Swedish bulletin spring 2014 by Swedish Bulletin

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bulletin YOUR INSIDER’S GUIDE TO SWEDEN

SPRING 2014 SEK 50

SPRING 2014

You won’t meet any car dealers. Allow yourself a moment in the world of exclusive cars. You will find quality, lifestyle products and emotion at Audi Forum at Norrmalmstorg (Hamngatan 17), one of Audi’s selected international showrooms. Have a close look at the latest Audi models, feel the materials and enjoy the wide range of high quality Audi merchandise, clothing, watches and accessories. For personal service, book an appointment with Urban Axelsson, our Manager Diplomat and VIP sales at 08-120 812 99. Welcome. Hamngatan 17, Mon–Fri 10–18, Sat 11–16, Sun 12–16.

A discrete world of luxury.

Väsby Town – towards a sustainable community Väsby is the first community in Sweden that is entirely eco-certified, which means that we are particularly committed to work for a sustainable development in several aspects. We are creating a modern town with active participation from residents and business. We strive for diversity that empowers all citizens. Väsby town offers qualitative service and attractive living in the expanding Stockholm – Arlanda region.

upplandsvasby.se • Visit: Dragonväge facebook.com/upplan

en 86 • 08-590 970 00 • vasbydirekt@upplandsvasby.se ndsvasby • twitter.com/upplandsvasby

GR AND PUBL IC PHOTO SAM SYLVÉN

ROYA L ST E E L C H RO N OGRAPH –– SWEDISH T IME ME ASUREM EN T

BORÅS JäLMERS UR 033-12 10 44 ESKILSTUNA LINDEbERGS UR 016-14 48 10 GISLAVED AUGUST PETERSSON & SON 0371-100 01 GÖTEBORG JARL SANDIN 031-10 59 02 MAGNUSSONS UR 031-13 54 70 HALMSTAD MåRTENSSONS UR & GULD 035-21 54 54 HELSINGBORG CARLSSONS UR 042-21 05 80 RYDbERGS UR Ab 042-20 25 35 JÖNKÖPING ENGSTRöMS URMAkERI 036-710155 KRISTINEHAMN kLOCkMASTER kEAS UR 0550-101 05 LINKÖPING MALMbERGS UR & OPTIk 013-12 18 41 LUND APPELkvIST UR 046-211 08 13 MALMÖ URHANDEL bERNHARD HUkE 040-23 84 50 STOCKHOLM kRONS UR 08-54 51 36 50 Nk JUvELSALONG 08-762 84 55 WOHLIN URHANDEL 08-678 12 24 åkE FALk URHANDEL 08-611 37 65 SUNDBYBERG ERIkSON URHANDEL 08-28 11 34 VISBY WISbY UR & GULD 0498-21 72 00 VÄSTERÅS NYMANS UR 021-13 02 12 ÖREBRO AHLéNS UR 019-611 31 73 OSLO vINDEREN UR +47 22 14 90 88

w w w . S J O O SA N D ST RO M . S E

Dear Readers, It’s been an eventful winter period. Obviously last month the eyes of the world have been on the Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia, where the home nation emerged triumphant in the medals table. Sweden battled it out to win 15 medals across four disciplines – their highest tally of any winter games before that. We won’t mention the ice hockey final of course! S P R I N G I 2014 P U B L I S H E D BY SWEDISH BULLETIN HB

RESPONSIBLE PUBLISHER AND CHIEF EDITOR TERESA IVARS A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R JUAN C IVARS LANGUAGE EDITOR M AT T L U D LO W COVER PHOTO B LO C K X O F T H E W E S T F R I E Z E O F T H E PA R T H E N O N ©ACROPOLIS MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHER: G I O R G O S V I T S A R O P O U LO S .

ART DIRECTOR MADELENE SÖRINDER MADELENE@PERFECTSTORM.SE CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE M AT T L U D LO W E R I C PA G L I A CHRISTINA LINDEROTH-OLSON MICHAEL HELANDER CHRISTIAN VON ESSEN JUDI LEMBKE E L I Z A B E T H D A C E Y- F O N D E L I U S PAT R I C I A B R E N N A N R I C K N E L L D I M I T R O S PA N D E R M A L I S K R I S T E R KU M L I N GNTO OFFICE OF SCANDINAVIA CLAUDIA WALLIN ADVERTISING SMTM MEDIA GROUP MARTIN@SMTMMEDIA.SE +46(0)76 – 00 00 817

In this issue we look forward to longer, warmer days with our Focus on Greece, a country with some of the most beautiful vistas in the world and the home of democracy, mythology, philosophy, politics, the Olympics, academy, theatre, astronomy, and athletics. Is all that Greek to you? Thousands of words used in the European languages come from the Greek language. We take a deeper look into the issue of the Return of the Parthenon Marbles, and the delights of the Mediterranean nation in Greece, a top destination and we also explore the Southern Aegean Region, containing Greece’s easternmost archipelagos. Eric Paglia catches up with HE Aliki Hadji, the Greek Ambassador to Sweden, to talk EU Presidency, financial crises and a long-standing relationship with Sweden. Spring 2014 will provide us with cause to celebrate the Swedish gastronomic scene as the world famous Bocuse D’Or culinary championship comes to Stockholm in May. Swedish cuisine has gained increasing worldwide acclaim in recent years, and this event looks set to continue that trend. We find out more on page 78. Staying with Swedish cuisine, SB also delves into the world of the ultra-successful Grupp F12 restaurant group, and in particular co-founder Melker Andersson. Mainstay writer Christian Von Essen speaks to him on page 42. We also take the time to recognise another Swedish global success story, with our look at Sweden’s football team captain, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in our article Made by Sweden. Zlatan’s meteoric rise to prominence is documented in his new book, which itself has received critical acclaim. Another Swede who has a reputation for excellence within their profession is Yvonne Sörensen. Judi Lembke’s conversation with the Managing Director of Berns Group covers her own dizzying career ascent, which took her on a tour of Europe’s top hotels. Swedish Bulletin looks into the work of Sweden’s Centre for Justice, with some words from its founder, Gunnar Strömmer. More evidence of positive work being done by Swedes is seen in our business article, which covers the collaborative conservation effort between Linköping University, The Stimson Centre in Washington DC and the Kenyan Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Closer to home in our Swedish Regions section we take a look at Stockholm Vatten, which supplies 1.3 million Swedes with drinking water. They also have big environmental ambitions with the Baltic Sea Action Plan.

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N AND SUBSCRIPTIONS LARS EKHOLM +46 (0) 8 – 446 13 13 OR +46 (0) 70 – 235 13 13 PRINT HOUSE BILLES TRYCKERI, SWEDEN

PA P E R

Lastly, in our Culture section, get to know Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, and visit the Stockholm National Museum and Kulturhuset Stadsteatern’s exhibition “The Magnificence of Baroque Art” focused on the connections between the 17th century and the world of today.

C O V E R : L U X O S AT I N 1 7 0 G I N S E R T: L U X O S AT I N 1 1 5 G BY PA P Y R U S

SWEDISH BULLETIN E N G E L B R E K T S G ATA N 3 3 A 114 32 STOCKHOLM

So as you can see there’s a lot to enjoy during the transition to spring with SB – ever a great way to keep in touch with the cultural beating heart of Sweden.

