How Stockholm has dedicated workers to establish new cultural spaces

Since their introduction in 2016, Stockholm’s Culture Pilots have assisted hundreds of organisations with advice, financial support, and tailored matchmaking. Support from these two dedicated workers has led to the creation of numerous cultural spaces across the city. Former industrial buildings have been converted into performance venues, disused offices have been transformed into artist studios, shops have become music production spaces, and cultural actors have taken up residence in preserved heritage sites.

Culture Pilots to guide new cultural spaces and strengthen placemaking

In Stockholm, culture and innovation intersect through a unique initiative known as the Culture Pilots. Since 2016, the City of Stockholm’s cultural department has supported cultural policy by employing two Culture Pilots who help establish new cultural spaces across the city.

The process of opening a new cultural space is rarely straightforward. It involves multiple stages—securing a location, negotiating contracts, assessing feasibility, and navigating city planning requirements. Many cultural actors find this process overwhelming and need more than financial support to succeed. The Culture Pilots initiative was born from this realisation. Their role goes far beyond funding. By offering coaching, advice, and practical assistance, the pilots help overcome structural barriers that often prevent cultural ideas from becoming reality.

The Culture Pilots support both cultural actors and property owners in their initiatives to create sustainable cultural spaces. Cultural actors can seek help to start, develop, or relocate their activities, while property owners receive guidance in finding cultural tenants suitable for their spaces. In this way, Culture Pilots strengthen the cultural infrastructure of the city by acting as intermediaries who build trust and connect communities.

Tailored advice for cultural actors and property owners

The Culture Pilots follow a structured method that moves projects from initial concept to opening. The process begins with identifying needs – whether it be a new stage, community centre, or artist studios.

Some artists need a space to create, perform or exhibit in. And some property owners need cultural tenants. That’s why a critical part of the role is to match the right actors with the right spaces. Drawing on broad and up-to-date networks, Culture Pilots connect property owners with cultural tenants, creating new value in otherwise unused locations.

The pilots provide advice throughout the journey. They assess the realism of a project, evaluate its conditions for success, and guide cultural actors in navigating contracts, applications, and authorisations. They also signpost to financial assistance, support with negotiations, or simply foster trust between partners. By managing both practical and strategic aspects, Culture Pilots ensure that projects have the stability they need to succeed.

The Culture Pilots model represents an innovative approach to urban cultural policy and creative placemaking. By embedding cultural strategy into city planning and property development, Stockholm has shown how cities can foster cultural vibrancy not only through funding but also through tailored, hands-on guidance that supports long-term sustainability.