Sweden's next government must prioritize literature, commission urges

Sweden's literary sector faces mounting challenges from digitalization, globalization, and the rise of artificial intelligence. In response, an independent Literature Commission has developed a suite of proposals aimed at revitalizing the nation's literature policy and strengthening its cultural resilience.

The commission, formed two years ago at the initiative of the Swedish Writers' Union, comprises representatives from various facets of the literary field. Their comprehensive report, "Literature and the Resilience of the Open Society," is set to be presented to the incoming culture minister this autumn. Among the core recommendations is a call to allocate one percent of the national budget to cultural initiatives.

"The future of the book concerns all of politics," stated Sverker Sörlin and Per Wirtén, prominent figures involved in the commission's work. They argue that literature is a vital tool for building societal resilience against disinformation campaigns and conspiracy theories. The commission highlights the passive stance of current cultural policy, which they believe has failed to grasp the interconnectedness of the literary ecosystem, encompassing libraries, bookstores, publishers, authors, and translators, in the face of rapid technological and global shifts.

To bolster reading habits and literary engagement, the commission proposes a system of digital reading vouchers, drawing inspiration from successful models in other countries. Furthermore, they advocate for the permanent funding of book purchases for schools, building upon existing government initiatives. The commission stresses that reading promotion and literature policy are two sides of the same coin, mutually dependent and essential for a robust and informed society.