There is an extensive tradition of international professional cooperation, particularly within the Nordic region, involving most major Swedish cultural institutions, government agencies, and major NGOs. International cooperation is also increasingly common on the regional and local levels, especially within the EU. EU funding also plays an increasing role in local and regional cultural policy, although this role has earlier been less developed than in most other European countries. The Creative Europe programme funded projects in Sweden with a total of 34 million SEK in 2022. EU structural funds provided over 100 million SEK in funding for projects in Sweden the same year (Swedish Agency for Cultural Policy Analysis 2023d).
Government measures are now being taken in order to further stimulate cultural institutions and professionals in Sweden to broaden their international scope. In relation to exchanges within Europe, this work is led by the Swedish Arts Council (Kulturrådet) and the Swedish Film Institute (Svenska Filminstitutet), who share the responsibility of being the Swedish contact point for the EU Creative Europe programme. The Swedish Institute and the cultural attachés at Swedish embassies are also engaged in the work of expanding the contacts between the Swedish arts and culture sector and the rest of the world (see chapters 1.4.1 and 1.4.2). The International Artists Studio Programme in Sweden (IASPIS) offers artist-in-residence grants to visiting artists and supports artists from Sweden exhibiting abroad. Sweden is also an active member of The Organizing Committee of Ars Baltica, which was founded to enhance cultural exchange and co-operation among the countries of the Baltic Sea region.
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