Cultural Diversity Programmes : Challenges and Solutions in Scandinavia

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis has been to grasp the issue of cultural diversity in the Nordic countries and to particularly see what the actions for supporting cultural diversity in the field of cultural policy have been. The main focus will be placed on Sweden, Norway and Denmark, which all have had a long-term programme of cultural diversity implemented on the governmental level. In this thesis I ask what are the main challenges to the promotion of cultural diversity in the arts and cultural policy of the Nordic countries.

I begin my thesis by shedding some light to the role of cultural diversity in present day cultural policy. I go briefly through some of the most significant concepts related to cultural diversity. I present three Scandinavian programmes on governmental cultural policy that have focused on cultural diversity, namely Mosaikk in Norway, Forum för Världskultur in Sweden and Cultural Ministry's Development Fund KUF in Denmark. I look for challenges and solutions in these programmes. I also briefly touch upon the situation in Finland when it comes to cultural diversity and cultural policy and also present my own vision of what should be done in Finland in order to promote cultural diversity.

Through this research I have found three big themes to be most significant in promoting cultural diversity and these are affecting on institutions, emphasising networking and supporting decentralisation. Institutions form the core of cultural life in the Nordic countries and this places a lot of responsibility on institutions. Networking is a crucial process and dynamic in changing the arts scene more culturally diverse. Decentralisation means that actions are needed in all levels and all regions of the society. In order for the cultural policies and arts world to change to be more inclusive for the idea of diversity, these are the main issues to grasp.