The Future takes the stage!

Every place has a story to tell – and at Campus Skellefteå, the goal is to create a space where the ideas of the future can take shape. An outdoor stage will serve as the starting point for creative young talents from Edelvik Folk High School in collaboration with one of Sweden's most experienced set designers. How exciting does that sound?

Society Expo 2026 is a platform for new ideas, collaborations, and creative solutions. As part of the development of Campus Skellefteå as one of the main venues for SE26, an exciting collaboration has been established with Edelvik Folk High School and its Film Set Design & Prop Making program. Together with set designer and event designer Åse Persson, students will have the opportunity to explore how scenography and design can create an inspiring visitor experience at Campus during SE26.

At the heart of Skellefteå are places like Campus, Nordanå, and Guldtorget with Sara Kulturhus – all key hubs for various activities. Beyond the city center, SE26 highlights locations like Skellefteå Airport and Kurjoviken, two main areas with specific themes and focuses.

Campus Skellefteå already has a physical stage and square that will serve as a starting point. Here, Edelvik’s students will contribute their ideas on how the space can be decorated and shaped to inspire and engage visitors from around the world.

–"It would be a mistake not to harness this creative energy.
My lesson is to never close the door on ideas – even wild suggestions can be the beginning of something big."

says Kai Nedergård, teacher at Edelvik.

On December 11, a workshop was held where students from Edelvik, together with Åse Persson, began exploring how Campus could be transformed into an immersive space for SE26. During the workshop, students worked both in groups and individually to develop their ideas.

– "We started by brainstorming together, which was very helpful for the continued individual work. Then we created sketches, mood boards, and models of our ideas for the scenography,"

says Alice Franzén, a scenography student. Alice explains that many of the ideas focused on bringing more life and color to the campus area, which can otherwise feel quite gray.

– "I personally sketched large flower and plant sculptures that could be placed around the campus. It would be amazing to see them come to life," she says.

The students have the opportunity to work in a new context where set design is seen from a broader perspective. Here, the focus is on how color, shape, and space can influence the experience in a larger, outdoor-based environment.

– "It’s a bit unfamiliar for me since I’ve mostly worked with film sets and furnished rooms. Now it’s about architecture and landscapes, which feels challenging but exciting," says Alice Franzén, a scenography student.

– "It becomes more artistic with color and form. Åse has shown us how you can divide areas into different colors and make them stand out," says Fenix Lundström, a prop-making student.

The workshop marked the starting point of a longer process where young creators have the chance to influence and leave their mark on one of the key hubs for SE26.

Åse Persson has worked on some of the largest event projects in the country, including H22 in Helsingborg. She grew up in Skellefteå, moving there when she started fourth grade.

– "As an adult, I felt drawn to move to Stockholm to take on bigger challenges, like sewing circus tents, building exhibitions, designing galas, and doing things I enjoy. Now that I’ve returned for this assignment, it feels surreal. There are new buildings everywhere, but the feeling of the place remains. I’ve even had the chance to reconnect with old friends I haven’t seen in 45 years. It feels amazing to take on this challenge at the age of 67," she says, and continues:

– "For me, it’s about understanding the space, the place, and the feeling. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, it’s important to create an environment that engages people and enhances the experience," says Åse.

With a background in textile craftsmanship, Åse has, over her long career, developed a deep understanding of how design and scenography can impact an audience. She sees the collaboration with Edelvik's students as an opportunity to create something unique for SE26.

– "No matter what task you’re given, it’s all about finding the right partners. As a set designer, I have a significant impact on how a conference or event is perceived by visitors. With the wrong lighting or the wrong furniture, participants won’t pay attention. But I can also make it extraordinary! The way you shape the space as a set designer is crucial. I enjoy collaborating with different people and am constantly looking for new constellations. But after a long career, this will be my last big project," says Åse.