The hardest hit are the performing arts and museums, while, for example, handicrafts have not been as exposed.
SKR is now demanding an increase in state funds for the regions' cultural activities to prevent the situation from getting worse, writes DN.
- Before 2021, the state needs to strengthen the allocation to the cultural cooperation model to safeguard the cultural infrastructure, says Katrien Vanhaverbeke, section manager with responsibility for cultural, sports and leisure issues at SKR.
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Earlier this summer, the government and the coalition parties, the Center Party and the Liberals, proposed an investment of SEK 150 million to cover the income that the regions lost in cultural income during the pandemic.
Even though the government has made investments in crisis support and redundancies, something that SKR welcomes, Katrien Vanhaverbeke believes that there is a far greater need.
- There are several aspects, partly for current funds, and partly that some time-limited state funds for regional culture expire at the turn of the year.
We have not received any information about what will happen to the temporary funds, says Katrien Vanhaverbeke.
Amanda Lind: Have a meeting on Thursday
Minister of Culture and Sports Amanda Lind (MP) responds in an email comment to DN and emphasizes the importance of keeping regional culture alive.
- It is absolutely central for people all over the country to have access to live music, theaters and other culture where you live.
That is why the government has strengthened the cultural cooperation model, and I see that it also needs to continue to be strengthened.
Culture makes the whole of Sweden alive.
I have a meeting with SKR on Thursday and then we will discuss the situation around this.