More private money for culture has been a mantra for Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand (M), who on Monday received the report "An investment program for culture" for broadened cultural funding.
A lingering 1970s policy has created an unnecessary vulnerability, says Liljestrand at a press conference where she emphasizes that the government has initiated "a paradigm shift."
A new billion
A new billion in the culture budget could bring in another four billion, according to the investigation, which also calls for a shift in perspective.
Resources for culture must be seen as "investments" to a greater extent than today, according to investigator Karin Forseke. Legal changes are needed, but she also believes the value of culture should be highlighted more at the political level.
I think politicians should do more to emphasize the importance of culture. They do that in other countries, she says.
The signal value is very large, especially when I have spoken to donors.
According to the investigation, Sweden is currently "in principle" the only country in Europe without the possibility of making tax deductions for cultural gifts - this is proposed to change from July 1, 2027.
It is, of course, an ideological choice, but it is also about bringing Sweden in line with other countries, says the Minister of Culture.
Matching cultural initiatives
The new cultural billion, divided over four years, will go to a special "investment program" where private cultural initiatives are matched with public ones. It is proposed that the current government present a bill with selected projects.
This is a way for the political sector to set the agenda and for the private sector to build capital, says Karin Forseke.
Private grassroots fundraising and temporary campaigns should also be able to be matched with public funds.
However, private sources of funding for the cultural sector are not a pretext for reducing public funding, according to the Minister of Culture. At the same time, other parts of the state budget have grown significantly more than culture. Isn't there a risk that only private money will be responsible for future increases?
"I think this will work in a good and balanced way. We also see that when we look at the countries around us," says Liljestrand.
Björn Wiechel (S), cultural policy spokesperson, instead advocates increased public funding.
"Already today, businesses can donate money if they want to. And they do. Broadly and in many ways."
The inquiry's proposals in brief:
Today's tax deduction for donations to social projects and science will also apply to cultural projects. The cap will be raised to 1 million kronor and the tax deduction will be 25 percent. Authorities, regions, and publicly owned limited companies that conduct cultural activities will also be eligible recipients.
The inquiry also proposes that a new tax billion, divided over four years, be allocated to match private donations with public funds. 500 million will be used for major fundraising projects of national interest that each government will present at the beginning of its term.
