According to sources, the countryside is hardest hit by the decrease in study circle arrangements. In Värmland, almost 40 percent of study circle arrangements have disappeared in two years, showing the greatest change in the entire country according to the industry and interest organization Studieförbunden. Reduced state grants have led to many study associations needing to reduce their offerings, though the exact amount of state grant reductions that led to the decrease in offerings has not been specified.
From 2023 through 2025, cultural programs such as concerts and art exhibitions have decreased by 48 percent in Värmland, while arrangements, which also include study circles, have decreased by 37 percent in the same period. In Hagfors municipality, an explanation for the decrease is that the area's largest study association ABF has reduced its offerings in recent years, though the specific reasons why ABF reduced its offerings in Hagfors remain unclear. Josefin Nilsson, operations developer at Studieförbundet vuxenskolan, now oversees a larger geographical area than before.
It is very noticeable. We are significantly fewer people working with it.
"It is very noticeable. We are significantly fewer people working with it," Nilsson said. She added, "It is many study circles with elderly people that have been forced to shut down, for example sewing circles.
" Hagfors municipality has not allocated any extra resources to save the associations, but does not rule out allocating extra resources to save the associations in the future, with no timeline specified for when this might occur. The municipality believes the associations have their own responsibility for their survival. " The total number of study circle arrangements lost nationwide compared to Värmland has not been detailed.
It is many study circles with elderly people that have been forced to shut down, for example sewing circles. It is sad.
If it is so that people are looking for something else, well then you might need to change your course offerings.