Museum employees are subjected to violations and threats

Sweden’s museum employees are underway due to lack of financial resources. In addition, social anxiety, damage and threatening situations are everyday in their workplaces. It shows the alarming report « Culture on starvation ».

– Sweden is in a cultural crisis, but the cultural budgets continue to beat new bottom records, says Anna Troberg, Federation Chairman DIK.

According to the report, nine out of ten museum employees feel that their workplace lacks sufficient resources to fully manage their mission. Which is the same as that the museums are unable to live up to the Museum Act, which regulates what quality requirements the museums should meet.

– It is very remarkable and alarming. But I’m not really surprised. The warning bells have been calling for a long time, says Anna Troberg.

The report also shows a worrying development in terms of the working environment. 68 percent of respondents state that social unrest has occurred in their workplaces over the past two years. Many testify to damage and threatening situations linked to exhibitions. About ten percent state that they have been subjected to violations.

– We can draw parallels to what it looks like at public libraries. Unfortunately, in an increasingly polarized society, it is becoming more common. But it is also alarming that only twelve percent of those surveyed think they receive the support they need from their employer, says Anna Troberg.

In terms of staffing Only seven percent state that it is enough.

– Someone described it as having to be like a Swiss army knife, you have to jump in everywhere and expected to know everything, says Anna Troberg.

Another alarming conclusion is that some museums adapt or end exhibitions and other activities as a result of pressure. According to the report, every fourth person states that the business is already self -censoring in advance by avoiding substances that can arouse strong reactions or pose a security risk.

– It is considered too resource intensive. This means that you choose sensitive topics such as religion, racism, LGBTQ, climate, and even democracy, says Anna Troberg.

DIK now places five demands on politicians, employers and other decision makers to reverse the development. On the one hand, resources must be increased to the museum sector, sharpen the museum law, strengthen the principle of arm’s length and counteract threats and damage.

– You also need to secure a sustainable workload and secure employment. Sweden must stop the cultural crisis and start building the cultural welfare that the form of government promises. The museums are a central part of this, says Anna Troberg.

Read more:

Third year without free museum visits – so much is the entrance fee now

Different views on what Sweden’s museums need from politics