A new report from the Nordic Council of Ministers highlights the crucial role of digitalization in Nordic cultural policy, focusing on opportunities and challenges. Read on and learn more about Nordic culture in the digital age.
Digital tools and platforms have become central not only to how culture is created and consumed, but also to the design of the political governance of culture. The publication underscores that the effects of digitalization are far-reaching, influencing everything from artistic expression to democratic accessibility and the economic structures within the cultural sector.
The report reveals that digitalization has presented both opportunities and challenges for culture in the Nordic Region. On the one hand, technology has created new arenas for artistic creation and participation, enabling people to interact and engage in ways that were previously impossible. Virtual exhibitions, streaming platforms, and digital concerts are just a few examples of how culture has moved into the digital sphere.
On the other hand, the digital transition has also raised new questions about copyright, digital equality, and how cultural practitioners can sustain themselves in a world where content is increasingly distributed for free. Digital tools and platforms have become central not only to how culture is created and consumed, but also to the design of the political governance of culture. The publication underscores that the effects of digitalization are far-reaching, influencing everything from artistic expression to democratic accessibility and the economic structures within the cultural sector.
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“Digital platforms have become central to the cultural infrastructure and changing cultural habits in the Nordic countries. The policies of these platforms and their automated recommendation systems can influence the content and distribution of culture. This presents new cultural policy challenges, as a few global platform companies dominate the market, and their priorities don’t necessarily align with the cultural policy goals of the Nordic countries,” says Anna Gavanas, researcher at Kulturanalys Norden.
A more inclusive cultural sector
One of the great advantages of digitalization is its potential to improve access to culture. The report highlights how digital solutions can break down physical and geographical barriers, offering opportunities for individuals who may not have previously had access to cultural experiences. This is particularly important in sparsely populated parts of the Nordic Region, where distances to cultural institutions such as theatres and museums can be significant.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes how digital tools can be used to amplify marginalised voices and create a more diverse cultural sector. Through social media and other digital platforms, artists and cultural practitioners can reach a wider audience without relying on traditional distribution channels.
Shared challenges require co-operation
However, the report also points to the challenges posed by digitalization. A key issue is the digital divide – the gap between those who have access to and knowledge of digital tools and those who don’t. To ensure that everyone living in the Nordic Region can benefit from cultural opportunities, both as consumers and creators, efforts are needed to reduce these disparities.
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Another challenge concerns copyright and the financial conditions for cultural practitioners. As cultural content becomes digital and widely accessible, questions arise about how artists and creators can be fairly compensated. The report highlights the importance of establishing common guidelines and laws at the international level to protect the rights and income of creators.
Read more about the Voice of the Nordic region on a global stage.
Read the report here (in Swedish)
Feature image (on top) © Aline Lessner/Image Bank Sweden
Nordic Culture in the Digital Age, a press release from Nordic Council of Ministers.