With the exception of cinemas, amusement parks, a few private theatres, and a number of private art collections and heritage sites, all major cultural institutions are financed by the national, regional or local levels of governments. Most of them are owned, and maintained, by public authorities. The majority of the national cultural institutions are located in the capital. The national government also contributes to regional and municipal cultural institutions (see chapters 1.2.3. and 1.2.6.).
National museums are under government authority, and most of them are organised as parts of government agencies. A few national museums have the legal status of foundations, but there is little practical difference in their relationship to the government. The government stipulates instructions and regulations, appoints boards, and supports them financially. For historical reasons, most cultural institutions are located in the capital. However, the newer Museum of World Cultures has it’s headquarter in Gothenburg, and the Maritime Museum is headquartered in Karlskrona. Two national stages, the Royal Opera and the Royal Dramatic Theatre, are organised as limited liability companies, with the state as sole shareholder. These companies are not financially self-supporting; they receive 70-80percent of their annual budgets from the state funds for culture. National public service TV and radio is organized in companies owned by a foundation with a board representing the parties represented in the national parliament.
Regional cultural institutions are mostly run as foundations, or limited liability companies, in which the Region and / or municipal authorities are the owners. There are also examples of institutions that are integrated in the regional, or municipal, administrations. Access to EU structural funds, and earmarked money for cultural projects, has become increasingly important at regional levels.
Comments are closed.