Art & Entertainment

The Arts and Entertainment industries, in Denmark, thrive as a result of the proportionately high amount of government funding they receive, much of which is administered by local authorities so as to involve citizens directly. Thanks to a system of grants, Danish artists are able to devote themselves to their work while museums, theatres, and the film institute receive national support.

Denmark has a rich artistic and intellectual heritage. The fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) and symphonies of Carl Nielsen (1865–1931), have earned international recognition. From the mid 1990s, Danish films have attracted international attention, especially those associated with Dogme 95 like those of Lars Von Trier.


Cinema

Denmark has been producing films since 1897 and since the 1980s has maintained a steady stream of product due largely to funding by the state-supported Danish Film Institute. Historically, Danish films have been noted for their realism, religious and moral themes, sexual frankness and technical innovation.

Famous Danes in Cinema
Brigitte Nielsen, Actress
Connie Nielsen, Actress
Lars von Trier, Film Director
Thomas Vinterberg, Film Director
Viggo Mortensen, Actor (Half-Danish)

Art

During the first half of the 19th Century, The Danish Golden Age, driven by German Romanticism, brought to prominence many Danish Painters and their work. It also saw the development of Danish architecture in the Neoclassical style. Copenhagen, in particular, acquired a new look, with buildings designed by Christian Frederik Hansen and by Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll.

Popular Danish Artists
Bertel Thorvaldsen, Sculptor
Vilhelm Hammershoi, Painter
Wilhelm Freddie, Painter/Sculptor
Asger Jorn, Painter
Per Kirkeby, Painter


Music

Denmark has long been a center of Music. The Royal Danish Orchestra is among the world's oldest orchestras. Carl Nielsen was the first Danish composer to gain international recognition. In addition, the Danish recording industry has produced many pop stars and musicians from a multitude of genres.

Popular Danish Musicians
Alphabeat
Aqua
Carl Nielsen
King Diamond
Mercyful Fate

Literature

Danish literature stretches back to the Middle Ages. Some of its most recognized contributors are the historian Saxo Grammaticus, the playwright Ludvig Holberg, the storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, and Karen Blixen who achieved worldwide fame with her autobiographical story Out of Africa.

Popular Danish Authors
Hans Christian Andersen
Karen Blixen
Leif Davidsen
Bjarne Reuter
Peter Høeg

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