750 million in new crisis support for culture

In total, the government has now allocated SEK 3.53 billion in crisis and stimulus support in 2021. Minister of Culture and Democracy Amanda Lind emphasizes that the pandemic is not over yet, and that the government must continue to support cultural life with pure crisis support, but also by providing conditions for a restart.

-The crisis support that we have paid out so far has meant an enormous amount to very many companies that have escaped bankruptcy, it has saved jobs.

This has meant that it has been possible to keep its operations on a low note and now gradually begin planning for a restart, but the needs are still enormous, she tells TT.

"High time"

The message is positive, thinks Mikael Brännvall, CEO of Swedish Performing Arts, who emphasizes that the free and private performing arts activities are still fighting for their survival.

At the same time, he calls for a national plan for how the performing arts can gradually reopen as it is allowed by the contagion situation.

-These are businesses that have a very long lead time and if you do not combine the support with a plan so that they can make the right decision going forward, there is a risk that the start-up will be very protracted, he says.

Mikael Brännvall would prefer to see a guarantee support, where the state takes the risk if the restrictions remain in the autumn.

He thinks it is high time to talk about a "timed" plan for the opening.

Falling between the chairs

Jan Granvik, chairman of the Swedish Musicians' Association, believes that all help is important, even though he thinks it has not always been so accurate.

-This is a step in the right direction, but the problem with these contributions is that there are always some who fall between the chairs, says Anton Gunnars.

An individual musician who has lost many gigs can get a maximum of about 50,000 in one round from the Arts Council, he says.

He understands that it is difficult to design support that is right for everyone, but thinks that it would have been better to ease the rules for an unemployment fund that could reach everyone.

-Now there will be sporadic contributions. We are of course happy about support, but for our members it would have been better with a steady income so that you know that you can get through this, says Anton Gunnars.