A1 Journal article (refereed)
Pursuing decentralisation : regional cultural policies in Finland and Sweden (2022)

Renko, V., Johannisson, J., Kangas, A., & Blomgren, R. (2022). Pursuing decentralisation : regional cultural policies in Finland and Sweden. The International Journal of Cultural Policy, 28(3), 342-358. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2021.1941915

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Renko, Vappu; Johannisson, Jenny; Kangas, Anita; Blomgren, Roger

Journal or series: The International Journal of Cultural Policy

ISSN: 1028-6632

eISSN: 1477-2833

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 01/07/2021

Volume: 28

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 342-358

Publisher: Routledge, Taylor & Francis

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2021.1941915

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77010

Abstract

In both Finland and Sweden, decentralisation has traditionally been an essential cultural policy aim. This article explores how, by pursuing decentralisation, the regional jurisdictions have been presented with more possibilities to fulfil their purposes and in this way, gain legitimacy in cultural policy. Based on the analysis of political, legal, and administrative documents, three main periods of regional decentralisation in cultural policies are identified: regions as vehicles of welfare policy, regionalisation, and competitive regions. In both countries, national governments have promoted the regional level’s agency, and in doing so, potential institutional change in cultural policy. However, the increase of the regional level’s role has been limited by the countries’ strongly institutionalised cultural policy systems.

Keywords: cultural policy; cultural services; culture; regionalisation (active); regional development; regional policy; decentralisation; welfare policy; societal policy

Free keywords: regional cultural policy; decentralisation; Finland; Sweden

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2022

JUFO rating: 2