The inquiry that preceded the government's decision to let the State Art Council and Arkdes merge into the Moderna Museum calls it a "commissioned work".
In a debate article in Dagens Nyheter Göran Sundström criticized the government for repeatedly disregarding the so-called objectivity principle, i.e. that governments should gather opinions from all parties involved before making decisions.
This is an executive inquiry, it's not about whether things should be done, but how, he says to TT.
Stands out
But even in relation to the government's other inquiries stands out, emphasizes Sundström. It was appointed on the clock at 4 pm on the eve of Midsummer 2024 - "just in time for Sweden to shut down for the summer" - and has been led by an investigator, Thomas Pålsson, knowledgeable in economics and administration.
He is not a cultural person at all and very loyal in executive matters, especially when it comes to efficiency, says Göran Sundström.
Critical review bodies were excluded, emphasizes Sundström, who also turns against the merger being implemented hastily. Nothing in the process of merging art authorities is urgent due to security or other reasons, he emphasizes.
Liljestrand (M) says in a press release that she believes the change "will benefit citizens' encounter with art and culture".
"One authority"
According to Göran Sundström, the decision has nothing to do with cultural policy. He points out that not even the government officials are sure it will result in savings. For the government, it's about reducing the number of authorities further, he emphasizes.
That they have decreased dramatically over the past 30 years is something no one denies, there were 1,200 authorities in 1990, now we have 364. How many authorities will be left? Will it be one authority?
Karin Nilsson, acting superintendent at Arkdes, emphasizes that they have always been clear that Arkdes wants to continue as an independent authority.
My impression is that Arkdes is in very good condition and we fulfill our requirements completely without remark.
Henrik Orrje, acting director at the State Art Council, is more cautious:
Much of what we wrote in our review will be taken into account in the process going forward. Such as that our operations will be allowed to continue under our name, but as a department. And that our mission will remain unchanged.
