Nordic cultural model

The post-war role of the welfare state in Nordic cultural policy was basically to promote art and culture and regulate the economic media in order to ensure artistic freedom and cultural democracy. The Nordic Cultural Model for funding the arts has come under criticism in recent years. Changes have been made in a number of areas. Some of the most critical have been: A new rationality of economic growth and political legitimating have gradually replaced the original goals of enlightenment, equal access to culture, cultural diversity, participation and artistic freedom; the state, regional and local authorities have entered into a symbiosis with the private sector media in order to give higher priority to the economic dimension of the arts and culture; the intrinsic value of the arts and culture is being challenged. How will these changes affect the role of art and culture in society? What will become the rationality of future cultural policies? The similarities in the Nordic cultural models today imply that the Nordic countries are facing a variety of common dilemmas and challenges. Which form of culture will be the basis for cultural politics of the future? How can we ensure the freedom and independence of art and culture in a world dominated by the commercial culture industry and performative political management? How can the Nordic countries help to assure artistic freedom and cultural democracy in the international arena? The Nordic Cultural Model draws together the most important results from the comprehensive Nordic research project "Nordic cultural policy in transition".