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Turid BirkelandNorwegian cultural worker, television journalist, presenter, politician
Date of Birth: 05.11.1962
Country:  Norway |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Career
- Minister of Culture
- Journalistic and Cultural Work
- Later Life and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Turid Birkeland was born in Haugesund, Norway. Her father held positions as Secretary of the Norwegian Union of Iron and Metalworkers and later as Secretary of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and Principal of Sormarka Folk High School. Birkeland attended Bjørke Upper Secondary School in Oslo, graduating in 1981. She continued her education at college in 1982-1983, completing a terminal exam in philosophy.
Political Career
Birkeland joined the Workers' Youth League in 1985 and became an alternate representative to the Norwegian Parliament in the 1985 election. She served on the Standing Committee on Education and Church Affairs. In 1993-1994, Birkeland worked for the Norwegian People's Aid and the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (Brussels office). She was also one of the leaders of the campaign for Norway to join the European Union in 1994, although the referendum on the issue ultimately failed.
Minister of Culture
From October 1996 to October 1997, Birkeland served as Minister of Culture in the government of Thorbjørn Jagland. She returned to journalism following her tenure as minister.
Journalistic and Cultural Work
Birkeland returned to Reiseradioen in 1998 and hosted NRK2 from 1998 to 1999. She was a producer and manager for Rubicon TV from 1999 to 2001 and Director of Cultural Programs at the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation from 2001 to 2004. She was also involved with the Risør Chamber Music Festival, serving on its board from 1997 to 2001 and as its chair from 2004 to 2010. In 2012, Birkeland became the Director of the Royal Concert Programme of Norway and a board member of Southern and Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.
Later Life and Legacy
Turid Birkeland passed away on December 24, 2015, due to complications from myelofibrosis, which she was diagnosed with in 2011. She left a lasting legacy as a talented and passionate Norwegian worker in culture and politics.
