KRO/KIF
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
Konstnärernas Riksorganisation, KRO, The Swedish Artists' National Organization, was founded in 1937, and comprises some 3,000 professional visual artists within the fields of painting, sculpture, textiles, graphic art and new media. The task of the KRO is to represent Swedish artists in political issues concerning art and artists' financial and social situation.
The KRO is active both locally and regionally through its 16 branches, as well as nationally and internationally. Our natural discussion partners include the Swedish Parliament and Government, authorities, institutions, universities and colleges, local authorities, the business community, and national and international cultural organisations.
Central issues
- increasing the number of job opportunities in the sector
- strengthening protection of artists authors rights
- strengthening the position of artists in society
- reaching agreements on fees and working conditions
- increasing artists influence on the art scene
KRO's work has resulted in state and municipal grants, the establishment of art galleries, investments in public art and many other benefits for artists and the art scene.
Nationally, the KRO co-operates with the Swedish Joint Committee for Artistic and Literary Professionals (KLYS). We also have close contact with the Swedish national associations representing illustrators and photographers. Since 1997, the KRO has had a collaboration agreement with the Association of Swedish Craftsmen and Industrial Designers, in issues concerning cultural politics.
Internationally, the KRO represents Swedish artists in the Nordic countries, co-operation organization Bildkonstnärer i Norden, BiN, (the Nordic Artist's Association), as well as the International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP), an organization which enjoys a strong status within Unesco.
The KRO manages a comprehensive service activity for artists and the art scene. We act as a contact agent, provide information on grants and other financing opportunities, and explain the details of different remuneration agreements, and labour market and tax legislation. We also provide our members with advice in various dispute and negotiation situations. The KRO publishes the magazine Konstnären (The Artist).
Since 1997, KRO has had a collaboration agreement with KIF and both organizations share office and management.
KIF was founded in 1961 and its task is to represent their members in political issues concerning their financial and social situation. KIF is body considering proposed legislation in issues within cultural policy, taxation and labour market policy. KIF also acts as wage negotiator in issues considering exhibition subsidy and has the right to propose members of the board within Bildkonstnärsfonden (The visual artists fund).
KIF also aims at disseminating knowledge of qualitative Swedish handicraft and design through discussions with politicians, authorities and media.
Since 1997, KIF has had a collaboration agreement with KRO and both organizations share office and management.
KIF is a member of KLYS, COPYSWEDE and BONUS Presskopia. KIF cooperates also with BUS and is represented in Konsthantverkscentrum, Fornmuseets vänner and WCC (World Crafts Council).