The Year of Cultural Diversity 2006
An initiative initiated before the entry into force of the Convention and implemented before Sweden’s ratification of the Convention, but which has had significance for the work to 9
promote cultural diversity, was the Year of Cultural Diversity in Sweden 2006. The purpose was twofold: to permanently extend the range of opportunities for people living in Sweden to participate in cultural life, and to bring about interplay between prevailing cultural traditions. A further aim was to devise incentives for those responsible for publicly financed cultural activities to clearly reflect and incorporate the ethnic and cultural diversity that exists in Sweden today. The Government instructed all agencies, foundations and public enterprises working in the cultural sphere, universities and other institutions of higher education providing artistic training, and a number of Swedish embassies abroad – 54 bodies in all – to prepare for participation in the Year. The Government also invited all municipalities, county councils, regions and county administrative boards, along with other public authorities, regional cultural institutions, organisations, associations and others (630 bodies in all) to take part in the Year.