Katja Lindqvist

This paper offers an analysis of a case of cooperation, and in particular cooperation problems, between independent performing arts organisations in the region of Skåne, Sweden. The cooperation in question flows from visions of the organisations, and linked regional commission to develop the infrastructure and networks of the independent performing arts in Skåne. The case gives evidence of the challenges of regional cultural policy governance, as well as of the dilemmas faced by independent arts organisations receiving partial funding for their activities from public bodies, as expectations on governance and cooperation roles differ between the parties involved. The theoretical framework for understanding the challenges in the studied cooperation builds on network governance theory developed by Klijn (1996) and Klijn & Koppenjan (2000), as well as on research on public policy and management collaboration (Agranoff & McGuire 1999, Noble 1999, Bryson et al. 2006, Barretta & Busco 2011), discussed in relation to the specific conditions of the cultural sector.