Sweden has a long tradition of involvement in international cultural cooperation, including in the UNESCO, Nordic Council, and Council of Europe. This work is maintained by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, as well as by a number of government agencies, primarily under the Ministry of Culture.
The Swedish Arts Council (Kulturrådet) and the Swedish Film Institute (Svenska Filminstitutet) share the responsibility of being the Swedish contact point for the EU Creative Europe programme. Together, they maintain the Swedish Creative Europe Desk. The Arts Council is responsible for the Culture sub-program and Creative Europe Desk Culture (web page), while the Swedish Film Institute is responsible for the MEDIA sub-program and Creative Europe Desk MEDIA (web page). These responsibilities are financed within the framework of the cross-sectoral program area, which since 2019 also offers the possibility of a financial loan guarantee for cultural and creative industries. According to reports from the Swedish Arts Council (2023), over six and a half million euros were granted to a total of 111 projects during 2022.
OMC is a method of EU institutions to communicate with their member states. It is also a forum for cooperation on issues with no legislation at the European level. From 2011 to 2013, the Swedish Arts Council participated in the Open Method Cooperation (OMC) groups Cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, and accessible culture for all; Cultural and Creative Industries; and culture for sustainable living. The Arts Council is not currently appointed by the government to participate in any OMC groups. The Arts Grants Committee and the National Heritage Board have also previously represented Sweden in OMC groups.
The Ministry of Education and Research is responsible for Swedish cooperation within UNESCO and for the Swedish National Commission for UNESCO. Much of the work with international cooperation also takes place within government agencies reporting to the Ministry of Culture.
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