+46 (0) 8 – 446 13 13 info@swedishbulletin.se w w w. s w e d i s h b u l l e t i n . s e © Swedish Bulletin. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any format or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopies, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Teresa Ivars Publisher and Chief Editor

PHOTO: CHRISTIAN VON ESSEN

SWEDISH BULLETIN

FOCUS: GREECE

BUSINESS

10 Swedish Bulletin meets HE Aliki Hadji – Ambassador of Greece to Sweden

12 From tourism to manufactured goods – Greece and Sweden enjoy extremely strong economic ties

26 Gekås goes Green

14 The Acropolis Museum

FEATURE

30 Centre for Justice defends the individual’s rights

Greece – A top destination

20 Region of the Southern Aegean: Dodecanese and Cyclades

Linköping Sensor Informatics can help protect African wild life

28 European Spallation Source

39 Dreamhack: Made in Sweden PEOPLE

SPECIAL FEATURE

40 Meet Yvonne Sörensen

22 Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Made by Sweden

42 Top Chef Melker Andersson 45 Swedish Bulletin talks to Jan Lindquist: A third culture kid

PHOTO: ETT HEM/MAGNUS MÅRDING

PHOTO: LARS EKDAHL ©MILLESGÅRDEN

PHOTO: TEAM PICS/PSG

SPRING 2014

SWEDISH REGIONS

LIFESTYLE

50 Top Quality Water in Stockholm

73 Heel kickin’ fun in Skåne

EDUCATION

TRAVEL

52 Konstfack: Sweden’s famous art and design college

53 Lilla akademien: A school to change the world through music

GOURMET

CULTURE & MORE

80 Gulddraken – Swedish Restaurant Awards

Ett hem: A home for the homey

78 Bocuse d’Or Europe comes to Sweden

62 The Magnificence of Baroque Art in Stockholm 65 A New Director and a New Vision at Thielska Galleriet 66 Get to know Swedish sculptor Carl Milles in Stockholm

SWEDISH DIARY 82 Cultural considerations: When intent should be considered when laws are broken

FOCUS: GREECE

SWEDISH BULLETIN MEETS

HE Aliki Hadji AMBASSADOR OF GREECE TO SWEDEN

In the midst of the Greek presidency of the European Union during the first half of 2014, Swedish Bulletin had the opportunity to sit down with HE Aliki Hadji, the Ambassador of Greece, at the Embassy in Östermalm. The discussion covered an array of topics, including the current EU Presidency and Greece’s vision of the European project, as well as the Ambassador’s outlook on the recent economic crisis that Greece has endured and made a remarkable recovery from.

T E X T A N D P H O T O : E R I C PA G L I A

his is the third

time in her diplomatic career that Ambassador Hadji has had the opportunity to immerse herself in matters relating to a Greek EU Presidency, this time while in Stockholm in her fourth year as Ambassador. She fondly remembers her engagement with the EU Western Balkan Summit in 2003, held in her hometown of Thessaloniki, in which the Thessaloniki Agenda was adopted and thereby initiated the integration of the Balkans into the EU. 10

Greece pioneered the Balkan enlargement project now being implemented, as one country after another, based on their own merits and achievements, take their place in the greater European family. As Greece now shows clear signs of economic revival in the aftermath of the crisis, Ambassador Hadji has good reason to be optimistic about the current EU Presidency and her country’s future prospects. SWEDISH BULLETIN: Please elaborate on the Greek Presidency of the European Union during the first half of 2014.

AMBASSADOR HADJI: As Greece takes the driver’s seat of the European Council for our fifth EU Presidency, we are not only an experienced driver, but the car is now better equipped. New institutions lessen the workload that the pre-Lisbon Treaty presidencies had to handle. Having said that, we must acknowledge that the road is not as smooth as it used to be; it is bumpy and full of sharp turns and unexpected obstacles. Nonetheless, Greece has the necessary infrastructure, expertise and an exemplary budget for carrying out the duties the Presidency entails.

Globalisation amplifies international challenges and highlights our deficiencies at a national and European Union level. For example, in certain southern European countries, such as Greece, public debt must be brought under control, while for countries in the north it is private debt that has reached alarming proportions. Architectural flaws and initial deficiencies in EMU institutions are being amended, and new structures are taking shape to safeguard financial stability and gradually bring about a return to sustainable public finances. Time is something that we do not have the luxury to waste, as we in Greece know all too well. Having first-hand experience of dealing with cataclysmic change in a multifaceted way, and through extensive collaboration with our partners, we are in a position to understand and appreciate the important role of national and supranational solidarity. Being there for one another is what makes social fabric strong, promotes our values and nourishes our culture. Those who try to evade responsibility and sweep their own flaws under the carpet attempt to turn others into scapegoats. The Greek people stood their ground, and along with their Eurozone partners, turned the tide against the storm that threatened the common project of monetary unity. The crisis only made us more determined to widen and deepen our collaboration. Reinforcing the democratic legitimacy and accountability of the EU, along with strengthening solidarity among member states, are among our top priorities. Another principal which will guide our work is the promotion of policies and initiatives that enhance civic and societal engagement in the EU in order to respond to the everyday problems, concerns and insecurities of its citizens. The Greek Presidency, furthermore, intends to bring all the involved parties on board and conclude the banking union agreement before the current legislative period is over, deepening the Union and in particular the EMU. SWEDISH BULLETIN: What is the Embassy in Stockholm doing to mark the Greek Presidency? AMBASSADOR HADJI: On top of the usual activities that an EU member state’s embassy is expected to perform, the context of the Presidency provides a platform

for carrying out informative meetings that present the priorities of the Presidency. This includes meetings at the ‘Head of Missions’ level with distinguished guest speakers, as well as cultural events. The Greek embassy also invited the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to Stockholm, since maritime affairs is one of our priorities. We held our opening cultural event on January 30th at OscarKyrkan, with performances by the Greek-Swedish Choir ‘Orfeas’, the mezzo-soprano Katerina Roussou and Arja Saijonmaa in front of an audience of around one thousand. Of course other events, such as an exhibition of Greek painters, a philosophy seminar, and a business workshop, are also included among the activities of Greece’s EU Presidency.

“Another principal which will guide our work is the promotion of policies and initiatives that enhance civic and societal engagement in the EU in order to respond to the everyday problems, concerns and insecurities of its citizens.” SWEDISH BULLETIN: How has the finan-

cial crisis impacted Greek society, and has it changed Greece’s outlook on Europe? AMBASSADOR HADJI: Strict austerity measures and external factors induced a deep recession and more than 25% of GDP was lost during the years of the economic crisis. That translated into an increase of the debt/GDP ratio, and most importantly, large-scale unemployment. Fortunately Greece is not an industrially-based economy, and thus does not suffer a gloomy future in the face of competition from rising Asian countries. Greece has a post-industrial, outward-looking service economy. In previous years a combination of ex-

ternal factors had a negative effect in the recovery processes of our public finances. For example, the global recession that resulted in restricted international transport of goods played a very important role since Greece occupies first place in terms of international maritime transportation. Moreover, the destructive international publicity, including unfulfilled vicious prophecies, which Greece had to withstand, had a negative effect on tourism. Also the strong banking network that extends to other Balkan countries had to endure significant capital flight. The Greek people have paid a high price. However, after many years of bad news, the page has now been turned. Great achievements under dire circumstances are coming one after the other. An outstanding performance in public finance, along with a positive balance of payments, and the increased maritime transportation due to international growth and tourism, are among the many factors that reflect a fast rebound in the Greek economy. This clearly shows that the society fabric of Greece is strong and that joint efforts give great results. The wealth of a country is its people. Greece has one of the highest percentages of highly educated young people in Europe. During these difficult years some of the brightest left the country. We expect them to return as the outlook for Greece is rapidly improving. SWEDISH BULLETIN: What are the key aspects of Greece’s relationship with Sweden? AMBASSADOR HADJI: Greece and Sweden have excellent long-standing diplomatic and cultural relations. Sweden is a country that builds upon the ideals of democracy and human rights that Greece propagates in the western world. In the cultural field, the Swedish Institute of Athens and the Swedish House in Kavala are vivid examples of the Sweden’s keen interest in our cultural heritage. Furthermore, Swedish firms have established strong business relations with their Greek counterparts. Greek products are stocked in almost all supermarkets; medicine made in Greece is sold in Swedish pharmacies; Greek cosmetics, like Apivita and Korres, are found in Swedish stores. More importantly, we have the privilege of welcoming more than half a million of our Swedish friends to Greece year after year. ♣

FOCUS: GREECE

From tourism to manufactured goods G R E E C E A N D S W E D E N E N J OY E X T R E M E LY S T R O N G E C O N O M I C T I E S T E X T: E R I C PA G L I A

excellent economic relations. Sweden is one of Greece’s main trade partners, and an array of major Swedish companies, such as Volvo and Scania, have established commercial ties with Greek counterparts. Furthermore, a range of Swedish products - including machinery and mechanical appliances, wood and paper products, and medical and surgical equipment - are highly appreciated by Greek consumers. Right now, around 30 Swedish subsidiaries and nearly 300 agents and distributors representing Swedish products operate in Greece, which demonstrates the great interest that Swedish goods enjoy in the Greek market. Given the fact that Swedish visitors are fond of Greek cuisine, it is not surprising that traditional Greek food products are among the top commodities exported to Sweden. In particular, Greek exports such as dairy products, olive oil, and fresh and preserved fruits and vegetables can be found in almost any supermarket in Sweden. Other commodities such as binoculars, ferroalloys, electrical appliances, apparel and clothing accessories, medicaments and beauty products are also exported to Sweden in large quantities. The total volume of bilateral trade between Greece and Sweden amounted

to 3.1 billion SEK (273.2 million Euros) for the period January–November 2013. During the first eleven months of the previous year, Greek exports to Sweden were 1.2 billion SEK – an increase of 8% compared to the same period in 2012, according to figures released by Statistics Sweden - an independent statistics gathering agency. In addition to this is tourism, with an increasing number of Swedish visitors to Greece. Tourism is in fact one of the most crucial pillars of development and competitiveness for Greece. Sweden represents

one of the most important markets for the Greek tourism industry. Swedes have been travelling to Greece since the 1960s, and the number of Swedish visitors has shown a continuous annual increase. More than 626,000 Swedish tourists visited Greece during 2013, an increase of 15% from 2012, with Swedes representing 3% of the total number of tourist arrivals. ♣

As many as 626,000 Swedish tourists visited Greece during 2013. One of many popular destinations is this unique island – Crete.

