FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER
Tankrommet, Bryggeriet Scene
10:00–10:30
PRESENTATION: CULTURE TO HELP A WORLD THAT’S GOING UP IN FLAMES? by Julie Forchhammer
In a year with multiple crises, record high temperatures and extreme weather we ask: how can arts and culture stop enabling the fossil fuel sector and other destructive industries? How do we support an arts and culture sector to create safe spaces for reflections, communications and creative practices on peace in a time of war? In a community in a time of polarization? On courage in a time of hate? On nature in an increasingly unnatural world? Julie Forchhammer from the Norwegian non-profit Klimakultur has a broad background from the music industry and culture sector. Her current work focuses on climate disinformation and how destructive industries exploit arts and culture to gain public acceptance. Julie is a Julie’s Bicycle’s Creative Climate Leadership alumni. Klimakultur is the only Norwegian member of CAAD, a global coalition of over 120 climate and anti-hate and disinformation organisations.
10:40–11:40
PANEL: WHEN DIVERSITY BECOMES A BUZZWORD
Moderator: Yohan Shanmugaratnam
Speakers: Salum Kashafali, Martha Hofsøy, Ragnhild Dahlheim Eriksen
Diversity has become a central concept across cultural institutions, workplaces, politics and public life – but what do we actually mean when we use it? Is diversity still a meaningful tool for change, or has it become a term that everyone embraces without necessarily changing established structures and practices?
This conversation takes a closer look at how diversity is understood and used in Norway today, both within the cultural sector and in society more broadly. How do we move beyond good intentions, strategies and representation on paper towards meaningful participation, access and lasting change?
11:50–12:15
PRESENTATION: BEDRE ROM by Ingrid Døssland, Musikkontoret Brak
How can we make cultural venues and events genuinely more accessible and inclusive? Ingrid Døssland presents Bedre Rom, an online resource developed to provide inspiration, practical advice and tools for cultural organisations, venues and event organisers who want to improve accessibility and inclusion. The presentation will introduce practical approaches to accessible venues and events, inclusive communication, and more diverse booking and programme development.
12:15–13:15
LUNCH BREAK
13:15–14:15
PANEL: CULTURE AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AS DRIVERS OF CITY DEVELOPMENT
Moderator: Bodil Kjelstrup
Speakers: Roar Dons, Eirik Losnegaard Mevik, Siri Arntzen-Ratnarajan, Joar Nango, Martine Lødding, Maria Rut Reynisdottir
Culture and the creative industries are more than entertainment and experiences, they help shape attractive, vibrant and sustainable places to live. How can culture become a driving force for city development, belonging, innovation and local value creation? Bringing together perspectives from culture, creative industries, business and community development, this conversation explores how artists, cultural organisations and creative communities influence cities and local communities and what role they can play in shaping the places of the future.
14:15–14:45
BREAK & WALK TO NORTHERN NORWEGIAN ART MUSEUM (NNKM)
Northern Norwegian Art Museum (NNKM)
14:45–15:45
WORKSHOP: CULTURE AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AS DRIVERS OF CITY DEVELOPMENT
Workshop facilitator: Kristina Junttila
Building on the previous panel discussion, this workshop moves from conversation to participation and concrete ideas. How can culture and creative industries become an integral part of how we develop cities, towns and communities? What needs to change in the relationship between cultural actors, public authorities, businesses and local communities? And how can we ensure that artists and cultural organisations are involved early in processes of city development, rather than being invited in when the major decisions have already been made? Through group discussions and collaborative work, participants will identify challenges, opportunities and practical ideas that can strengthen the role of culture in future city development.
15:45–16:00
CLOSING SESSION: TOWARDS A SHARED DECLARATION
Can we turn the conversations and ideas from the day into something concrete? Together, we will gather the key perspectives from the workshop and explore whether we can formulate a short set of shared principles for the role of culture and creative industries in place development. The ambition is to leave not only with new ideas and connections, but with a collective statement that can inspire further discussion and action.
16:00 – End of programme
SATURDAY 31.10 (free of charge)
@Tromsø Library
11:15 – 12:05
PANEL: TOURISM VS. LOCAL CULTURE: BUILDING PLACES WITHOUT LOSING IDENTITY
Moderator: Martha Otte
Speakers: Maria Rut Reynisdottir, Trond Overås, tbc
As destinations compete for visitors, culture has become one of the strongest drivers of tourism. Festivals, museums, music, food and local traditions help shape how places are experienced and remembered. But what happens when tourism begins to influence the very culture it depends on? This conversation explores the balance between creating attractive destinations and protecting the authenticity, identity and everyday life of local communities. How can cultural events contribute to sustainable tourism without becoming products designed only for visitors? How do we ensure that local voices remain at the centre of place branding and destination development? Bringing together perspectives from the cultural sector, tourism industry and destination marketing, the panel will discuss how culture can strengthen both local pride and international visibility, while creating long-term value for residents, visitors and creative communities alike.
