Creative Camp in Luleå gave music productions for young audiences room to grow
In June 2026, musicians, producers and directors from Sweden and Norway gathered in Luleå for Arctic Pulse’s second Creative Camp — a three-day, hands-on format for developing music productions aimed at children and young audiences.
The groups arrived with productions that were already taking shape, but still open to new ideas and changes. Together with professional directors, they worked on musical ideas, dramaturgy, stage expression and how each production could work in schools and on tour.
The format was first tested during a two-day Creative Camp in Bodø in 2025. Based on the experiences and feedback from that first edition, the Luleå camp was extended to three days. This gave the groups more time to rehearse, receive artistic direction, test different approaches and continue developing their productions together.
Unlike a traditional showcase, where a finished production is presented, Creative Camp creates space to experiment while the work is still developing. Participants could try ideas, ask questions, make adjustments and receive direct feedback before presenting the productions to young audiences.
The productions developed in Luleå are now being prepared for future school tours, allowing the creative work from the camp to reach children and young audiences beyond the Arctic Music Circles project period.
Alongside the artistic programme, producers from Sweden, Norway and Finland met as part of the project’s developing working group for children and young audiences. They discussed future co-productions, exchanges between organisations and how music productions could tour more easily across borders. The meeting also focused on how the network and the exchange of knowledge can continue after the current project ends.
Creative Camp is a practical example of what cross-border collaboration can create. By working closely together over several days, musicians, directors and producers were able to develop stronger productions, learn from each other and build professional connections that can lead to future collaborations.
A big thank you to everyone who shared their ideas, music, experience and energy during these three days in Luleå.
Watch the aftermovie for a glimpse of the creative process behind the scenes.
Organisers
The Creative Camp was jointly organised as part of Arctic Pulse by Norrbottensmusiken, Norrlandsoperan, Nordnorsk Jazzsenter, Musikk i Nordland and Scene Nord.
Funding
Arctic Music Circles is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Aurora programme, with co-financing from Region Norrbotten, Luleå Municipality, Umeå Municipality, Region Västerbotten, Lapin Liitto, Nordland County Council and Troms County Council.
About Arctic Pulse
Arctic Pulse is the public identity of Arctic Music Circles, an Interreg Aurora project connecting musicians, producers and music organisations across northern Sweden, Finland and Norway.
The project creates opportunities for artistic development, professional exchange and long-term music collaboration across borders.