The Swedish cultural canon committee unveiled a list of 100 works, ideas and brands in a 17th-century anatomical theatre after two years of preparation. The choice of venue contrasted with typical Swedish government minimalism and highlighted tensions around culture, nationhood and identity across the West. The canon originated as a project of the far-right Sweden Democrats and was commissioned by a rightwing coalition dependent on their parliamentary support. Swedish media criticism has focused on concerns about authoritarianism, legitimacy and the list's contents. The Swedish Academy declined to participate, citing the canon's association with power. The selection excluded popular items such as Abba and meatballs and suffered from an ambiguous stated purpose. The project appears politically polarising and likely to face implementation challenges despite perceived success by its creators.
It was therefore fitting that, after two years of preparation, the Swedish cultural canon committee presented in an anatomical theatre from the 17th century its list of 100 works, ideas and brands that define Swedishness. In direct contrast to the anonymous grey conference rooms usually favoured by Swedish government officials, this unusual list was unveiled in a rather un-Swedish fashion.
Originally a pet project of the far-right Sweden Democrats, the canon was commissioned by the sitting rightwing coalition, a minority government dependent on the Sweden Democrats' parliamentary support. Since the canon committee's creation in 2023, the tone in Swedish media has been critical. Some have voiced a worry that the project is authoritarian in nature, some have questioned the legitimacy and purpose of the list and others have bickered over the contents of the list itself.
Criticism has not died down since the 100 winners came to light. Abba, for instance, did not make the cut, and neither did Swedish meatballs. The final selection is a smorgasbord (also excluded, ironically) of predictable choices scattered throughout history, from the Revelations of St Bridget to Pippi Longstocking. The project has also suffered from an ambiguous articulation of its purpose.
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