In Värmdö municipality's latest budget proposal, Gustavsberg's art gallery can be exposed to competition or closed down.
Among other things, it has led art associations, museum directors and professors at art schools to sign a petition addressed to Värmdö municipal board.
As Sweden's and the Nordic region's only art gallery that specializes in contemporary crafts, Gustavberg's art gallery is of national and international importance, they write in the appeal.
- In our budget proposal, we primarily want to expose the art gallery to competition.
Secondly, wind up.
It is a fantastic activity, but we believe that an activity based on business grounds can not be paid for with three million annually from our welfare budget, says Deshira Flankör (M), chairman of the municipal board in Värmdö municipality.
"Amazing that many are involved"
The fact that the art gallery is exposed to competition means that it would be run privately, instead of municipally.
Previously, the art gallery was run in that way, but in 2015 the municipality took over.
What do you think about the fact that a call has been created to save the art gallery?
- It is fantastic that so many are involved in the issue.
With the great commitment, I am convinced that there are forces that can develop the art gallery in an independent direction and they are more than welcome to do so, says Deshira Flankör.
If no private player takes over, the art gallery will be closed down.
On Wednesday, the municipal board will vote on the proposal.
The budget proposal will be voted on in the City Council on 11 November.