Exhibition – the story of good energy

In Skellefteå, community development has often been about navigating change and emerging stronger on the other side. The driving force has remained the same over time – a combination of a desire for innovation, a willingness to collaborate, and human energy. This is the story at the heart of Exhibition, Society Expo 2026's major exhibition.

“When we went through all the projects and perspectives, we saw a common thread. There is a positive energy here that stems from a desire to test, build, and take responsibility together,” says Linus Johansson, Creative Experience Director at Try New Things.

The theme of the exhibition takes us back in time. To understand the future, you need to understand where the power comes from. Skellefteå's history is full of examples of people who dared to think big, often in times of resistance.

"We have always faced challenges and come out of them stronger," says Anna Dreijing-Carroll, project manager for Society Expo 2026.

History provides several examples.

Europe's longest cable car was built in a short period of time – ten miles in one year. The Finnfors power station was erected from decision to completed facility in two years, a high-tech power plant at the time that in 1908 was as futuristic as today's major industrial investments.

"There is a long tradition of dreamers who also had the manpower to make things happen. That combination is quite unique," says Linus.

The work on Exhibition began long before the form was decided. Before Christmas 2023, the first contact was made between SE26 and Try New Things regarding what would become a preliminary study to understand what the exhibition actually needed to be – and for whom.

“We wanted the exhibition to feel and be understandable in terms of why we are doing this initiative. That’s why we started with conversations and listening, rather than ready-made answers,” says Anna.

The preliminary study involved around 60 people and included several target groups, including high school students. The participants were given early ideas and asked to provide feedback, which influenced both the content and direction.

"What made the strongest impression was that many people gained a new image of Skellefteå. That a lot is happening here, and that what is happening is perceived as both important and significant. It became clear to us how important the young target group is for building confidence in the future," she says.

Based on the preliminary study, a joint brief was drawn up, which then formed the basis for the creative work together with Linus and the team at Try New Things. The ambition was to start from scratch, try out different perspectives, and ensure that the story would resonate with everyone—even in an exhibition where the target audience is, in practice, everyone.

From this, a positive energy emerged as the common thread. It has been traced from the primal forces of nature to today's society. The exhibition illustrates how sustainable systems work in nature – and how the same principles can inspire how we build the society of the future.

“To understand why Skellefteå looks the way it does today, you have to get on board with the story. The dialogue with residents, their persistence, and their willingness to cooperate have been crucial,” says Anna.

Exhibition is based on the idea that participation is a central part of the experience. Environments react to the visitor's presence, voices are recorded, opinions are shared and saved. In this way, visitors also become co-creators.

"If you want to feel engaged, you need to feel involved. This applies not only to young people, but to everyone who wants to be part of shaping the next social paradigm," says Linus.

The exhibition is located on the second floor of Nordanå and will remain there until January 2027. The hope is that visitors will leave Exhibition with more than just new knowledge.

"We want children and young people to feel pride and optimism about the future. And we want visitors from outside to gain a deeper understanding of the power that exists here," says Anna.

Read more: SE26 project