Debate Surrounds Definition of Swedish Culture Amid Government Initiative

By Imogen West-Knights, Reporting from Stockholm

In a move aimed at defining what constitutes Swedish culture, the Swedish government has launched an initiative called the Culture Canon. This ambitious project seeks to gather input from both experts and the public to create an official list of cultural symbols and elements that represent Sweden's identity. The initiative has sparked considerable debate within the arts community, prompting discussions about inclusivity and representation of Sweden's diverse cultural landscape.

The Culture Canon Initiative

Initiated in 2023, the Culture Canon consists of two distinct streams: the “experts” canon and the “people’s” canon. The experts' canon will feature a selection of 100 works deemed culturally significant by a panel of academics, journalists, and historians. In contrast, the people’s canon invites input from the general public. Submissions can range from iconic cultural artifacts such as Abba's music and Ingmar Bergman's films to everyday traditions, including the popular Swedish coffee break known as "fika" and the custom known as "Allemansrätten," which grants individuals the right to roam freely in nature, even on private land.

So far, public suggestions have included elements as varied as Scandinavian saunas, the plays of August Strindberg, the historic Battle of Visby from 1361, and the five consecutive Wimbledon victories of tennis champion Björn Borg. A government committee is expected to present a comprehensive report on these canons in the summer.

Concerns Over Cultural Representation

Despite its intention to embrace Sweden's cultural diversity, the Culture Canon initiative has created a rift among artists and cultural commentators. Critics, particularly from the arts community, express concern that the project may reflect a narrow and potentially exclusionary view of Swedish culture. They worry that the initiative might glorify a romanticized vision of Sweden's past while sidelining the contributions of minority groups and newer cultural influences.

This initiative has strong ties to the Sweden Democrats, a political party with roots in far-right politics that supports the project although not formally part of the government. This connection adds a layer of complexity, leading many to question the motivations and implications behind the attempt to define Swedish culture.

A Vision for Cultural Integration

Lars Trägårdh, a historian appointed to lead the Culture Canon initiative, emphasized its potential benefits, particularly for immigrants. He argued that Sweden has a commendable tradition of welcoming immigrants but lacks adequate policies for their integration into society. Trägårdh suggested that a cultural canon could serve as a guide for newcomers, providing them with "a map and a compass" to navigate Swedish culture and society.

Conclusion

As the Culture Canon initiative unfolds, it remains to be seen how the final lists will encompass the complexities of Swedish culture. The discussions surrounding this initiative illustrate broader conversations about identity, representation, and the evolving nature of culture in a diverse society. The outcome of this project may set the tone for how Sweden navigates its cultural identity, particularly in an era increasingly defined by migration and multiculturalism.