CBC News reports that a Norwegian millionaire’s plans for a sculpture park dedicated to depictions of women have caused fierce debate in the Scandinavian country. Oslo real estate developer Christian Ringnes plans to open the Ekeberg Skulpturpark in 2012.

“The only criteria is the artistic quality of the works,” Ringnes told The Art Newspaper. “In that sense our decision will not depend on whether the artist is male or female.”

Ringnes created a foundation to construct the park, which is high on a hillside overlooking the Norwegian capital, and to buy works. The real estate tycoon says about twenty works, including pieces by Rodin and Fernando Botero, have already been acquired. He plans to spend the equivalent of $16.9 million for about thirty sculptures.

Marianne Hultman, director of the Oslo Kunstforening (Fine Art Society), disagrees with the park’s focus. “What would have happened if one of the country’s richest women had suggested a sculpture park with works depicting only men. Who would have taken her seriously?”

Ringnes says the pieces don’t necessarily have to depict as much as represent a “feminine imprint” and stand for “female values.” The focus doesn’t impress local artist Ane Hjort Guttu, who was once a politician and calls herself a feminist activist. The sculptor fears the park will be “built on stereotypes.”

A public hearing concerning the park is slated for later this year and a final decision is expected in 2011.