Outcry as Swedish cultural canon' snubs Abba and anything since 1975

"However, notable omissions from the list of 100 works and references that have formed Sweden's culture and history intended, its creators said in Uppsala on Tuesday, to establish a shared map and compass for Swedish citizens and new arrivals to Sweden included Abba and anything from after 1975, a period that has seen Sweden transform into an international, multicultural society."

"Critics have accused the canon of being a nationalist education project. In response, its committee chair, the historian Lars Tragardh, said that Sweden needs to embrace democratic nationalism, telling Swedish television last week that since the second world war Swedish culture had been characterised by modernism, internationalism and multiculturalism. They have turned their gaze away from Swedish culture and the Swedish nation, he told SVT's 30 Minutes."

"The list is divided into 11 categories, including poems, music, economy, religion and inventions, and encompasses places, laws and even concepts. It features Lilla Hyttnas, the cottage in Darlarna that belonged to artists Karin and Carl Larsson; Hilma af Klint's Malningar till templet (Paintings for the temple); Stockholm city hall, designed by Ragnar Ostberg; and two songs by Gothenburg troubadour Evert Taube."

The proposed Swedish cultural canon lists 100 works, places, laws and concepts spanning literature, music, inventions and public life, including the Gustav Vasa 1541 bible, Pippi Longstocking, Ikea, the right to roam, paternity leave, Sami joiks, the Nobel prize and works by Ingmar Bergman and August Strindberg. The list omits notable post‑1975 contributions such as Abba, a period of growing internationalism and multiculturalism. Critics label the canon a nationalist education project. The committee chair called for democratic nationalism and argued post‑war modernism and internationalism shifted attention away from national culture. The canon includes historic sites, legal agreements and predominantly Christian religious entries with one early synagogue.

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