The foundation
C. Ludens Ringnes Stiftelse is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to build a solid capital base and provide grants for charitable causes, with a primary focus on art, culture, experiences, and environmental conservation.
The establishment, operation, and maintenance of the park are governed by an agreement with the landowner, Oslo Kommune. Under this agreement, the foundation committed to providing a minimum of NOK 300 million for the park project: NOK 100 million for the development of the park, NOK 100 million for the acquisition of sculptures, and NOK 100 million for a maintenance fund. The foundation is responsible for operating the park for a period of 50 years.
The art committee evaluates and selects which works are to be incorporated into the collection, and where they are given their permanent place in Ekebergparken. All recommendations regarding works and locations must be applied for and approved by the City of Oslo. The art committee consists of representatives from the City of Oslo, the C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation, and independent art institutions. The committee has been a governing body for the sculpture park from the very beginning.
On 8 January 2009, an agreement was entered into between the City of Oslo and the C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation to carry out a pre-project to explore the possibilities of establishing a sculpture and cultural heritage park at Ekeberg. The Cultural Affairs Agency was given responsibility by the municipality to lead the pre-project. As part of the pre-project work, the Cultural Affairs Agency was to establish and coordinate an art committee in consultation with the Foundation. On 6 March 2009, an official invitation to participate in the art committee was sent out by the Cultural Affairs Agency. The invitation was sent to Professor Maaretta Jaukkuri and artists Viel Bjerkeset Andersen and Marit Wikland, all of whom accepted. Representatives on behalf of the City of Oslo and the Cultural Affairs Agency were Deputy Director Lise Mjøs and Senior Adviser Gunnar Sørensen. Representatives from the C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation were Christian Ringnes and Christian Bjelland.
The art committee has changed somewhat over the years, and today consists of Karianne Kampevold Sætre (Cultural Affairs Agency, City of Oslo), Jarle Strømodden (the Vigeland Museum), Åsmund Thorkildsen (art historian), Ina Johannessen Dibley (C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation), Viel Bjerkeset Andersen (artist), and Christian Ringnes (C. Ludens Ringnes Foundation).
According to the terms of reference, the group shall "… in collaboration with the planning and cultural heritage group, develop an overall main concept for the sculpture and cultural heritage park that integrates the art, the cultural heritage sites, and the landscape. The group shall develop a distinct sculptural concept, rooted in the feminine, that ensures quality and diversity so that the park will in the long term stand out as a unique facility, both nationally and internationally."
At the opening of the park in 2013, 30 artworks had been installed, and by 2025 the number had grown to 47. Further additions are planned in the years ahead, typically one new addition per year. The area's zoning plan allows for up to 80 sculptures.
C. Ludens Ringnes Stiftelse is governed by a board consisting of three members. Christian Ringnes serves as Chairman of the Board, while Berit Kjøll and Øyvind Klevar serve as board members. Ina Johannesen Dibley is an advisor to the foundation.
Christian Ringnes
Christian Ringnes is the founder of the foundation.Â