For our English-speaking readers

A Eurofound report on the artists' social security situation in Sweden (2003) shows that the Swedes seem to be dealing with problems very similar to those of the Finnish artists (and not only creative artists in various fields of art, but academic researchers and many other groups of cultural workers as well). Here's an extract:

"According to the report, these problems are often caused by a lack of knowledge and understanding on the part of the relevant authorities regarding artists’ working and living conditions. Increased competence and a more coordinated handling of artists’ cases could resolve many of the problems, the commissioner states. [...] In presenting his findings, commissioner Anders Forsman concluded that artists are 'atypical' in relation to the system and do indeed encounter many problems. According to the report, most of the problems follow from the application of various laws and regulations and not from the legal framework itself. A considerable number of cases are taken to court, which is costly both for the individual and for society. No common view of how to deal with artists' problems exists among the various systems, and there is no coordination among them. Until such a coordinated view is established, there will never be any increased knowledge and the problems of application will never be overcome, the commissioner concludes."

Cf. also the brief report, concerning Finland, of Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe.