kulturförmedlare

Kulturförmedlare, or cultural mediators, is a profession within cultural policy focused on making culture accessible to a broad and diverse audience. They act as intermediaries between cultural institutions such as museums, theatres, and libraries, and communities that may face barriers to participation due to language, culture, age, socio-economic status, disability, or geography. The aim is to facilitate encounters with art and culture that are meaningful and sustainable for participants.

Typical tasks include guiding tours that adapt to participants’ backgrounds, translating or interpreting for events, producing multilingual information materials, designing and delivering workshops, and developing outreach programs in collaboration with schools, social services, immigrant associations, and local organisations. They also help institutions reflect on inclusivity, co-develop exhibitions or programs, and document impact.

Kulturförmedlare may work within municipal cultural departments, national authorities, museums, libraries, theatres, or non-governmental organisations. Employment arrangements vary from permanent staff to project-based roles, sometimes supported by public funding or grants. Candidates come from backgrounds in education, the arts, social work, or intercultural communication, and may receive training in accessibility, pedagogy, and community engagement.

In Sweden, the role is part of efforts to democratize access to culture and support social inclusion. While the model and titles vary, the underlying objective is to create bridges between cultural institutions and diverse audiences, improving participation, understanding, and mutual exchange.