Sweden has introduced a cultural canon featuring 100 works and events that have shaped the nation's history. The list, presented by committee chair Lars Trädgårdh to Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand, includes iconic works like Astrid Lindgren's 'Pippi Longstocking' and the Göta Canal. The initiative aims to foster education, community, and inclusion, though it has sparked debate. Political reactions vary, with some praising the move as a celebration of Swedish heritage, while others criticize it for not addressing current cultural challenges.
Sweden Unveils Cultural Canon: 100 Works and Events Defining the Nation
Sweden's Cultural Canon Unveiled
100 works and events that have shaped Sweden. Today, the proposal for a Swedish cultural canon was presented. Here is the FULL LIST!
After years of speculation, committee chair Lars Trädgårdh handed over the controversial cultural canon to Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand (M) on Tuesday.
The list features 100 works or events that have defined Sweden's history.
– A Swedish cultural canon should be a living tool for education, community, and inclusion, says Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand at a press conference.
She also comments on the intense debate preceding the presentation.
– It's often said that the debate is part of the artwork, she says.
The list of works will not be sent for consultation or voting in parliament, says Parisa Liljestrand.
Pippi Longstocking and Göta Canal
Among the works included in the cultural canon is Astrid Lindgren's classic Pippi Longstocking. Annika Lindgren, head of publishing at the company managing Astrid Lindgren's works, welcomes the news.
– We think it's appropriate, good, and fun, she says and continues:
– It wasn't unexpected.
Under the category of inventions is the Göta Canal, inaugurated in 1832. The company operating the canal is pleased when Expressen calls to inform them they are included in the much-discussed cultural canon.
– I don't know what it practically means for us, but I think it's a correct observation: Göta Canal is the millennium's Swedish construction. The technique for locking boats up and down several hundred meters attracts millions of visitors. It's truly one-of-a-kind. I didn't expect it, but I think we deserve a place, says Magnus Hollwin, marketing and communications manager at Göta Canal.
Ikea's store in Älmhult is also on the list. In a text message to Expressen, press manager Fredrik Norrlid writes:
“Älmhult is and remains Ikea's heart, and after more than 80 years of operation, Ikea has become part of Sweden's history and, not least, Sweden's future.”
Under the category of Image and Form is the artist couple Carl and Karin Larsson's home Lilla Hyttnäs in Sundborn, also known as the Carl Larsson-gården.
– We are incredibly happy and proud, of course, to be included. But we don't really have an opinion on whether it's good or bad for us to be included. But we have a culture that we want everyone to have access to, to spread Carl and Karin's artistic form. They wanted this home to continue to exist generation after generation, and it does, as it is a family association that has chosen to keep it open to visitors, says Cia Johnsson, head of Carl Larsson-gården.
– It would be nice if this leads to new visitors in several categories.
Lennart “Hoa-Hoa” Dahlgren: A Big Step
Swedish paternity leave is also listed under the category “inventions.”
It was the former weightlifter Lennart “Hoa-hoa” Dahlgren who became the face of it when he fronted the Social Insurance Agency's campaign in the 70s. On the classic poster, he holds a baby and wears a shirt in Sweden's colors under the text “Parental leave dad!”
– It had a great impact, and the image turned out great. I notice that people still remember it, he says.
But today, he wouldn't participate. He doesn't like how the parental insurance has been designed.
– The problem is that it has been established that if you don't do as they want, you get punished, and I don't like that. If you don't take full leave as a dad, you lose three months. We advertised and informed that every family formation could make their own choices.
However, he is positive that paternity leave is now included in the Swedish cultural canon.
– I think it's great because it was a big step in the right direction.
SD Satisfied
The Sweden Democrats are pleased that it has now been developed. It will become a common reference point and a clear signal of a “cultural heritage worth preserving and passing on,” they write in a post on X from the party's official account:
“We have always known that Swedish culture exists and lives, and now it is also clear to the left establishment, which has long denied Swedish culture, what it actually encompasses.”
MP: Doesn't Solve Challenges
MP's spokesperson Amanda Lind (MP) doesn't think the government's cultural canon solves today's challenges, such as closed rehearsal spaces, depleted culture in rural areas, and tightened public service, she says in a comment to Expressen:
“They talk about education, community, and inclusion, but cut back on adult education, cultural life, and civil society – precisely the parts that would have made a difference for the positive changes needed.”
The Moderate Youth League's chairman Douglas Thor is much more positive. He wants the government to give agencies like the Migration Agency and the National Agency for Education the task of figuring out how it can be implemented in their work.
“Let this be the end of the talk that there is no Swedish culture or Swedish values. And let it be the beginning of us developing Sweden into more of everything we want Sweden to be,” he writes in a comment to Expressen.