Photo:© Abel Gashaw Bethlehem Leul and Genet Demissie
The Swedish Arts Grants Committee and Sida have launched a new initiative to merge Sweden’s cultural and development cooperation policy areas. The programme will support artists in partner countries Albania and Ethiopia, contributing to freedom of expression, democracy, and other key development cooperation goals. This endeavour will become an integral part of Sweden’s future development and cultural collaborations.
“Culture is a vital part of a strong democracy and Sida is pleased enter this cooperation with the Swedish Arts Grants Committee at a time when the democratic space is threatened and diminishing in many parts of the world. The Swedish Arts Grants Committee has extensive experience of partnerships and building capacity, and these are important components to help further democracies and implement Agenda 2030,“ says Carin Jämtin, Director-General of Sida.
The programme will contribute to strengthening freedom of expression and artistic freedom in partner countries. From a development cooperation and democracy perspective, the goal is to work through exchanges, partnerships, and capacity building efforts with particular focus on youth. The main principle is to develop initiatives that are demand-driven and based on the local actors’ own needs and priorities.