Cultural policies
The common view in the Nordic countries is that as many people as possible should have access to art, and that artists should be well supported in terms of the economic conditions at any given time.

Critics of this system point out that it has become too bureaucratic, mediocre artists make up the bulk of the recipients and young artists do not get backing and become the odd men out. They argue that good artists should be able to make it on their own.

All the Nordic countries have a system of governmental grants for the arts and artists. Grants for artists are given either for temporary projects or for a given period of time. The state also finances art schools and colleges and gives extensive support to museums and institutions.

Artists have their own trade unions which protect their interests and promote their work.