This study constitutes an in-depth analysis of cultural collaborations and focuses on funding from the Nordic Culture Fund and Nordic Culture Point. The in-depth analysis aims to examine the conditions for Nordic cooperation and exchanges in the cultural sector. The report presents systematic knowledge about the nature of Nordic cultural cooperation based on funding. The study is based on interviews with grant recipients and representatives of the joint Nordic cultural institutions Nordic Culture Fund and Nordic Culture Point. More specifically, the following question is examined: What obstacles and opportunities can be identified for Nordic cultural cooperation and exchange in the cultural sector, focusing on funding from the Nordic Culture Fund and Nordic Culture Point?
A recurring issue in Nordic cooperation revolves around geographical, ecological, and economic barriers that affect projects from planning to implementation. Geographical distances create unequal conditions for cooperation, where central areas benefit from good communications and large cultural budgets, while peripheral areas face difficulties in inclusion due to a lack of resources. Travel, in particular, appears to be costly and unsustainable, affecting the possibility of cooperation and the need for funds.
Managing projects with participants from several different countries appears to be a challenge, especially for smaller organisations and unestablished actors. Nevertheless, many projects involve more than three Nordic countries. The relationship with "the Nordic Region" varies between projects, where Nordic relevance may be a starting point or a consequence of available funding. Different art forms have different conditions for Nordic cooperation, with already established networks and collaborations making some art forms more likely to apply for Nordic funding.
Difficulties arise for unestablished cultural practitioners, both in the application process and regarding concerns about reporting. Moreover, budgeting becomes complex with different currencies and tax rules between countries. In addition, in some projects it is perceived as difficult to pay reasonable salaries to participants. The short lifespan of projects is also sometimes seen as a problem.
During the covid-19-pandemic, planned projects were disrupted, but the flexibility of donors was highlighted as positive. Physical meetings were emphasized as important for cultural creation, while awareness of the environmental impact of travel within projects increased.