The Arts Council's board has decided on this year's contribution to regional culture. A total of approximately SEK 1.6 billion will be allocated to the regions within the cultural collaboration model and to activities in Stockholm County. The grants enable people's encounters with culture and contribute to strengthening the cultural infrastructure throughout the country.

Through this year's decision, the Swedish Arts Council has been able to allocate state funds that will reach more than 250 regional activities throughout the country. The Arts Council's board has prioritised stability and a long-term perspective for regional culture, and therefore all regions within the cultural collaboration model have received an increase in their grants compared to last year. The Swedish Arts Council has assessed that there is room for a general increase of 0.62 per cent compared to the previous 2025 government grant.

"The extensive infrastructure that the cultural collaboration model enables is a prerequisite for access to art and cultural activities throughout the country," says Kajsa Ravin, Director General of the Swedish Arts Council. This applies not least to children and young people, where the regional cultural institutions take a great responsibility.

Most regions point out that some cultural activities see challenges in carrying out their assignments with existing appropriations, and the strained financial situation poses major challenges for the regions.

"It is important that the regions continue to take great responsibility for the development of art and culture around the country. Despite a challenging economic situation, the regions are showing a strong ambition to both develop collaboration and new ways of working, as well as to strengthen the cultural infrastructure.

Facts about the cultural collaboration model

The cultural collaboration model is based on collaboration and co-financing between the state, regions and municipalities to strengthen regional culture. Since the model was introduced in 2011, the collaboration has led to increased relevance and accuracy in cultural policy work, based on the national cultural policy goals.

The regions account for about half of the funding within the model, while the municipalities contribute an additional 25 percent. In total, regions and municipalities cover over 70 percent of the funding.

Through collaboration, new art and cultural areas have been integrated into the regional infrastructure, and relations between regions and cultural activities have been strengthened. The work helps to ensure access to quality and professional culture throughout the country.

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Grants awarded for regional development, cultural cooperation 2026

Grants awarded regional operating grant Stockholm County 2026

https://www.kulturradet.se/nyheter/2026/16-miljarder-kronor-till-kultur-i-regionerna/