Culture raises the tone in Almedalen this year. This is highlighted by Gunnar Ardelius, Secretary-General of Sweden's Museums, who feels that "something has been ripped open".
There is more at stake.
Almedalen – a gigantic Speakers' Corner where politicians, activists, lobbyists, and industry representatives fight to get their messages across. With a past as Chairman of the Writers' Association, Gunnar Ardelius has long experience of representing culture precisely there. This year, he feels the task is more important than ever.
The state's presence in culture is no longer a given, there is a completely different political will to fundamentally change cultural policy, these debates are needed even more now, there is more at stake. It's a tougher situation.
Despite the ideological dividing lines between the blocs, cultural policy has previously remained fairly constant, he highlights.
There is a big difference now, I would say.
Vulnerable
"Cultural policy is 50 years old – where are we headed?" is the title of an Almedalen seminar where Roger Blomgren, Professor at the University of Borås, is participating. The cultural industry has always thought that the level of public cultural support was too low, he highlights.
What makes culture feel threatened at the regional and municipal level is that it is not protected by any special legislation. Culture is more exposed compared to other policy areas. Yes, the Library Act exists, but it says nothing about how much money should be invested.
Even at the municipal and regional level, there has often been political consensus regarding culture, highlights Roger Blomgren, but that does not have to be an advantage.
It may have been good, but it has not resulted in increased resources. As long as there is consensus, it means that one does not really take this seriously, it is in conflict issues that politicians can profile themselves.
Why so dissatisfied
Sweden's Museums are collaborating with Swedish Performing Arts in Almedalen to gather cultural issues and demonstrate the importance of culture as a driving force in social development. "What does the government want with culture?" is the title of the opening seminar.
The agenda also includes Arena Idea's debate with the pointed title "Why is culture so dissatisfied? In a recession, shouldn't everyone be saving?"
Gunnar Ardelius sees Almedalen as a large and important gathering place.
We have representation from almost all Swedish cultural institutions and the free cultural life, there is really a need from the cultural life to be there.
When: 25 June to 28 June.
Location: Visby.
Among the seminars and debates are KRO, the Artists' National Organisation's debate "Art Policy and Money!", the Royal Opera and Dramaten's conversation "What should national stages pay in rent?" and Sweden's Museums' "The Hunt for a Political Vision for Museums".