12:15 – 13:00
TALK: CULTURE AND CLIMATE: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FESTIVAL SECTOR
Moderator: tbc
Speakers: Julie Runge, Julie Forchhammer
As the climate crisis reshapes the way we live, travel and create, the cultural sector is increasingly challenged to rethink how festivals and events are produced. This session brings together leading voices working at the intersection of culture and sustainability to explore how meaningful environmental action can be integrated into the arts without compromising creativity or international collaboration. Drawing on practical experiences from Iceland Airwaves, Klimakultur, and Tromsø World’s ongoing sustainability collaboration with Iceland, the discussion will highlight innovative approaches to reducing environmental impact, engaging audiences and artists, and embedding sustainability into long-term cultural strategies. The conversation will explore how festivals can become catalysts for climate action, knowledge sharing and cross-border collaboration, while strengthening both local communities and international cultural exchange.
@Perspesktivet Museum
13:10 – 14:00
PANEL: INDIGENOUS AND LOCAL VOICES IN CONTEMPORARY ART
Moderator: Jonathan Crossen
Speakers: Sigbjørn Skåden, Kjersti Anfinnsen, Kirsti Lervoll
This conversation brings together artists and writers whose work is deeply connected to northern landscapes, local communities and Indigenous perspectives. Through literature, visual art and interdisciplinary practices, the speakers explore how questions of language, belonging, territory, memory and cultural representation continue to shape contemporary artistic expression. Drawing on their own creative practices and lived experiences, the panel reflects on the importance of local and Indigenous knowledge in an increasingly globalised world. How can art preserve and revitalise languages, traditions and ways of knowing? What role do artists play in challenging dominant narratives and creating space for perspectives that have historically been overlooked or marginalised? The discussion will also examine the relationship between place and identity, and how contemporary artists negotiate tradition, innovation and cultural responsibility. By sharing personal stories and artistic approaches, the speakers will highlight how art can foster dialogue, strengthen cultural resilience and inspire new ways of understanding the North – not as a periphery, but as a place of creativity, knowledge and international relevance.
@Northern Norwegian Art Museum (NNKM):
14:10 – 15:10
ARTIST TALK: ART AS VOICE – IDENTITY, RESISTANCE AND EXPRESSION
Jehnny Beth in conversation with Darek Mazzone
In this artist talk, acclaimed musician, actor and broadcaster Jehnny Beth reflects on her artistic journey and the role of creativity in navigating an increasingly complex world. Known for pushing boundaries through music, performance and public conversation, Beth has consistently challenged conventions around identity, gender, vulnerability and artistic expression.
Drawing on her experiences as an artist working across multiple disciplines, the conversation explores how art can serve as a powerful vehicle for personal expression, social commentary and cultural change. How do artists balance authenticity with public expectations? What does it mean to create fearlessly in times of political and social uncertainty? And how can creativity foster empathy, dialogue and new ways of understanding ourselves and others?
This intimate conversation offers audiences a unique insight into Jehnny Beth’s creative process, the ideas that shape her work, and the enduring power of art to question, provoke and connect.
@Backbeat:
15:30 – 16:00
PRESENTATION: SAMSPILL INTERNATIONAL MUSIC NETWORK by Siri Kvambe
In this presentation, Siri Kvambe introduces Samspill International Music Network, Norway’s national competence network for cultural diversity in the music sector. The session offers an insight into the network’s work to strengthen international collaboration, promote diversity and inclusion, and create new opportunities for artists and music professionals across Norway and beyond. The presentation will highlight current initiatives, partnerships and future ambitions, while exploring how stronger networks and cross-cultural collaboration can contribute to a more diverse, sustainable and internationally connected music ecosystem.
16:00 – 16:45
TALK: ART, MIGRATION AND BELONGING
Moderator: Sandeep Singh
Speakers: Gelareh Pour, Solvei Stenslie, Gabriela Garrubo
This talk explores how artists draw on experiences of migration, diaspora, identity and belonging in their creative work. Bringing together musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, the conversation examines how art can create space for new stories, perspectives and voices in the public sphere. The discussion will also consider the role of artistic expression in fostering dialogue, building bridges across cultures and strengthening mutual understanding in an increasingly diverse society. Through personal experiences and artistic practices, the panel reflects on how music and the arts can challenge stereotypes, create a sense of belonging and contribute to more inclusive communities.
@Amtmandens, Industrirommet:
17:30 – 18:15
TALK: UNAPOLOGETIC EXPRESSION: THE NEW UK JAZZ EXPLOSION
André Mammot in conversation with Jane Cornwell
How did jazz go from being considered outdated to becoming one of the most exciting forces in contemporary British music? Drawing on his acclaimed book Unapologetic Expression: The Inside Story of the UK Jazz Explosion, André Marmot joins music journalist Jane Cornwell for a conversation about the remarkable transformation of UK jazz over the past 25 years. Together they explore the artists, communities and cultural shifts behind the movement – and how questions of race, migration, identity and postcolonial Britain helped shape a new musical language. From underground scenes to international festival stages, the conversation asks what made this generation different, why the world started listening, and what the UK jazz explosion can teach us about how music scenes grow, change and connect people.
