Theatres' criticism: The state raises rents – but not subsidies

The National Property Board of Sweden is the authority that rents out buildings of great cultural and historical value owned by the state. Among the tenants are theaters, and several of them are now sounding the alarm that the rent has become too expensive.

On the national stage Dramaten, people are afraid of having to pick from money that will go to produce performances.

"Fewer performances would also mean a less varied repertoire, less work for artists, less opportunity to reach out to many different audiences," says Maria Groop Russel, CEO of the Royal Dramatic Theatre.

"Plus-minus business"

Most performing arts organisers who rent from the National Property Board have market rents, which are renegotiated every time an agreement expires. Therefore, a 60 percent rent increase was announced at Musikaliska kvarteret in Stockholm. The business fears that they may be forced to move out.

"When you talk about the free market, you look at commercialism. A theater is not commercial at all. This is a plus-minus business, says Sophia Artin at Teater Galeasen.

Minister for Financial Markets Niklas Wykman (M) does not think it is a solution to give rent discounts for cultural activities.

"We don't subsidise by making interventions on the property side, but you have an appropriation part in the budget. And then you try as best you can to keep a good balance there," says Niklas Wykman.

Strained situation throughout the country

According to the industry organization Scenkonst Sverige, rent increases are not only a problem for the venues that rent at state level, but also within municipalities and regions.

"There we have public property owners who have yield requirements and want to raise the rent. At the same time, the appropriations of the theatres are at the same level. It's strained, says Annika af Trolle at Scenkonst Sverige.

In a text message to Kulturnyheter, Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand (M) writes that it is not possible to say anything about future appropriations now because it is part of the government's budget preparation.