Bjorn Wiechel (S):
If the Tidö government's cuts to rehearsal spaces are allowed to continue, Sweden will lose its global position as a leading music nation. We Social Democrats want to invest in student associations, for more rehearsal spaces throughout Sweden.
Alexander Christiansson (SD):
Student associations themselves have chosen to close down rehearsal rooms. This is because it is a costly activity, while there are more profitable ways to use study circles. We think it is unfortunate. The Sweden Promise that we have entered into together with the Liberals contains a point about access to premises, which includes rehearsal rooms.
At the same time, we believe that society at large benefits from public education that prioritizes quality over quantity.
Kristina Axén Olin (M):
There are thousands of rehearsal rooms in Sweden. These are found with property owners, in schools, recreation centers, cultural centers, churches, community centers, student associations, but also with companies that only rent out rehearsal rooms. New rehearsal rooms are being added all the time, so the media image is not accurate.
The state's funding for student associations has decreased, but because the number of participants has dropped so sharply, the student associations receive more per participant, despite the reduction in funding.
To maintain and stimulate the cultural and creative industries, many things are required. We have decided on a ten-year strategy in the Riksdag.
Vasiliki Tsouplaki (V):
It is very important that the student associations can open the more than 300 rehearsal rooms that have been closed this term due to the government's and SD's cuts. In our budget we proposed that the 500 million that were removed be put back. The music activities of the student associations are a very important part of the Swedish music miracle.
Catarina Deremar (C):
This needs to be addressed. Rehearsal rooms are hugely important for regeneration, and everyone starts somewhere by preparing for their first meeting with the audience. Rehearsal rooms are needed for the Swedish music miracle to survive and develop.
Roland Utbult (KD):
Rehearsal rooms are still extremely important even though many songwriters and music producers have moved into their own home studios through new technological possibilities. For me as a Christian Democrat, the study circles of the student associations are still important, with support for rehearsal rooms for music bands. It is also a municipal responsibility.
Mats Berglund (MP):
In our shadow budget, we are restoring the half billion that the Tidö parties have deducted from the student unions. But we must protect and strengthen the entire education chain for musicians and cultural creators. From the cultural school and more culture in schools, via the folk high schools' creative and cultural education and the student unions' rehearsal rooms, to higher artistic education at the music colleges.
Malin Danielsson (L):
Without rehearsal rooms and these environments, it will be difficult to continue being a successful music country.
That is why the Liberals want to increase government funding for student unions again. For me, it is crucial that we ensure that these resources actually remain.
The opportunity to start playing music should not be determined by where you live or what resources you have.
Ahead of the elections this fall, TT lets a number of culture and entertainment profiles ask their most burning questions to cultural politicians - and get answers.
Those who respond sit on the Riksdag's Culture Committee and are their party's spokesperson on cultural issues.
Artist Toussaint Chiza's question reads in full:
If we continue to close all rehearsal spaces - how will Sweden continue to be a major power in the music world?