PHOTO: ©GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION (GNTO)

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FOCUS: GREECE

Head of a young barbaric leader. Found inside the Theatre of Dionysus. ca. 2nd c. AD

General view of the Archaic Gallery

THE AC R O P O L I S MUSEUM The new Acropolis Museum, with its archaeological exhibits, presents the history of classical Greece in a distinctly unique way. In this museum, one can admire the wonderful sculptural works of the 6th and 5th centuries BC, which became a prototype for many other artworks, from European Renaissance onwards. T E X T: D I M I T R I O S PA N D E R M A L I S , P R E S I D E N T, A C R O P O L I S M U S E U M P H O T O : © A C R O P O L I S M U S E U M / N I KO S D A N I I L I D I S

galleries, visitors can view the creation of the first monumental and architectural sculptures related to mythology. These were expressive of both the political perceptions of Athenians during that time, and of the sculpturs themselves. Furthermore, visitors can admire the Korai, the magnificent sculptures depicting young women, which were offerings from important Athenian families dedicated to the Goddess Athena. Finally, visitors are afforded the opportunity to view the famous Caryatid statues and the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, the most significant temple of the Acropolis. The archaeological excavation that lies beneath the museum also provides visitors with the opportunity to appreciate n s id e t h e e x hib itio n

the artefacts used during the everyday lives of the people that lived in the shadow of the Acropolis over various periods. The museum exhibition primarily narrates Dimitrios Pandermalis the story of the Acropolis, but it also aims to inspire delight, excitement and curiosity in the visitor. With this objective in mind, the museum continuously reviews the exhibition’s performance and makes changes as required. Improvements in the presentation of exhibits in relation to natural lighting, reorganisation of the layout of various elements of the exhibition, and the remounting of sculptures are all but a few of the changes that occur regularly in the museum’s galleries. The museum contin-

General view of the Parthenon Gallery

External view of the Museum

The return of the Parthenon marbles THE ARCHITECTURAL SCULPTURES OF THE ACROPOLIS IN THE NEW MUSEUM A significant part of the exhibits displayed in the Acropolis Museum are architectural members, especially sculptures of the buildings on the Rock of the Acropolis. Their position and display in the exhibition areas was intricately planned early in the preparation of the specifications for the architectural composition of the museum. Particularly for the Parthenon sculptures – following the principle that architectural members are not independent or individual artworks, but they belong to a complete set with arrangement and succession – the study incorporated a core structure of concrete surrounded by stainless steel columns. These correspond to the colonnades and the cella of the Parthenon, where the position of each sculpture is determined. More recently, a detailed 3-dimensional scanning of the frieze blocks was undertaken in Athens and London for the study and promotion of the Parthenon sculptures. This was a collaborative effort between the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the company Geoanalysis. The highly accurate measurements from this program are expected to contribute thoroughly to the study of these sculptures and their restoration.

ues the conservation and restoration of the Caryatids, the Korai from the south porch of the Erechtheion temple, using innovative laser technology. The museum has chosen not to move the Caryatids from the galleries to its laboratories in order to provide visitors with the opportunity to observe procedures that until recently were undertaken only in the conservation area. Using many different strategies, the Acropolis Museum attempts to make visitors active participants in its research program on the interpretation and comprehension of its exhibits. In the systematic efforts to reconstitute the lost colors of the sculptures, the visitor becomes familiar with interesting methods, both those in natural space and digital, with an opportunity to gain specialised historical knowledge about the ancients’ view of their world and its artistic endeavors. ♣

The issue of the Parthenon marbles – the return to Greece of the sculptures removed from the Parthenon temple by British ambassador Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, which is now in the possession of the British Museum – is arguably the world’s most famous case of (non)restitution of cultural property. T E X T: K R I S T E R KU M L I N , C H A I R M A N O F T H E S W E D I S H PA R T H E N O N C O M M I T T E E

its independence in 1830, Greece has been asking for the prompt return of the Parthenon sculptures. Although London has remained unmoved, the Greek requests have wide international support. Today, the International Parthenon Association gathers some 17 national bodies, among them the Swedish Parthenon Committee. We all stand united behind the Greek efforts to retrieve the Parthenon marbles, most recently Athens’ suggestion that the Secretary General of UNESCO put the organisation´s mediation facilities at the disposal of the parties concerned. I would add that, following a Swiss initiative, the case of Parthenon sculptures was extensively discussed at a special symposium organised at the European Parliament in October 2013. However forceful, none of these and other recent, but more traditional efforts, have gained such international prominence as a press conference held in London last month when actor George Clooney, while promoting his most recent movie, The Monuments Men, stated his opinion that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece: “Having had a nice stay in Britain, it’s time for them to be returned”. His remarks, which were widely televised, were later supported by co-actors Matt Damon and Bill Murray, and they have found an affirmatory echo far beyond cinema fans across the world, thus giving new impetus to the international Parthenon movement. In a recent poll published by British daily, The Guardian, an overwhelming 88 % of respondents voted in favour of their return to Greece. This figure, while impresv er s in ce r eg a inin g

Krister Kumlin

sive, only confirms earlier opinion polls on the issue: any British decision to return the Marbles to Athens would be applauded not only by an international audience, but also by a substantial percentage of the British public. As for the Swedish Parthenon Committee; we will continue our efforts to give widest possible exposure of the Parthenon issue, always supporting the positions taken by the Greek Government. We will continue our efforts to secure the return of those marble fragments brought to Sweden from the Acropolis by private collectors in earlier years. We would also hope that the two marble heads - currently in the possession of the Swedish National Museum having been taken from the Acropolis - can be successfully repatriated to the New Acropolis Museum in Athens, once their provenance has been clearly established. Finally, it should be noted that the Parthenon case is unique: the return of the Marbles could thus never be used as a precedent for other cases of restitution of cultural property. ♣

FOCUS: GREECE

Santorini

Corfu

GREECE a top destination Greece is a country blessed with a history and rich cultural heritage that stretches back centuries, and it continues to develop in the most extraordinary ways. Stunning nature and landscapes hold in store both adventure and harmony, depending on what the traveler seeks. Tourists who have traveled time and again to Greece have discovered that it is a country that, although small in comparison to other European nations, is huge in the diversity of experiences it offers. T E X T: E R I C PA G L I A P H O T O : © G R E E K N AT I O N A L T O U R I S M O R G A N I S AT I O N ( G N T O )

h e g r e e k i s l a n d s , spread across the Aegean and the Ionian Seas, are the main feature of the country’s morphology and an integral part of Greek culture and tradition. The Greek Archipelago encompasses 7,500 km of Greece’s 16,000 km coastline, offering a highly diversified landscape and an

“Far from being just a ‘sun and sea’ destination, Greece offers the world over 100 outstanding archeological sites that seemingly exist beyond the reach of time.” 16

array of beachscapes stretching over countless kilometers that include sand dunes, sheltered bays and coves, coastal caves with steep cliffs and dark sands, characteristic of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands. Far from being just a “sun and sea” destination, Greece offers over 100 outstanding archeological sites that seemingly exist beyond the reach of time. Greece is recognised as a cradle of Western civilization and the excitement one feels when strolling on pathways among ancient monuments is indescribable. Greece is also the ideal place for urban tourism. Greek cities are a year-round travel option, full of possibilities, easily accessible and visitor-friendly. Athens is one of the most attractive locations in terms of natural beauty, with mild climate conditions and a combination of landscapes, from seaside to mountainous, that are suitable for vacation

and business activities throughout the year. Thessaloniki, the second largest city, offers a different perspective on a Greek city and is certainly worth visiting. Set near the sea, it is a modern metropolis bearing the marks of its glorious history and its cosmopolitan character. Greece is privileged to be a country able to offer luxurious, glittering holidays. The prestige that’s continually increased since the 1960s - with prominent figures in Greek society such as Aristotle Onassis, Stavros Niarchos, Maria Callas, Melina Merkouri and many others being counted among global celebrities - has catapulted Greece into becoming a top destination for luxury tourism. For decades, large numbers of Swedes have been travelling to Greece and enjoying Greek hospitality - facilities across the country guarantee discerning travellers from all over the world an unforgettable stay. ♣

