There are both figures and knowledge that confirm that investments in art and culture are investments in the well-being of the individual citizen and the economy and democratic cohesion of society.

One of the latest reports shows, among other things, that culture was a billion-dollar business in Odense Municipality in 2025 and states that culture creates employment for over 6,000 people in the municipality. The report also reveals the positive effect of culture on community cohesion and individual well-being.

This value is historically difficult to measure, but for Sara Indrio, chairperson of the Danish Artists' Union, it is quite obvious that the contribution artists make does not have sufficient focus in Danish politics and among Danish politicians.

“The Corona pandemic showed us that we had underestimated the need for a common meeting point and that what art and artists contribute is actually quite tangible,” she says.

New reality requires new thinking

New technology has created new challenges for Danish music and performing arts. Not least AI, which has already become a reality without us having solutions on, How we are going to Deal with it as a society. And it affects far more people than the artists themselves.

“For years, Danish cultural policy has provided a breeding ground for talent, and the idea that all citizens should have an equal opportunity to encounter art is still good and worth protecting,” says Sara Indrio and continues:

“But technology has evolved and societal developments call for new types of investment and thinking across the arts and culture sector.”

Among other things, the Danish Artist Association suggests that music streaming services give back financially to a Danish ecosystem, better touring opportunities in the EU and the Danish Realm, and an unbroken, state education in circus skills in line with the other art forms.

Danish Artist Federation's priorities for the upcoming government: 

1) Give streaming services co-responsibility for a healthy Danish music market 

2) Make it attractive for young people from all walks of life to choose music and performing arts

3) Strengthen touring opportunities across the Danish Realm and in the EU

4) Protect man-made art through legislation and attractive alternatives

5) Give music artists the same safety net in the workplace as everyone else

6) Create peace of mind during live music with a solidarity guarantee scheme

7) Circus must have higher education and its own stage

Talent development is important - but more is needed

The conditions for art and future generations' encounter with culture should be more proactively considered in the future government's policies, says Sara Indrio. She points out that a healthy, dynamic and sustainable cultural life for the next generations requires investment and clear political focus.

“We must politically create opportunities that can fulfil a big, untapped potential of artists for employment, economy and opportunities in the infrastructures of the welfare system - for example, primary schools and healthcare,” she says, adding:

“Denmark currently has a great talent pool because we educate and provide the framework for many types of encounters between citizens and artists. But we have fallen behind in providing solutions to the fact that the artists” labour market has become too insecure and that the safety net that other citizens have has many gaps for artists. We must remember to make it attractive for future talents from all walks of life to choose music and performing arts as a professional path in life."

Remember to use your vote in the parliamentary elections on 24 March 2026.