Culture actors around Sweden are witnessing a new economic vulnerability as a result of a meager state cultural budget. According to Marita Jonsson at Körsbärsgårdens art center on Gotland, a "war between the government and cultural life" is underway. The Minister of Culture does not agree.
I wouldn't call it a war. This government has done a number of things to enable cultural creators, says Parisa Liljestrand.
At the same time, culture actors around the country are testifying that the situation is acute: music houses and free theater groups are being forced to shut down their operations. Others are on their knees.
In a recession, unfortunately, all parts of society are affected, including culture.
Budget work in progress
The work on next year's budget, which will be presented in September, is in full swing. Last year, Parisa Liljestrand defended the cultural budget with a reference to the economic situation. Culture had to take a step back.
My task as Minister of Culture is to be part of the government that makes decisions for Sweden's best. Then you need to prioritize.
In an email to TT, the Minister of Culture writes that it is a "bourgeois fundamental view to increase cultural freedom and that includes reducing public dependence". At the same time, Parisa Liljestrand emphasizes that she does not stand for a policy where the state's cultural responsibility decreases. She mentions national stages as an example of culture that still requires state financing.
But it's also important to dare to talk about how we can get a stronger, freer, and more enjoyable cultural life with private financing.
Do we really need "fun" culture?
Culture plays many roles in society. It should challenge and gather us, broaden our perspectives and views. But also entertain us.
Culture as an export commodity
During Almedalen Week, the Minister of Culture participated in seminars organized by, among others, Spotify and the Game Developers Association. She declined to inaugurate Culture in Almedalen and did not attend their seminars. However, this should not be understood as her focusing on more commercial culture that can be exported, she says:
During my time as Minister of Culture, I have investigated how private financing of cultural life can be facilitated. But it's not my only focus. You can hold multiple thoughts in your head at the same time.
Mats Almegård/TT
Parisa Liljestrand on the government's cultural policy
TT
Parisa Liljestrand on what the government has done for culture:
We have instituted more and longer scholarships, seen to an increased library compensation, and developed a strategy for cultural and creative industries. We have changed and improved the agreement for artists' compensation (MU-agreement), she says.
At the latest by October 16, the Agency for Cultural Analysis (Myka) will present an investigation into how private financing of culture looks in Sweden today.
Regardless of what it shows, I believe it will be a good starting point for a continued discussion on how we can strengthen the cultural sector and broaden its financing, says Parisa Liljestrand.
The Minister of Culture's example of how private financing of cultural life can come to look:
It can be about philanthropy, scholarships, and collections, but also self-financing, ticket revenue, and so on. It's important that we talk about how culture can stand on multiple legs, not just the state's, she says.
