SEPTEMBER 2023 - THE JOY OF GIVING

The other evening, I had the honor of hosting the Gannevik Scholarship Awards in Hörsalen at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern in Stockholm.

What an incredible evening it was! I was deeply moved by the talented award recipients and the evening's artistic performances—it was truly a night to remember.

These funds became the foundation of the Gannevik Scholarships. Each year, six artists from six different art fields receive SEK 500,000 each.

It was wonderful to witness the joy and pride of the award recipients. I couldn’t help but think how inspiring it would be if more people followed Per Gannevik’s example by supporting our incredible artists. This evening also reminded me of the immense power and significance of culture in our country.

Long live culture—and long live the memory of Per Gannevik!

But who was Per Gannevik?

Per Gannevik (1931–2011) was a successful businessman from Jönköping with a genuine passion for art and artists. During the 1970s, he built an impressive collection of modernist works by artists such as Sven X:et Erixson, Vera Nilsson, and Bror Hjorth—a collection he later donated to Jönköpings countys art association.

In his will, Per Gannevik also chose to leave a significant sum of money to three cultural institutions: Stockholm University of the Arts and the Royal Opera each received 5 million kr while the Swedish Arts Grants Committee was entrusted with approximately 60 million kr.

These funds later became the foundation of the Gannevik Scholarships. Each year, six artists from six different art fields receive 500,000 kr each.

It was so wonderful to witness the joy and pride of the award recipients. I couldn’t help but think how inspiring it would be if more people followed Per Gannevik’s example by supporting our incredible artists.

This evening truly reminded me of the power and significance of culture in our country.

Long live culture - and long live the memory of Per Gannevik!