The Nordic Council of Ministers

The Nordic Council of Ministers is the official collaborative body of the Nordic governments. Overall responsibility for cooperation lies with the prime ministers. In practice, responsibility is delegated to the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation and to the Nordic Committee for Cooperation, which coordinates the day-to-day work of official political Nordic cooperation. Within this cooperation a strategy for cultural cooperation 2013–2020 has been drawn up by The Nordic Council of Ministers. The strategy shows that flourishing arts and culture are essential in a modern society. The strategy states that cultural experiences and cultural activities are important for social interaction, developing identity and for inclusion in which trust, respect and social connections can be forged between citizens. Art and cultural challenges develop us as individuals and as a society and contribute towards a sustainable society.

For this reason it is important that there is access to a diverse range of art and cultural experiences and that everyone has opportunities to express themselves through art and culture. To resolve some of the major challenges that society faces, a joined-up approach is needed spanning several sectors and policy areas. Culture has a major impact on other areas such as industrial development and employment, integration, health, learning and creativity.