended the festival with their own children.”
A festival poster for everyone
Miniøya has always focused on an equitable and diverse cultural scene and signed the Keychange, a commitment to gender balance. This pledge includes a goal of achieving 50% representation of women and underrepresented genders.
As a festival aimed at our most important audience (children), it is essential that we are open and inclusive. We have a responsibility toward a new generation of both musicians and audience members. Miniøya aims to serve as a facilitator and a platform for showcasing role models in the area of gender equality.
Our guiding principle is that everyone should have equal opportunities, and we are committed to reflecting diversity. Miniøya will provide more women and other underrepresented genders with a stage to perform on and an audience to play for.
Thinking about diversity and gender balance in no way limits the booking process or artistic quality; rather, it enriches our work and helps us become even better at showcasing both new talent and established artists. We wish more others would do the same. A gender-equal festival lineup is the sound of the future.
It is important to us that our festival poster also reflects cultural diversity. Our hope is that all children at Miniøya will feel represented through the artistic content. That is why the poster always includes a variety of genres and artists who represent and highlight different cultures. One thing that remains constant every year is that we always feature at least one Sami production.
Flying Seagulls Norway
We are also proud to collaborate with the wonderful humanitarian cultural organization Flying Seagulls Norway. The Flying Seagulls use clowning, magic, play, and activities to help children in crisis situations—such as at refugee reception centers—overcome their fear and uncertainty. They are a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization funded through donations and paid engagements such as Miniøya. For several years now, they’ve had their own tent at our festival, offering performances and circus activities all weekend long.