PHOTO: ©GNTO / N KAVALLIERAKIS

FOCUS: GREECE

REGION OF THE SOUTHERN AEGEAN:

Dodecanese and Cyclades The Southern Aegean Region is the eastern side of Greece, comprising the two well-known island complexes: The Cyclades and the Dodecanese. T E X T: G N T O O F F I C E O F S C A N D I N A V I A , E D I T E D BY M AT T L U D LO W

Sifnos/Cyclades

h e d o d e c a n e s e i s in the south-eastern part of the Aegean Sea and possesses a unique character combining Byzantine and Medieval monuments, traditional villages and other sites dating from the Italian Occupation. This island complex, and particularly Rhodes and Kos, has been amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Karpathos, Patmos, Leros, Symi, Kalymnos and Astypalaia have managed to maintain their traditional character in spite of the enormous flow of tourists. The smaller of the islands, such as Tilos, Nisyros,

Leipsoi, Chalki, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Agathonisi, Telendos and Pserimos are each a fine choice for relaxing and peaceful holidays. Rhodes is the most well-known of all the islands of the Dodecanese and serves as a wonderful destination for those who seek a combination of adventure, relaxation and history. In 1988 the Medieval City of Rhodes was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cobblestoned Street of the Knights – one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe – is packed with medieval inns that used to play host to the soldiers of the Order of the Knights. The most fascinating and popular attraction of the region is the

Valley of the Butterflies, a habitat of unique value for the reproduction of the Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfly. Endless coastline fringed by turquoise waters, abundant vegetation, affluent water springs, ancient and medieval monuments, as well as impressive Italian buildings are all signature features of Kos island; the third largest island of Dodecanese complex, located just 4 miles away from the Turkish coasts. Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates – the father of modern medicine (460-377 B.C) – and was already inhabited during the Neolithic period (5th–4th millennium B.C).

PHOTO: ©GNTO / NICOLAOS SMALIOS

While approaching the port of Symi, one has the overwhelming feeling of entering a perfectly painted image of a scenic traditional village. In the Byzantine years, economic activities involved shipping, ship building, commerce, sponge fishing, and viniculture. To develop the latter, the Symians had built 120 wine presses all over the island, 11 of which have been reconstructed with the use of their own rock parts. t h e c y c l a d e s , with

147 islands and islets and more than 2000 km of coastline are available to any visitor who wants to discover their very own unique destination. The islands form wonderful harbours and fishing shelters, creating a natural sailing park that offers a peaceful site to all its maritime guests. Approximately 465 beautiful beaches, both sandy and pebbled, with safe, crystal blue waters, provide a perfect location for swimming, snorkelling and scuba-diving. Adventurous travellers need not be limited to the beach experience, as there are over 242 historical, geological, ecological, architectural, religious sites offered to visitors that wish to discover a trail towards discovery, thus satisfying their own specific interests. Numerous museums and collections have responsibly gathered and presented snapshots of the lives of the people who inhabited these Islands thousands of years ago; developing the lands in their own unique way. The history of the geological creation of the Cyclades explains its enormous geological wealth. Each island has a stunning and completely unique terrain with attractions of huge geological, paleontological, archaeological and historical interest such as caves, geological formations, etc.

Kalymnos/Dodecanese

Despite the poor vegetation on the islands of the Cyclades, we trace a wealthy and rare flora that includes more than 1600 species of plants, with over 200 being recorded as endemic, rare or endangered species. Also in this region there is a fascinating fauna that includes many endemic species that can only be found in Greece, or even on one island or islet of the Cyclades! Delos, a UNESCO world heritage site, is just a few miles away from cosmopolitan Mykonos. The inclusion of a site on the list of World Heritage Monuments implies that the international community consistently takes care of their maintenance and promoMelos/Cyclades

PHOTO: PSILAKIS

Kos/Dodecanese

tion. The International Union for Conservation provides expertise and experience regarding both the monuments themselves as well as the surrounding natural area. greece, a country

that is a cradle of culture, capitalises by promoting this great wealth. Travellers can enjoy these splendid monuments and reflect on the unique human genius that was involved in making such measures of progress. The unique flavours of Greek cuisine are what distinguish Greece; whilst there you are sure to get some pleasant gastronomic surprises. Greek cuisine consists of an enormous variety of dishes, which can fully satisfy the gastronomic requirements of both vegetarians and meat lovers. What makes Greek cuisine so unique is the combination of the following elements: the ingredients, the Greek philosophy on nutrition, the ritual of sharing meals with others, as well as the atmosphere in which a meal is enjoyed. Every region in Greece has its own traditional recipes, all of which are based on pure Greek products. The nutritional habits of each region, whether from the mainland or an island, reflect every day life, the local economic and social identity of each region; recipes based on fish in the islands, and recipes based on meat and soups in north mountainous regions. ♣

SPECIAL FEATURE

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

M A D E BY SW E D E N Zlatan exercises allemansrätten in Volvo’s stunning new advertising campaign. But the enigmatic sportsman represents a somewhat different national identity to that which is portrayed in the viral ad. T E X T: M AT T L U D LO W

d u g a m l a , d u f r i a ”, (“Thou Ancient, Thou Free”). These words ring out to a backdrop of a snow dusted wilderness, a log cabin, a national hero of great significance. What could be more Swedish? An intelligent marketing campaign then, from Volvo, to evoke feelings of patriotism using scenes a national identity was built on. Sweden, of course, by tradition is a nation with its roots set firmly in the wilderness. However, the inclusion of the enigmatic captain of the nations’ football team tells a different story: a story of an evolving nation. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is more akin to a new vision of Sweden. At a time when the country looks to galvanise its national identity, with an election on the horizon, it’s no surprise that Volvo would choose to launch a campaign

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of this nature. The aforementioned scenes work well in appealing to the Swedish market. However, that market is small. Sweden accounted for less than 10% of Volvo’s global sales between January and September 2013. To reach foreign markets they needed something globally recognisable: a lucrative brand in its’ own right.Volvo recalled the services of Stockholm and Gothenburg based Forsman & Bodenfors, of previous Volvo commercial fame – “The Epic Split” starring Jean-Claude Van Damme – and the 2nd Most Awarded Agency in Digital in the World for 2013. They, in turn, teamed up with Swedish music producer, Max Martin. A man of eclectic musical talent, Martin has written a veritable library of number one songs spanning genres and decades. But these Swedish powerhouses, in true Swedish style, are more humble than their

achievements may suggest. Enter Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The 2013 Ballon D’Or nominee, is seen stalking the wilds of Sweden, first in a 4X4 Volvo, then on foot, armed with a rifle. These images are interspersed with Zlatan at home with his partner Helena and their children, and Zlatan on the football field wearing the blue and gold of his country. The hinterlands, family, sporting achievement: the epitome of Sweden.Yet the man depicted in those rugged scenes – the design of which is to stir a perhaps dormant sense of national pride and belonging in the Swedish viewers – in many ways is representative of something other than the traditional Swedish ideal. His new book, Jag är Zlatan Ibrahimovic (I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic) – a candid and frank account of his early life growing up in Malmö’s

P H O T O : V O LV O C A R G R O U P

The book also serves to dispel certain misconceptions about the Swede. Zlatan isn’t the egotistical, arrogant man many in the global media like to portray him as. That perceived cockiness in fact comes from a childhood spent looking up to the likes of Mohammed Ali, which has led him to deliver such sleights as, “An injured Zlatan is a pretty serious thing for any team”, such self-parody shows that the alpha-male aggression from his early days is filtered through a level head. That’s just one of many such quotes in a book that has received much critical acclaim. It was nominated for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2013, and is widely regarded as among the best of the footballers’ biographies to date. But it’s the issues within its pages that contrast heavily with those compelling scenes in Volvo’s Viral commercial. Zlatan isn’t, nor, by his own omission, will he ever be a traditional Swede. He represents a new country, with an upwardly mobile young immigrant population off the back of his success, and that’s something that’s recognised by his peers. Speaking after he scored that spectacular bicycle kick in a friendly match against England in November 2012, national team-mate Kim Källström commented, “With foreign-born parents and certain problems in society, he can hopefully unify the country in a good way. Football builds bridges. He’s a modern Swede who stands for the new Sweden.”

