The diversity and depth of creative talent in the cultural scene today is equally due to international influences. Faroese writers, musicians, visual artists, performers, filmmakers and designers have taken trends and impulses from many other countries and cultures and combined these with Faroese influences to create unique new styles. The same can be said about the gourmet scene, which has put a modern twist on traditional Faroese food culture.

In the Faroe Islands, international cultural exchange is highly valued and actively encouraged and supported. Specialised public agencies have been established to promote creative industries in international markets. Writers, musicians, film makers, visual artists and others have access to grants for travel to work, perform and exhibit overseas. Funding schemes and facilities, such as residencies, are available for artists from overseas to spend time working in the Faroe Islands.

The Faroese Language

Faroese is the official language of the Faroe Islands. Faroese is a West Nordic language, which like Icelandic, is derived from Old Norse, the language of the first Viking-age settlers in the 9th century. They also gave the islands their name, Føroyar, meaning Sheep Islands.

Online dictionaries
The publish house Sprotin manages the free online authorized dictionary of Faroese, as well as bilingual dictionaries between Faroese and English, Danish, Spanish, German, Greenlandic, Chinese, Russian, French and Italian

The Faroese clinker boat on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List