The article titled “The County Museums: Show That Your Words Mean Something” highlights the importance of the Sweden Democrats’ commitment to protecting Swedish cultural heritage. The County Museums’ Cooperation Council addresses the party directly, urging them to move from words to action and prioritize investment in cultural heritage.
The article acknowledges that the Sweden Democrats have consistently emphasized the significance of cultural heritage in their ideology and policy documents. However, it asserts that now is the time for them to prove their dedication to this cause.
The County Museums’ Cooperation Council emphasizes the critical role county museums play in preserving and showcasing regional cultural heritage. It argues that these museums are severely underfunded, leading to risks of irreparable damage to cultural artifacts. The National Antiquities Authority has also highlighted this issue in a report.
To address this crisis, the County Museums’ Cooperation Council proposes strengthening the cultural collaboration model with a budget allocation of SEK 500 million in 2024. This model would include special funds dedicated to museums’ collection management, with an initial benchmark of SEK 200 million.
The article concludes by calling on the Sweden Democrats to take responsibility and give cultural heritage the support it needs. It urges them to prioritize these investments in the ongoing budget negotiations for 2024, highlighting that their commitment to cultural heritage will be judged by their actions.
The article is signed by Therese Stoltz, Chairman of the County Museums’ Cooperation Council, Fredrik Björkman, Vice Chairman of the County Museums’ Cooperation Council, and Ulf Dernevik, General Secretary of the County Museums’ Cooperation Council.