Pursuing decentralisation: regional cultural policies in Finland and Sweden

In both Finland and Sweden, decentralisation has traditionally been an essential cultural policy aim. This article explores how, by pursuing decentralisation, the regional jurisdictions have presented with more possibilities to fulfil their purposes in this way, gain legitimacy policy. Based on analysis of political, legal, administrative documents, three main periods policies are identified: regions as vehicles welfare policy, regionalisation, competitive regions. countries, national governments promoted level’s agency, doing so, potential institutional change However, increase role limited countries’ strongly institutionalised systems.