Figures from the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket) indicate that a record number of residence permits were issued in 2012. The war in Syria was a big factor in the increase as Syrian nationals accounted for 18 percent of all applications. Sweden also permitted a notable number of residencies for asylum seekers from Zlatan’s father’s nation, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia and Afghanistan in the same year. All of whom will be looking to make a prosperous new life, a new beginning. In addition, the figures show that Sweden grants more residencies to underage asylum seekers than any other country in Europe - the Scandinavian nation then, leading by example on social issues, as they have always done. I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic was produced from over 100 hours of interviews between Zlatan and Lagercrantz. And it is a true rags to riches story. Zlatan has scored goals for Europe’s top football clubs, including Inter Milan, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. It’s also worth noting that he’s Sweden’s alltime top goal scorer. But his actions on the pitch mean more than just goals and records. He means hope for a new generation, and in the words of Lagercrantz, “Zlatan is the first real success story. So he shows us the new Sweden, the new Sweden rising…” He has always been an advocate of the “if I can do it, so can you” mentality and he truly challenges that slogan used by Volvo, of what it means now, to be “Made by Sweden”. ♣

PHOTO: TEAM PICS/PSG

PHOTO: ALBERT BONNIERS FÖRLAG

toughest suburb, through to international fame and glory – tells of a man who didn’t begin to integrate into mainstream Swedish culture until his late teens: “Swedish TV didn’t exist as far as we were concerned. I was twenty years old before I saw my first Swedish film, and I didn’t have a clue about any Swedish heroes or sporting figures, like Ingemar Stenmark or anybody”, Zlatan recalls in the second chapter of his book. Born of immigrant parents – his father, Šefik, a Bosnian Muslim, his mother, Jurka, a Croatian Catholic – Zlatan was raised by the streets of his beloved Rosengård. A suburb synonymous with crime and unemployment, and emblematic of Sweden’s ever expanding multi-cultural communities, Rosengård taught tough life lessons early on in Zlatan’s personal development. Despite this, he talks fondly of those early days spent getting into trouble at school and stealing bicycles to get around the neighbourhood. Zlatan used ghost-writer, David Lagercrantz (Stjärnfall, 2001; Fall From Grace in Wilmslow, 2009), as the mouthpiece for this work, and according to those who know Zlatan, he has been most successful in capturing the essence of the man from Malmö. From the tough, street honed bravado, to the vulnerable immigrant teenager at Borgarskolen School and beyond, I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a palpable first hand feel to the read, as though you are in the room listening to the man himself.

Jag är Zlatan Ibrahimovic (I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic): a compelling and fiercely honest read.

BUSINESS

L I N KÖ PI N G S E N S O R I N F O R M AT I C S

Can help protect African wild life The Stimson Center in Washington DC has teamed up with technical experts from Linköping University and the Kenyan Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. T E X T: C H R I S T I N A L I N D E R O T H - O L S O N P H O T O : M AT S Ö G R E N W A N G E R , J O H A N B E R G E N Ä S

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Fredrik Gustafsson and Mats Ögren Wanger get an overview of the rhino sanctuary from the top of a KWS vehicle.

The team travelling to Ngulia: Fredrik Gustafsson, Linköping University, second from the left; Mats Ögren Wanger, videographer, third from the right; Johan Bergenäs, Stimson Center, second from the right.

a wide use – there are applications for automotive safety, ships, underwater vessels, mobile phones and industrial robots. And they can also protect African wild life. The vision and mission of Fredrik Gustafsson, Professor in Sensor Informatics at the Department of Eletrical Engineering of the University of Linköping, is to track everything that moves. He has recently returned from a trip to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Kenya. As head of a team of technical experts from Linköping University, he visited the sanctuary together with Johan Bergenäs, Deputy Director of the Managing Across Boundaries Initiative at the Stimson Center in Washington DC. The trip was part of a project aimed at finding out the technical and training needs for sustainable solutions to poaching, wildlife crime and other transnational security challenges in Eastern and Southern Africa. Poaching and wildlife crime are environmental as well as economic threats to Eastern and Southern Africa. Thirteen per cent of of Kenya’s GDP is derived from tourism, as people travel to the east African nation year after year to meet elephants and rhinos on their safari trips. In 1970, around half of Kenya’s 20,000 rhinos strolled around the Tsavo region. Today there are 650 black rhinos left in the whole country. Poachers kill elephants and rhinos in order to sell their ivory and horns ensor fusion has

to mostly Asian clients. The money received helps finance transnational criminals, even terrorism such as the organisation AlShabaab and the Lord's Resistance Army. Two goals for the pilot project are to grow the national black rhino population from 650 to 750 animals by 2016 and to reduce rhino deaths from poaching to one per cent of the total rhino loss. ”The poachers use advanced technology, and to protect the rhinos the Ngulia Sanctuary needs to match this. There is a need for further education and training of the country's technicians and an overall need for greater technical know how. Government support is of the utmost importance, but Kenya is fairly stable politically”, says Fredrik Gustafsson. The Ngulia Sanctuary has a long unprotected border and several roads leading into the area. Most of the guards are devoted to their jobs but have little training. A surveillance system of the type used to protect airports: sensor networks and unmanned flying objects, drones, equipped with sensors would help to keep intruders out and detect poachers inside the sanctuary. ”Sweden is known for its advanced technology in these areas. A handfull of Swedish companies produce unmanned flying objects and sensors that go with them. We hope to begin testing and training in Ngulia in the autumn, but need more funding. If the test project proves succesful, the sanctuary could be used as Ngulia Academy, a training centre for guards from all over Africa,” concludes Fredrik Gustafsson. ♣ 25

BUSINESS

G E K ÅS GO ES GREEN First it was the outlandish Gekås shopping characters on the reality TV series Ullared. Then came spinoff shows with two of their more memorable employees, Morgan and OlaConny. The Gekås Ullared retail store in Ullared has become much larger than the shopping phenomenon that it is. It has become one of Sweden’s cultural institutions and a true rite of passage for anyone living here. But behind the flashy blue and gold façade is much, much more. Behind the doors that lead to the warehouses and back rooms of Gekås is a green machine of automation and passion, driving environmental issues far beyond the everyday shopping centre. T E X T: M I C H A E L H E L A N D E R P H O T O : C O U R T E S Y O F G E K Å S U L L A R E D

n g e n i l s s o n b e g a n working at Gekås Ullared five years ago, and during that time has seen enormous progress in the way that they address environmental issues. “Everyone in our company has a much greater understanding of environmental questions including why we do it and why it’s important,” said Nilsson - Manager for Environmental Activities at the retail giant. It is no wonder they have a mountain of environmental issues to address since sales during the past five years have escalated from 2.5 billion SEK to over 4.5 billion SEK. While the mindboggling sales growth of Gekås continues to rise, so too does the amount of waste generated by the retailer as well as the millions of annual visitors. For many, the word sustainable means extra cost. But Nilsson is proud of the fact that Gekås has transformed many of the costs associated with the disposal of waste and created a new income stream through recycling. “Instead of always paying to get rid of things we are earning money by recycling it,” stated Nilsson. Waste gathered at Gekås is sorted into the usual suspects: paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, electronics and food waste. Over 3,000 metric tons of cardboard alone is recycled every year and turned into material to create new boxes. Putting that into perspective, if each new box created from Gekås recycled material was a standard 30x30x40, the entire Gekås Ullared retail store would be filled from floor to ceiling with cardboard boxes - folded! Recycled soft plastics at the retailer also generate impressive numbers. From the 200 tons sorted and recycled annually, 25 tons are used to manufacture their own iconic yellow shopping bags. The rest goes towards the manufacture of standard garbage bags sold across Sweden. Some of which are quite possibly being put to use in your home right now. And what to do with the 4.5 million clothes hangers

