The recognized theatre and film director Peter Brook is the winner of the first International Ibsen Award. This was announced at a press conference in Oslo August 18^th. The jury reasoned the choice by recognizing that Brook´s over sixty years long career has been a successful demonstration that all significant theatre has a unique ability to bring people together, that culture is something everyone can appreciate. "Many have taken to his ideas and visions, and throughout his work he has shown us that we are not ourselves enough", said head of the jury Liv Ullmann. "Peter Brook is incredibly skilful", says member Anna Bache-Wiig.

Initiated by the Norwegian Government and Ministry of Cultural Affairs The International Ibsen Conference will take place for the first time in connection with the awarding of the newly established International Ibsen Prize. The International Ibsen Conference 2008 will focus on artistic freedom from different perspectives. The title of the conference segment in Skien is Artistic Freedom - Myths and Realities. The seminar Nora´s Sisters, organised by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will take place in Oslo and be a part of the conference. Nora´s Sisters will address questions pertaining to equal rights in various countries and cultures.