The Merger of Cultural Authorities Stopped

The Government abandons plans to merge the Artists' Committee and the State Cultural Council. The decision is based on extensive criticism of the proposal.

» Published: September 19 2024

The Merger of Cultural Authorities Stopped
Photo: Jakob Åkersten Brodén/TT

Share this article

The Government has announced that there will be fewer authorities and several in the cultural sector have been threatened. In November 2023, the Government raised the idea that the Swedish Arts Council and the Arts Grants Committee could be merged and asked the authorities to investigate the issue.

But now the Government writes in its budget proposal that the merger will not take place – since so many have advised against it in the consultation round.

"A significant majority of those who have submitted comments point out problems and risks with the proposed organizational change", the Government writes.

Among other things, the risk of conflicts of interest is highlighted, given that the authorities have different assignments and target groups.

"Based on the authorities' proposals and the consultative bodies' comments, the Government assesses that the benefits of an organizational change in accordance with the proposal are not sufficient and therefore does not intend to proceed with it", the Government writes.

The Director of the Arts Grants Committee, Mika Romanus, is pleased with the decision.

It is very positive for the Arts Grants Committee that the arts policy will continue to stand strong and that the authority that has worked with these issues since the 1970s will continue to do so.

That the arguments in the report we submitted to the Government have been taken into account and that the consultative bodies have been listened to is gratifying. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Swedish Arts Council to strengthen cultural policy, she says.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Minister Calls Gaming Industry Meeting on Grooming Concerns
1 MIN READ

Minister Calls Gaming Industry Meeting on Grooming Concerns

Elin Cullhed Explores Dark Themes in New Novel "Eurydikes natt"
3 MIN READ

Elin Cullhed Explores Dark Themes in New Novel "Eurydikes natt"

Ariana Grande Announces First Tour in Seven Years for Next Summer
1 MIN READ

Ariana Grande Announces First Tour in Seven Years for Next Summer

Hov1 Bids Farewell with Final Concert After a Decade of Hits
2 MIN READ

Hov1 Bids Farewell with Final Concert After a Decade of Hits

Jessie J Postpones European Tour Amid Cancer Treatment
1 MIN READ

Jessie J Postpones European Tour Amid Cancer Treatment

TV4 Shifts to Pay Channel as It Leaves Terrestrial Network
2 MIN READ

TV4 Shifts to Pay Channel as It Leaves Terrestrial Network

Noomi Rapace Stars as Mother Teresa in New Film "Mother"
3 MIN READ

Noomi Rapace Stars as Mother Teresa in New Film "Mother"

Police Halt Yasin's Performance at Trädgården Festival in Kristianstad
2 MIN READ

Police Halt Yasin's Performance at Trädgården Festival in Kristianstad

Yasin Faces Multi-Million Tax Penalty for Private Expenses
1 MIN READ

Yasin Faces Multi-Million Tax Penalty for Private Expenses

Hov1 Drops New Music Ahead of Final Performance
1 MIN READ

Hov1 Drops New Music Ahead of Final Performance

Swedish Cultural Canon to Be Presented Amid Ongoing Debate
1 MIN READ

Swedish Cultural Canon to Be Presented Amid Ongoing Debate

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Engagement Post Breaks Instagram Record
1 MIN READ

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Engagement Post Breaks Instagram Record

Ancient Garbage Heap Transformed into Eight-Hour Sound Experience in Stockholm
2 MIN READ

Ancient Garbage Heap Transformed into Eight-Hour Sound Experience in Stockholm

French Montana Engaged to Dubai Princess Mahra Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum
1 MIN READ

French Montana Engaged to Dubai Princess Mahra Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum

Patrik Svensson Explores Family's Dark Past in New Book on Merciful Murderer
3 MIN READ

Patrik Svensson Explores Family's Dark Past in New Book on Merciful Murderer

Van Gogh Museum Faces Possible Closure Due to Funding Issues
1 MIN READ

Van Gogh Museum Faces Possible Closure Due to Funding Issues

K-pop Musical Tops Netflix as Most Watched Film
1 MIN READ

K-pop Musical Tops Netflix as Most Watched Film

Man Convicted for Anti-Drag Queen Comments on Facebook
1 MIN READ

Man Convicted for Anti-Drag Queen Comments on Facebook

Gaza Conflict Overshadows Venice Film Festival Opening
2 MIN READ

Gaza Conflict Overshadows Venice Film Festival Opening

Physical Bookstores See Largest Growth in Second Quarter Sales
1 MIN READ

Physical Bookstores See Largest Growth in Second Quarter Sales