“Instead of always paying to get rid of things we are earning money by recycling it.” generated by the annual flood of consumers? They are sold and the recycled material becomes new buckets and other plastic products. Even after sorting and recycling, the Gekås complex generates over 1 million kg of waste that is burned and turned into heating energy. Food compost is also gathered from their store, hotel, camping site, and multiple restaurants and sold for reincarnation as biogas. The Gekås complex has around 30 cars that run on biogas fuel. Nilsson is currently looking into the acquisition of a machine that will unpack and compress the large amount of food waste that is generated by customers in the supersize store who “change their minds” and leave refrigerated food items in other areas of the store. “Even if it is still packaged food, we have no choice but to get rid of it,” said Nilsson, who works closely with machine manufacturers across Sweden to provide new solutions for waste issues. Gekås’ newest cooperation is with Human Bridge, and used clothing collection points are now located in several areas around the Gekås complex. Customers can easily leave old clothes and textiles for reuse and recycling, and the funds from resale are used to refurbish old medical equipment for distribution in regions of need around the world. One goal for Nilsson in this coming year is to find a new location for the many large containers needed to hold their recycled materials. “We have simply run out of space in the current location.” ♣

GEKÅS BY NUMBERS 4.8 million customers shopped for 4.7 billion SEK in 2013 Record sales for a single day is 33 million SEK Record number of visitors on a single day is 27,500 Longest line to enter store is 1.4 km Retail store = 35,000 m2 69 cash register lines Up to 1,600 employees in high season 8,000 shopping carts 3,500 parking spaces On average, every customer shops for 15 SEK per minute 4.6 million toys sold annually 1,200 camping beds 5 restaurants and cafés 1 hotel and 1 motel 1 lake 1 doggy daycare

I L LU S T R AT I O N S : E S S / A R C H I T E C T U R A L F I R M LIMITED HENNING LARSEN ARCHITECTS

I L LU S T R AT I O N S : E S S / A R C H I T E C T U R A L F I R M B I G B J A R K E I N G E L S G R O U P A N D H O K I N T E R N AT I O N A L

BUSINESS

Many architectural firms have joined the ESS design contest. Sustainability has been one of the core values from the start.

ESS will have a large impact on the Skåne region, with a growing demand for housing and infrastructure.

European Spallation Source Skåne in southern Sweden is getting one of the world’s most influential science and research facilities. But the project is a collaborative effort between 17 European countries, and the road has been long and winding. T E X T: C H R I S T I A N V O N E S S E N P H O T O : R O G E R E R I K S S O N

of planning and negotiations, it now finally seems like ESS in Lund is becoming a reality. The last hurdles have been financial – some countries have had difficulties to come up with their promised share of the 1.843 billion Euro investment. Sweden, Norway and Denmark share 50 per cent of the cost, while the others pitch in for the rest. At the moment, the Swedish chief negotiator Lars Leijonborg (Sweden’s former minister of education) is making rounds with his Danish counterpart to collect the letters of intent from all the participating countries so that the funding can be finalised. During harsh financial times it’s a daunting task. “It has been turbulent, but we are well on our way now”, says Matti Tiirakari, Director of Project Support and Administration at ESS. “We plan for ground-break in June or fter many years

Matti Tiirakari

Malin Åberg

July this year (2014) and the building phase will be concluded in 2019.” Tiirakari comes from the international laboratory CERN in Switzerland, where he has spent the previous 16 years, and has been “borrowed” by ESS to get the administration on its feet. This involves setting up legal, HR, finance, logistics and procurement departments. So what exactly is the European Spallation Source? Well, ESS is built around what will be “the world’s most powerful accelerator-based neutron source”. Basically it means that ESS can attract a vast array of advanced research with applications within biology, chemistry, transport, renewable energy, pharma, engineering and building materials, to name a few. SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

Malin Åberg is also faced with a difficult and challenging task. She is responsible for environment and sustainability issues at Conventional Facilities, the division that will produce most of the main buildings before the science steps in around 2019 to build the instruments. During peak season there will be approximately 1,000 people working on the construction simultaneously. A science centre that is likely to give us new knowledge that will lead to sustainable and environmentally stable building materials by default needs to be best in class when

it comes to setting the standards in the supply chain; Malin Åberg agrees. “We are now in the procurement process and sustainability is one of our key principles. We need to be very demanding when it comes to the kind of materials we use.We need to put a great deal of pressure on our suppliers and their suppliers throughout the whole chain. It can involve avoiding countries with deficient health and safety legislation.We will work as closely as we can with the suppliers to make sure everyone lives up to our standards.” Together with the development of MAX IV Laboratory, another enormous science and research centre outside of Lund, the Skåne region faces large challenges. “It is estimated that ESS and MAX IV together will have 800 employees and up to 5,000 visiting researchers per year”, says Matti Tiirakari. “There will be huge demand for housing, international schools and jobs for the many spouses that will come to the region as well.” The complexity continues, but Matti Tiirakari is not worried. “We will reach the funding even if it may take a while”, he says. “In 40 years the science parks in this region will involve 40,000 people. It’s also going to be a great opportunity for many of the small towns in the area, like Sjöbo, Eslöv and Landskrona. The research that can be conducted here will be very versatile, and I am certain it will attract some of the world’s best talent.” ♣

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FEATURE

Centre for Justice defends the individual’s rights Since the start, Centre for Justice has taken on more than a hundred cases – and won nine out of ten. T E X T: C H R I S T I N A L I N D E R O T H - O L S O N P H O T O : C O U R T E S Y O F C E N T R U M F Ö R R Ä T T V I S A

Clarence Crafoord, Director of Centre for Justice in Stockholm

n 2 0 13 , g u n n a r s t r ö m m e r , founder of the legal bureau Centre for Justice, was named Swede of the Year by the magazine Focus. Centre for Justice (Centrum för rättvisa) was established in 2002, the first of its kind in Sweden. The concept is based on the public interest law firms in USA, although the Centre for Justice follows the European Court and Swedish law. The idea is to support human rights by helping individuals who have been mis-

treated by the State, municipalities, employers' organisations or trade unions. Centre for Justice never charge the people they assist. ”We examine injustices commited against individuals and, through litigation and public debate, help them ascertain their democratic rights. The focus is on every day incidents that concern tax payers, students and entrepreneurs. The cases we represent are of principal interest to many people, and by litigation we hope to set precedence”, says Clarence Crafoord, Director of Centre for Justice in Stockholm. Centre for Justice is an independent non profit, non political organisation financed by private donations. It accepts no contributions from the State, municipalities or lobbying organisations. A current much debated case concerns an old terminally ill man being filmed by a television team, without his or his family's consent, while dying in a hospital. Akademiska sjukhuset in Uppsala, the hospital where the dying man was a patient, was acquitted in the first legal process. As the hospital had authorised the television team to film in the wards, the acquittal caused public uproar. The process will continue in the Court of Appeal. The heated public debate has caused the Swedish Medical Association and the Swedish Society of Nursing to urge their members to refuse participating in programs where televison teams stroll around with film cameras in Emergency rooms and wards. ”A few years ago, Centre for Justice won an important process after a number of Swedish universities had introduced gender and ethnicity quotas in their entrance procedures. As a result, well qualified students were singled out because of their sex or

origin. Since then the law has been altered, ensuring all students equal rights in the entrance procedure,” says Clarence Crafoord. Since the start, Centre for Justice has taken on more than a hundred cases – and won nine out of ten. The cases involve issues in the field of non-discrimination, freedom of association, property rights, economic liberty and various aspects of the rule of law. Several cases have reached the Swedish Supreme Court, the Swedish Supreme Administration Court and the European Court of Human Rights. ♣ www.centrumforrattvisa.se

“We examine injustices commited against individuals and, through litigation and public debate, help them ascertain their democratic rights.”

Centre for Justice – the Team.

FOTO: MATS BURMAN, ATELJÉ UGGLA

ADVERTISEMENT REGIONAL AIRPORTS AND DESTINATIONS

T H E F LY I NG SPOK E SM A N He’s the airports’ go-to guy. Peter Larsson works as a lobbyist for the regional Swedish airports and he knows that even a small operation can be very important. T E X T: H E N R I K P E R S S O N

Peter Larsson, CEO of Swedish Regional Airports

In Linköping, a handful of propped up fighter jets adorn the busiest junctions. Lansen, Draken,Viggen – symbols of modern history and Swedish engineering excellence. That they’re there is thanks to Peter Larsson. “Usually, it’s kind of hard to verbalize exactly what you’ve achieved, but this was something very tangible,” Peter says jokingly. On his current job, as CEO of Swedish Regional Airports, SRF, Larsson won’t be leaving anything like a 20-ton jet behind.

