Lars Strannegård Appointed CEO of Princess Estelle Cultural Foundation

Lars Strannegård, the current rector of the Stockholm School of Economics, is set to take the helm as the new CEO of the Princess Estelle Cultural Foundation. He will assume the role on July 1, 2027, bringing his extensive experience in both academia and the cultural sector to the foundation, where he already serves on the board.

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Cultural expressions have the opportunity to open up our worlds.

Strannegård's vision for the foundation centers on strengthening and broadening Sweden's cultural landscape. He believes that cultural expressions possess a unique ability to open up our worlds, thereby expanding our perspectives and enhancing our understanding of both the world and each other. This aligns with his broader view that education, research, and culture are all "worldview-shaping activities."

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We need more financiers of culture. The more actors within cultural activities, the greater the diversity of voices and expressions. My overall vision is that Sweden should become even more of a cultural country.

Founded in 2019 by the Crown Princess couple, the foundation's mission is to promote the role of culture in Sweden. Its existing initiatives include the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park on Djurgården in Stockholm, featuring seven permanent sculptures, and a robust educational program offering art micro-lessons and guided tours. Sara Sandström will continue to oversee the sculpture park, educational activities, and collaborative programs.

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Cultural expressions have the opportunity to open up our worlds. It broadens our view, increases our understanding of the world and of each other. All of that is also what education is about. I call them worldview-shaping activities, which are education, research, and culture.

With a background as a professor of business administration and a strong commitment to integrating culture within academia, Strannegård plans to continue working part-time at the Stockholm School of Economics. He hopes to foster a richer cultural multiplicity within the foundation by securing more funding and developing diverse exhibition formats. While advocating for strong public funding for culture, he also welcomes the diversity brought by various supporting actors and private capital.

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I am a big supporter of large, strong, and comprehensive public funding. It is not possible to have a well-functioning cultural life without very strong public funding. However, I think diversity is good, that there are different possibilities with different actors who support.