Working methods

Chairpersons

Each expert group elects its own chairperson. The groups do not have vice chairs. The chairperson of the expert group is responsible for ensuring that the experts work as effectively as possible. The role of the chairperson includes the following responsibilities and duties:

• responsibility for the work of the expert group
• encouraging discussion and exchange of opinions
• resolving conflicts of opinions
• ensuring that the expert group is kept well informed about the current cultural policy objectives of the Nordic Council of Ministers

The expert groups' chairpersons:

• Mobility and Residency Programme: Ágúst Gudmundsson, Iceland (Mobility Support) Virve Sutinen, Finland (Network Support and Mobility Support Modules) Kaarel Oja, Estonia (Support for Artist Residencies)
• Culture and Art Programme: Peter Christensen Teilmann, Denmark (Activities Aimed at Production and Communication and Capacity Development, Criticism and Sharing of Knowledge)

Methods of working and good governance

The expert groups apply simple and efficient methods of working and co-operate with each other. The experts can, if necessary, consult one another on specific decisions.

The number of annual meetings is determined when the expert groups' work commences, but there must be one annual joint meeting for all the groups. At this meeting the experts have the opportunity to exchange experiences, scrutinise decisions, develop working methods, etc.

The experts can also hold telephone meetings if necessary.

The experts are responsible for ensuring that their other tasks and obligations do not have any negative impact on their work in the expert groups. The work of the experts includes:

• personally studying the submitted applications
• if occurring, announcing conflicts of interest in connection with applications
• understanding that the applications and the expert group's discussions are not public
• being loyal to decisions collectively made by the expert group at the meetings
• presenting opinions and positions at the meetings
• studying in person the necessary materials as per the mandate, and, if necessary, ask for supplementary material

The work of the expert groups follows the principle of good governance, which requires that the activities are transparent and that the names of the experts are public.

Financial administration

Each expert group has its annually fixed budget, the use and allocation of which is the responsibility of the group. Nordic Culture Point has the responsibility for the financial administration.