For several years, cultural institutions have pointed out the problems with cost-based rent. Now that market-based rent is being proposed instead, many are hoping for a change.
The cost-based rent model has been a dysfunctional and unstable model that can be replaced with something more stable, with reduced economic risk and a stronger link between costs and budget development, says Gunnar Ardelius, Secretary-General of the Swedish Museums.
He thinks the proposal looks better for all parties, but only if the museums are also compensated when the rents are increased according to the so-called complementary proposal.
We hope that the government will follow the investigation's conclusions so that the affected museums' funds can be used to a greater extent for operations instead of for property rental costs.
"Peace of mind and security"
The Natural History Museum, which has had a strained economy after the rent increases following renovations, is also positive. A risk would be if the rent is increased without the budget being adjusted at the same time, according to Director-General Lisa Månsson.
But I also heard a clear message from all parties, that the condition is that this should be regulated within the framework of the state budget. So I feel calm and secure that the adjustment will be made at the same time.
The museum building still has major renovation needs, and Lisa Månsson hopes that the National Property Board will now work more on developing the buildings to suit modern museum operations.
The National Property Board will, with this adjustment, have better opportunities to care for and develop cultural properties, which is exactly what we as tenants wish for and demand.
A decision is needed quickly
Even the Royal Opera's CEO Fredrik Lindgren is positive. He hopes for a clearer division of responsibilities between landlord and tenant.
I'm very glad that they've landed on clearly and clearly abolishing cost-based rent, it feels good. We'll go through the details in a positive second round, and I hope the government will quickly move forward.
