Most major cultural institutions in Sweden are financed by the national, regional, or local levels of governments. Most of these are owned, and maintained, by public authorities. The majority of the national cultural institutions are located in the capital. The national government also contributes to regional and municipal cultural institutions (see chapters 1.2.3. and 1.2.6.).
National museums are under government authority, and most of them are organised as parts of government agencies. A few national museums have the legal status of foundations, but there is little practical difference in their relationship to the government. The government stipulates instructions and regulations, appoints boards, and supports them financially. For historical reasons, most cultural institutions are located in the capital. However, the newer Museum of World Cultures has its headquarters in Gothenburg, and the Maritime Museum is headquartered in the port city Karlskrona. Two national stages, the Royal Opera and the Royal Dramatic Theatre, are organised as limited liability companies, with the state as sole shareholder. These companies are not financially self-supporting; they receive 70-80 percent of their annual budgets from the state funds for culture. National public service TV and radio is organized in companies owned by a foundation with a board representing the parties represented in the national parliament.
Regional and municipal cultural institutions are mostly run as foundations, as limited liability companies, in which the Region and / or municipal authorities are the owners, or as integrated parts of regional or municipal administration. Access to EU Structural Funds, and earmarked money for cultural projects, has become increasingly important at these levels.
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