The Cultural Cooperation Model

Where

Sweden

When

2012

Key objectives of the measure:

Beginning in 2011, a new model for distributing state funding aid to regional cultural activities has been gradually introduced throughout the country. Among other things, the purpose of the Cultural Cooperation Model is, based on the national cultural policy priorities, to achieve increased impact for regional priorities and variations and bring culture closer to citizens.
Under this model, the Swedish Arts Council is responsible for distributing state funding to county councils, which then distribute funds directly to individual cultural activities.8 Before distributing funds, the Swedish Arts Council holds discussions with the central government agencies and actors included in the cooperation council which has been established at the agency. A prerequisite for inclusion in the model is that the county council, in cooperation with the county’s municipalities and in dialogue with civil society and professional artists, must have developed a regional plan for culture. The model thus contributes to creating strategic forums for the many actors at national, regional and local level working for the development of culture throughout the whole of society. From 2012, 16 of 21 counties are included in the Cultural Cooperation Model. A further four counties intend to join the model in 2013.

Main feature of the measure:

In total, the model covers approximately SEK 1.2 billion. The Government will increase state support to regional cultural activities by a total of SEK 75 million in 2012–2014. The increased support will target activities that renew and develop the area of culture as regards both artistic expression and innovative ways of making culture accessible and spreading it to new and broader audiences.

The Swedish Arts Council is responsible for the national follow-up of the model, based on the regional follow-ups for which each region is responsible. The Swedish Agency for Cultural Policy Analysis is responsible for ongoing evaluation of the model and its implementation9. In an initial study, focused on the process of dialogue during introduction and short-term effects in the first five regions, the agency identifies a number of challenges. Among other things, its is pointed out that the Cultural Cooperation Model is time-consuming and requires a lot of resources and that the opportunities for independent professional artists and civil society need to be improved. At the same time, the agency states that the Cultural Cooperation Model has contributed to placing culture on the political agenda regionally and that the various actors feel that their interests are brought to light.

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