At the end of 2021, the Swedish Arts Council completed its review of the association Romska kulturcentret in Malmö. The investigation showed that several payments could not be traced.
The report meant that not only did the Swedish Arts Council reject the association's grant applications, but also that the City of Malmö has stopped paying operating support to the association.
"It shows that it is not a transparent organisation and that it is not possible to follow how the money has been spent. Our assessment is that it is not an appropriate organization, says Jennie Järvå, head of the cultural administration in the City of Malmö.
Between 2019 and 2021, the City of Malmö has paid just over SEK 1 million in operational support to the association. After 2021, they have not disbursed more funds.
The association receives funding from Region Skåne
Region Skåne has between 2019 and February 2023 paid out SEK 855,000 to the association. Most recently, in February, the association received a grant to carry out a celebration of International Roma Day.
– We have a mission to promote the culture of minorities, says Caisa Lindfors at Region Skåne's cultural administration.
Erland Kaldaras Nikolizsson is a well-known representative of the Roma Cultural Centre and is a member of the government's Roma reference group. SVT has sought him but he has not wanted to participate in an interview. In documents obtained by SVT, the association refutes that money has gone to private expenses. He also writes in a text message that the association openly shows off its activities.
Why are Roma associations being scrutinised? In the clip below, you get the background:
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Erland Kaldaras Nikolizsson is close to the Roma associations that have received millions in grants from various authorities. But what has the money been used for? Here you get the background to why the associations are reviewed. Photo: SV, TT, Screenshot from websites