Developing the Creative School

The Government has given the Swedish Arts Council (Kulturrådet) the task of analysing how the government grant for cultural activities in school, Creative School (Skapande skola), can be developed with the aim of reaching more and new groups of children and young people. The final report, Översyn av skapande skola, was submitted to the Government Offices in November 2019.

The results in the final report confirm that the grant for cultural activities in the school is appreciated by those receiving a project grant. The grant gives students the opportunity to meet art and culture in different forms, try different art forms under professional guidance and develop their skills in ways that they according to the curriculum are entitled to.

The grant is also considered important from an equality perspective, as students who usually do not take part in cultural activities are given the opportunity through Creative School. However, the study has highlighted several challenges with the design of the grant, which need to be solved in order for new groups of students to be able to take part in Creative School activities.

The study confirms that all principals do not apply for grants or know the purpose of the Creative School grant. Principals in smaller schools perceive the grant's design as inadequately adapted to their circumstances. Small schools generally lack the administrative capacity for applying for government grants. One suggested solution is that the Swedish Arts Council (Kulturrådet) should develop targeted information material for the target group, and that principals should have the opportunity of collaborating when it comes to Creative School grant application.

The review shows also that the principals have had difficulties interpreting parts of the grant regulation, as the concepts do not correspond with current policy documents for school. The formulations in the Creative School grant regulation need to be reviewed and adapted to the current governing documents for school.

Against this background, the Swedish Arts Council presents a number of recommendations and proposals. The main proposal is that the Government is recommended to adjust the regulation and clarify the purpose of the Creative School grant and give principals the opportunity to apply in collaboration.