A music production for children and young audiences rarely becomes stage-ready in one step. It needs time to be tested, challenged, reshaped and tried again.
From 1 to 3 June 2026, musicians, producers and directors from Sweden and Norway gathered in Luleå for Arctic Pulse’s second Creative Camp. The groups arrived with productions that were already taking shape but still open to new ideas and changes. Arctic Pulse is the brand used to present the activities of Arctic Music Circles, an Interreg Aurora project connecting musicians, producers and music organisations across northern Sweden, Finland and Norway.
Over three intensive days, they worked closely with professional directors on musical ideas, dramaturgy, stage expression and how each production could work in schools and on tour. The format gave the groups time to rehearse, receive direct feedback, test different approaches and make practical changes together.
Creative Camp was first tested during a two-day gathering in Bodø in 2025. Drawing on the experiences and feedback from that first edition, the Luleå camp was extended to three days, allowing more time for artistic direction, rehearsal and creative development.
Unlike a traditional showcase, where a finished production is presented, Creative Camp focuses on an earlier stage of the process — when ideas can still be tested and meaningful changes can be made. This helped the groups strengthen both the artistic content and the way their productions connect with children and young audiences.
The work will continue beyond the camp. The productions developed in Luleå will later be presented on school tours, bringing the ideas and creative decisions made during these three days to the children and young people they were created for.
Alongside the artistic programme, producers from Sweden, Norway and Finland met as part of a developing cross-border 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 explored how the cooperation and exchange of knowledge can continue after the current project period.
The aftermovie offers a glimpse into the rehearsals, conversations and creative decisions behind the productions.
The Creative Camp was jointly organised as part of Arctic Pulse by Norrbottensmusiken, Norrlandsoperan, Nordnorsk Jazzsenter, Musikk i Nordland and Scene Nord.
With support from Interreg Aurora, Region Norrbotten, Luleå Municipality, Umeå Municipality, Region Västerbotten, Nordland fylkeskommune and Troms fylkeskommune.
Learn more about the project Arctic Music Circles
