From 22–24 May 2026, more than 50 course participants from Sweden, Finland and Norway gathered for Gränslös Folkmusik at Kukkolaforsen on the Swedish-Finnish border.
The three-day folk and world music gathering included workshops, shared playing and public concerts. Participants learned repertoire directly from experienced musicians and instructors and joined informal music sessions.
Arctic Pulse continued its collaboration with organiser BD-Kultur / Gränslös Folkmusik, supporting the participation of professional musicians and instructors and helping with coordination, promotion and filming.
Two public concerts
Arctic Pulse also contributed to two public concerts on 23 May.
Young musicians from the culture schools in Kalix and Luleå performed alongside accordionist Bengan Janson in an outdoor concert at Kukkolaforsen, bringing students and a professional folk musician together on stage.
Later that evening, the programme featured Desirée Saarela, Bbterbotten Band, I Fäälan and Bengan Janson, presenting artists and folk-music traditions from Sweden and Finland.
Looking ahead
During the weekend, Arctic Pulse also brought musicians and network representatives together to discuss future cross-border cooperation in folk and minority music. They explored how Gränslös Folkmusik and similar gatherings could develop, and how children and young people could take a more active part.
Thank you to everyone who took part, performed, taught, listened, organised and helped make the weekend happen!
Collaboration and support
The Arctic Pulse collaboration with Gränslös folk- och världsmusik was carried out together with Norrbottensmusiken, Norrlandsoperan, City of Oulu, Nordnorsk Jazzsenter, Musikk i Nordland, Scene Nord and BD-Kultur.
With support from Interreg Aurora, Nordland fylkeskommune, Troms fylkeskommune, Luleå kommun, Region Norrbotten, Umeå kommun, Region Västerbotten and Lapin liitto / The Regional Council of Lapland.
About Arctic Pulse
Arctic Pulse is the shared external brand of Arctic Music Circles, an Interreg Aurora project supporting cross-border music collaboration in northern Sweden, Finland and Norway.
The project works to strengthen the music scene in the Arctic region by creating new connections, increasing visibility and building long-term collaboration across borders.