Musik och kvalitet : Spänning mellan etiskt och estetiskt inom musikens kulturpolitik

A recent report published by the state agency of culture analysis revealed signs of possible conflict between public policy and artistic freedom. The publication states that the applicants for state funds in the cultural fields are indeed affected by the ethical perspectives that the government agencies inquire for. This research is based on the premise that the applicants for operating grants for music groups are affected by the perspectives stated in the applications and examines in which way it may affect their musical strategies and practices. My research analyses the forms and questionnaires from two different application rounds for public funding. By the method of discourse analysis, I have studied how the applicants interpret the conditions stated in the form. My results indicate that there is some change in the forms and that the ethical perspectives could have some implications on the music itself. Some of the ethical perspectives were interpreted as a part of the musical idea and therefore something to strive for in order to be granted funds. Quantitative analysis of applications shows that there is a gradual increase in the description that the applicants make in the forms.