Nonetheless, it is a very important job, especially when viewed from a northern, more peripheral perspective. “I am the CEO but really I’m the only person working here. Swedavia has more resources and employs a group of people whereas I have to do everything from make coffee to speak with ministers”, Larsson says. Swedish regional airports, SRF, has existed as a corporation for two years, although the union dates back much longer. Peter Larsson’s job is to monitor the politics and public debate on aviation, as well as communicate

the SRF members' interests. It is a disparate group of airports from Ängelholm in the south to Pajala in the north, but many have a lot in common. “Obviously, we have to struggle much more. Our members, in most cases, are owned by the municipalities and in a lot of areas, the costs of running an airport are actually the same regardless of its size. But as a group, we have a lot more leverage.” Read more about the benefits of regional airports and their destination on the following pages. ♣

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L I N KÖPI NG – T H E WOR L D! New routes and a new business lounge. A lot is happening at LINKÖPING CITY AIRPORT. In 2014, the airport is looking to serve the region – and its businesses – better than ever. T E X T: H E N R I K P E R S S O N P H O T O S : C O U R T E S Y O F L I N K Ö P I N G C I T Y A I R P O R T

From here to anywhere. That’s Linköping City Airport for you. In 2014 the airport, along with its operators, will improve its services significantly. Dutch operator KLM is offering a third daily route to Amsterdam, with bigger planes to boot, and SAS is breaking new ground altogether with a Copenhagen route starting March 31. Says chief of operations Camilla Lejon: “It feels really good. A third KLM route will cut waiting times significantly and the fact that SAS is investing just shows you how much they believe in our region.” The new routes show just Camilla Lejon how strong the international focus is at Linköping. The proximity to Stockholm makes domestic flights less important, so Linköping City Airport is dedicating itself solely to international flights, focusing on hubs like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, which enable people to connect to virtually any destination in the world. Holiday travellers appreciate having a local airport, but Linköping City’s main focus is business. This means service is absolutely key. “We’ve extremely fortunate in terms of location and a lot of people appreciate the personal touch we provide. At the same time, some might think being small means worse 32

service. But that’s not our style. We see ourselves like Kastrup, only in a smaller form factor,” says Lejon. To maintain that international class, a new addition has been made in the form of a business lounge. Here, travel-weary business travellers can kick back, log on or just have a drink. “Linköping is seeing great growth and we’re very much a part of that. For local companies to grow, they need to be able to bring people in from abroad. These people often have high requirements and we try our very best to live up to them.” Linköping is indeed strategically located. Additionally, the local businesses are highly resistant to economic fluctuations. Here, we find major names like SAAB, Toyota and Ericsson, along with smaller tech companies and science parks – and a major university. Since many of the local companies to business on markets in Africa and Asia, there’s a great need to meet and form relationships. With its new routes, Linköping City Airport is well prepared to meet that demand. But there’s no need to haste. “We shouldn’t move too quickly. It will take a lot of effort for a while, to ensure everything runs smoothly around here. We don’t do charters or low-fare flights, our focus is good airlines serving major hubs and we intend to continue that way,” says Lejon. ♣

www.linkopingcityairport.se

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”I N F R A S T RUC T U R E I S NOT C H E A P ” Business people going out and tourists coming in. That’s the basic situation in Dalarna. Local airports DALAFLYGET play a vital role in regional development and marketing director Stefan Carlsson says patience is required if the airports are to continue being successful. T E X T: H E N R I K P E R S S O N P H O T O S : C O U R T E S Y O F D A L A L F LY G E T

At Dalaflyget, people root for Leksand. Well, to be honest, not everyone is probably a fan, but Dalaflyget marketing director Stefan Carlsson says the return of the local ice hockey side to the top league has meant a lot for the airports. Just like other major attractions. “Events like this mean a lot to us. Since Leksand got promoted, we’ve seen a rise in travelling. Same thing with the Peace and love festival, when that was still going on. And next year Falun is hosting the world skiing championship, which I’m hoping will generate a lot, too,” says Carlsson. Carlsson enjoys his job as marketing director and has learned to play with the hand he’s been dealt. “I’ve been here since 1996 and things have varied greatly. Unlike bigger airports you get to do a little bit of everything around here. There’s a lot of politics too, I’ve learned that from experience.You have to accept the situation and do what the politicians in charge want. It can be a really slow process sometimes, but that’s the way it is. You have to be patient.” Dalaflyget has been operating as a joint company since 2006, incorporating both regional airports – Mora and Borlänge.The two municipalities differ in terms of structure and appeal, and Stefan Carlsson says they basically attract two different types of passengers.

“In our case [in Borlänge], we fly to Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö, twice a day. These routes are necessary for our survival and they’re very important for local business as well. We get a lot of business travellers.” “In Mora’s case, the Stockholm route is vital for their local businesses, Stockholm is just too far away for any other means of transport. But mainly, it’s the gateway to the mountains and all their tourism,” says Carlsson. Dalaflyget is made up of two small airports and as such, faces special challenges. Generally speaking, the aviation industry has become much tougher since the 1992 deregulation, after which airlines focused mainly on the more profitable routes, which often did not include smaller airports. Lately, however, Dalaflyget has increased its charter business, totalling some 70 departures this year alone, to places like Mallorca,

Croatia, Greece and Turkey in the summer, and Gran Canaria in the winter. Travellers often come from quite far away, some driving a hundred miles or more to get to the airport. Here’s a good opportunity for further expansion and profits. Says Carlsson: “It’s good to have something to fall back on. We can’t charge full prices from our regular airlines, so if we can find other ways of making money, that’s great.” Another vital side to Dalaflyget is the air ambulance. Some 100 landings are made every year, retrieving patients or organs for transplant. The benefit here is beyond simple numbers and Stefan Carlsson says the same thing goes for regional aviation in general. “The way we see it we’re a vital part of county infrastructure. They need us in other for business and tourism to flourish.Yes, infrastructure like this costs money, but so does paving roads or building railroads. In that context, we’re quite cheap. ♣

www.dalaflyget.se

PHOTO: PER NILSSON

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W E S T C OA S T H A R MON Y The location couldn’t be better. Still, HALMSTAD refuses to get comfortable. Here, business blends with tourism, enabling people to meet and to communicate. T E X T: H E N R I K P E R S S O N

At the heart of things. There’s no better way of describing Elisabeth Haglund. Haglund is not only the long-time director of Hotel Tylösand, but also involved in the Destination: Halmstad event council, Halmstad trade and industry inc. as well as Halmstad City Airport. Hence, she is the living embodiment of the hub-like character that has enabled the greater Halmstad region to grow and flourish over many decades. Says Haglund: “Business and tourism go hand in hand. Tourism is growing in the country as a whole, and it obviously means a lot for us to have a great hotel as well as an airport. It boosts the self-confidence of the entire region, I think.” The daughter of hotel managers herself, Haglund very much grew up in the business. She’s been devoting herself to Tylösand for about 30 years. The current incarnation of the hotel is enormous, featuring some 230 rooms, 32 conference halls and 4 restaurants. A very popular golf course – one of the best in Europe – is literally a stone’s throw away. 34

Halmstad is currently branding themselves as Golf Capital (Golfhuvudstaden). With ten unique courses in the area there are plenty of possibilities for beginners and professionals alike. The mixture of business and pleasure is often quite palpable at Hotel Tylösand. It’s not uncommon to meet people at a conference one week, only to run into them again the week after, only now relaxing on their vacation. “That’s definitely the case here. Often you see the same people coming in again and again, only difference is they’re in a suit one day, sipping on mineral water, and the next day they’re in shorts, holding a cold beer. Sometimes, that’s probably how they find out about us in the first place,” says Haglund. HUMAN TOUCH

The human touch is common for most things in Halmstad. No matter if you’re a businessman, a company or a private individual, meeting others is what creates true value. The trade and industry association is proactive in trying to help companies establish

We’re very lucky to have all this, with the proximity of the water as well as good logistics. ELISABETH HAGLUND, DIRECTOR OF HOTEL TYLÖSAND

PHOTO: ©CLAES-GÖRAN WETTERHOLM ARKIV

P H O T O : PAT R I K L E O N A R D S S O N

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P H O T O : PAT R I K L E O N A R D S S O N

