Cultural Centers – common places for culture, art and democracy

The research project will examine common places in the form of cultural centers for supporting artistic practices and democratic participation. The focus is directed towards cultural centers located in Bergslagen, a post-industrial region. Cultural centers are spaces where both amateur and professional artists can meet and engage in various cultural activities and contribute to societal change through cultural activities. Cultural Centers began to be built in Sweden during the 1960s, but even before that, variations of culture houses existed, such as the houses of the People’s House movement.

The research project will explore questions such as how cultural centers are shaped by cultural and social dynamics, how they can contribute to democratic participation, and how different houses vary depending on geographic context and stewardship.

Supervisor: Marie Stenseke.