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Swedish Culture Politics in the 20th Century

”GOOD ART FOR THE PEOPLE” 1930-1974 ”GOOD ART FOR THE PEOPLE” 3

Based on a radically changed role for the State Objectives Administrate cultural institutions Manage cultural traditions Make it possible for everyone to come in contact with culture Conditions Democracy Economical growth Progressive taxes 4

Artur Engberg (Minister for Education & Culture 1932-39) Culture politics as part of a democratic fostering to make it possible for everyone to take part in political life 1934 Riksteatern is established 1937 1% rule 1938 The Lottery fund – money for cultural aims 5

THE STRONG SOCIETY 6

Ragnar Edenman This is the base for the current structure (Minister for Education & Culture 1957-67) Edenman´s speach from 1959 marks the beginning of modern Swedish culture politics as we know it. Equal culture institutions across the country Rights and supportive systems for artists Active process to broaden participation in the established cultural life This is the base for the current structure 7

1974 Committee of inquiry Carried by a collected political publicity on a national, regional and local level. Every need of the citizen should be taken care of within a tax-financed system. 8

A territorial structure with state, region and municipality as actors Basic ideas (some) A territorial structure with state, region and municipality as actors Clear responisibilities between state, region and municipality Public financing – no sponsoring Clear boundaries towards commercial culture Money is power! Regional justice – culture in all of Sweden Same structure in all regions Diversity – support of a free culture life The priority of children and youth 9

MAP State Legislation, funds Department of Culture (tax) Swedish Arts Council Swedish National Heritage Board Swedish Travelling Exhibitions Region Distribution of funds Regional museums, (theatres, music) Municipality local cultural life (tax) 10

2008 A new Government Culture The objectives of national cultural policy include: taking action to enable everyone to participate in cultural life to experience culture and to engage in creative activities of their own promoting cultural diversity, artistic renewal and quality enabling culture to act as a dynamic, challenging and independent force in society preserving and making use of our cultural heritage promoting a thirst for learning promoting international cultural exchange and meetings between different cultures in the country. 11

2009 Committee of inguiry New cultural politics State Free culture amateurs Institutions Professional Local 12