Swedish Performing Arts for an International Audie
nce 2016 1
The publication you are looking at is more than j
ust a catalogue featuring examples of what Sweden’s performing arts sector has to offer international audiences; it is a manifestation of diversity, artistic freedom and high quality. As the cultural policy objectives unanimously adopted by the Swedish Parliament state – culture is to be a dynamic, challenging and independent force based on freedom of expression. Everyone is to have the opportunity to participate in the nation’s cultural life. Creativity, diversity and high artistic standards are to be at the heart of social development. The artists featured in this publication described themselves using their own words and images in response to an open call. All the featured practitioners receive public funding through the Swedish Arts Council or the Swedish Arts Grants Committee, and be available for touring or collaboration outside Sweden, or be involved in presenting international performing arts in Sweden. This catalogue bring together circus, performance, theatre, dance, opera, and everything in between or related. The smallest ensembles are listed alongside Sweden’s national performing arts companies, and every audience, from infants to seniors, is considered equally important. But the artists listed all have one thing in common: They want to venture into the international arena to meet new audiences and collaborators, or they want to bring the world to Sweden so that they can evolve, meet new challenges, and discover new contexts and possibilities. In an age when movement is challenged, it is vitally important to facilitate the free movement of art. In this way, we can ensure that different artists and different forms of artistic expression come together and evolve, giving rise to more artistic encounters, more collaboration, and more diversity. For the benefit of audiences, above all. Enjoy!