Sweden : Profile updates - Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe

Sweden - Profile Updates

3. Competence, decision-making and administration

3.2 Overall description of the system

The Swedish Media Council was formed in January 2011 to replace 2 other agencies.

Sweden/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate

4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities

A Cultural Policy Bill was passed by parliament setting new objectives for Swedish cultural policy.

4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate

4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities

In 2011 and 2012 state support to cultural organisations was delegated to regional governments under advice from the Arts Council.

Sweden/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates

4.2.2 Heritage issues and policies

The government has discontinued free access (apart from those aged under 19) to museums and increased state funding to the sector.

4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates

4.2.7 Intercultural dialogue: actors, strategies, programmes

A national project (2013-2015) will study how museums influence the perception of national identity.

Sweden/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates

4.2.9 Employment policies for the cultural sector

Changes in the unemployment insurance rules have been feared to harm artist groups on short-term employment contracts, although the impact on the cultural sector is not yet clear.

Sweden/ 5.3 Sector specific legislation

5.3.5 Architecture and environment

The report of the Committee on Culture recommends the integration of several state agencies concerned with the aesthetic, architectural and historical environment into one unit.

6. Financing of culture

6.1 Short overview

Both state and municipal spending on culture dropped somewhat between 2010 and 2011.

6. Financing of culture

6.1 Short overview

New agency took over responsibility for cultural statistics from the Arts Council in 2012.

6. Financing of culture

6.3. Trends and indicators for private cultural financing

Civil society volunteering in arts and culture estimate a contribution of 16 million hours, an average of 100 hours per volunteer per year.

8.2 Cultural consumption and participation

8.2.1 Trends and figures

The last survey of cultural activity showed 40% of adults attended theatres, 16% classical concerts, 48% visited museums, and 53% public libraries.

8.3 Arts and cultural education

8.3.2 Arts in schools

The Swedish Arts Council has a new programme to fund culture in schools.

Sweden/ 8.4 Amateur arts, cultural associations and civil initiatives

8.4.3 Associations of citizens, advocacy groups, NGOs and advisory panels

Government plans to encourage volunteering in cultural institutions has caused controversy.

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