The travelling exhibition Titanic will be visiting Halmstad this spring and summer.

themselves in the region, or just relocate to a more suitable property. Halmstad City Airport is the hub that brings people together – here or elsewhere. Elisabeth Haglund stresses the importance of venues for forming personal relationships, during business meetings as well as after. “There’s a lot of talk about the mobile workplace, but there’s really no substitute for actually meeting and forming relationships. Here, you can do that in a really attractive and relaxing environment. Maybe you’ll meet someone when you’re on your lunch break, taking a walk along the beach. This environment is ideal for meeting people in a friendly, relaxed setting,” says Haglund. Tylösand is a very strong brand, whose importance for Halmstad and the region cannot be overestimated.The hotel serves tourists and company conferences alike, and the beach is, most likely, one of the finest in the country. “There’s that saying that it’s about location, location, location. And that’s true. We’re very lucky to have all this, with the proximity of the water as well as good logistics. We really couldn’t ask for more. And we have two

owners, Björn Nordstrand and Per Gessle [of Roxette fame] who are really dedicated to this place. The value in beautiful surroundings is not only to the benefit of visitors. Sure, it makes for a relaxing vacation, but thanks in part to the Stockholm air route, locals can choose to stay in the region even if offered a job in the capital. SUNKEN SHIPS

This summer, Halmstad is packing a lot of punch. One major attraction is a gigantic travelling exhibition on Titanic, opening in April. The exhibition features some 200 original artefacts from the sunken ship, along with several interiors recreated in full size and great detail. 102 years have passed since that fateful night. Now, we’re finally able to get up close with history’s most famous steamship. Looking beyond 2014, the Halmstad region will continue to grow. The trade and industry association is focusing hard on making new companies feel welcome. A “pilot” company guide will be developed and Des-

tination Halmstad, a joint venture to make it easier for visitors to find and buy interesting experiences, will grow and improve. The air traffic will be sustained, and preferably expand as well. “The Stockholm route will at least remain the way it is. Then there are chartered flights to Turkey, Mallorca and places like that and that is something I would like to see developed. For example, it would be great if we could open routes to larger cities in Europe. And not just fly our people there, but preferably bring tourists here as well,” says Haglund. It’s a rare luxury to be blessed with the riches of Tylösand and Halmstad. Having all that, though, could easily make one lazy. Therefore, Elisabeth Haglund emphasises the importance of remaining humble and working hard. “We get a lot for free, but we also maintain a very ambitious agenda as far as business and development is concerned. Some say we just have to open our doors and it’s all there with no effort. But I say heck no. You can’t sit back and expect things to fall in your lap. ♣

AIRPORT www.halmstadcityairport.se TOURISM & DESTINATION www.destinationhalmstad.se TRADE & INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION www.halmstadsnaringsliv.se THE MUNICIPALITY OF HALMSTAD www.halmstad.se

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“You can fly all over Europe with us, but we’re still that small airport with a relaxed atmosphere.” ANNIKA NYBERG, AIRPORT DIRECTOR GÖTEBORG CITY AIRPORT

SU PE R S ON IC DE V E L OPM E N T Options are the keyword on the west coast. From GÖTEBORG CITY AIRPORT one can travel direct to 20 European cities. And things will only get better. T E X T: H E N R I K P E R S S O N P H O T O S : C O U R T E S Y O F G Ö T E B O R G C I T Y A I R P O R T

Small airports usually mean few destinations. This is not the case in Göteborg. Göteborg City– the little brother of one of Sweden’s biggest airports – has most of Europe on offer. Says airport director Annika Nyberg: “You can fly all over Europe with us, but we’re still that small airport with a relaxed atmosphere. The baggage drop is close by, the same goes for the security gates, and the city’s just a short ride away. Many airports make you walk and walk, but we don’t.” Europe is indeed around the corner. From Göteborg City Airport, 13 countries are on offer, with a total of 23 destinations, 14 of which are exclusive to the airport. It’s as easy to book a football trip to England as a sunny vacation on the beach in Croatia. But even though tourists are numerous, businessmen are too. Business travel is very important at Göteborg City, and 40 percent of airport stock is owned by Volvo. Volvo actually started the entire operation decades back, and to this day, it is a vital part of company logistics, saving the iconic car maker money by enabling them to land very close to company headquarters. “We’re unique in the sense that our customer base is so varied. We have the regular flights, business jets, all of the public service flights and so on. It’s a stimulating challenge 36

having to adapt our operations to these very different customer needs,” says Nyberg. Three regular airlines serve the airport – Ryanair, Wizz Air and Gotlandsflyg. Adding to that, there’s a training programme where tomorrow’s pilots are educated. Several local aviation clubs also operate here, as well as public services like police and ambulance flights. All in all about 350 people. The airport plays a vital role in keeping Göteborg a world class city. Firstly, it gives locals an opportunity to travel and experience the world from what is essentially their back yard. Also, and perhaps more importantly, it helps to maintain the infrastructure needed to attract companies and skilled professionals to the area. THINGS ARE LOOKING UP

Today, people flock to Göteborg City Airport and with about 850 000 travellers per year, it’s only a matter of time before the million mark is reached. But not too long ago, things were different. In the beginning of the 2000’s, the airport attracted only a fraction of today’s numbers, and much fewer destinations were on offer.The key factor was the low fare operators. Companies like Ryanair have, in a very short span of time, contributed to an absolutely stratospheric development. “The cheap tickets to Europe was what started all this. We’re seeing great devel-

opment in what’s called ethnic travelling right now, which basically means foreigners coming here to visit relatives, or the other way around. Weekends are also getting very popular. With the kind of prices we see today, and with the airport to close to the city, going abroad for a weekend is actually a viable alternative to other forms of entertainment,” says Nyberg. Göteborg City Airport will most likely continue to expand. In 2014, however, there’s an important task to be dealt with. The dirty air traffic requires an environmental permit, and the old one is no longer up to speed. The airport requires an environmental permit, and the current one is insufficient for future expansion plans. “We’re working on our application to the environment court right [Mark- och miljödomstolen] now. This will be our biggest task of 2014 for sure. The permit we’re currently holding doesn’t cut it anymore and we need a new one in order to keep growing and meet customer demand,” says Nyberg. ♣

www.goteborgcityairport.se

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T R AV E L L E R FOC USE D Being small is an asset. That’s how the folks at KRISTIANSTAD ÖSTERLEN AIRPORT like to view themselves. The airport plays a central part in regional business life, but inside the terminal, the traveller gets all the attention. T E X T: H E N R I K P E R S S O N P H O T O S : C O U R T E S Y O F K R I S T I A N S TA D Ö S T E R L E N A I R P O R T

Kristianstad Österlen is a smallish airport and as such, its goal is not to offer the most destinations. Rather, service and customer attention are the core values. “What can we do for you” is the slogan around here, and the idea is for the customer to feel appreciated. Says Jonas Haak, chief of operations: “Most people can say they’re customer focused. But we make that a reality, I think. We’re working hard on creating new products and services adapted to customer needs. For example, you can leave your car keys with us, and have your car cleaned while you’re away.You can order flowers and have a grocery bag waiting for you when you return. Those are the sorts of things we do.” 15 years ago, Kristianstad Österlen Airport had close to a quarter of a million travellers per year. Low fare operators like Ryanair made all the difference and today, things are looking up again, with a 40 percent rise since last year. 18 charter trips to

Turkey are on offer, along with the ever important Stockholm route. “ Traffic has varied quite a bit over the years, and the key thing is to have more than one thing to fall back on. And I think we do. We saw a 10,000 increase in travellers last year, and we’ll continue to be an attractive airport to invest in going forward,” says Haak. Kristianstad Österlen was originally built by the military, but was turned over for civilian use in 1961, during the cold war. Today the airport employs 25 people. According to Haak, being small isn’t a problem. On the contrary, he thinks airports can complement each other and not just compete. “We’ll have more foreign departures in the future – we’re serving Turkey already. But obviously, we can’t have the diversity of a place like Kastrup [Copenhagen]. But that’s not the point either. I see us as a vital part of the regional infrastructure. Without us, a lot of local businesses would be struggling.”

Companies are no doubt important to the airport, and business people fill many seats every year. The Stockholm route is doing really well and thanks to the jet powered planes currently used, travel time has been cut by 20 minutes, not to mention the improvement in overall comfort. But all is not business and pinstriped suits. There are other things, too. Art for example. And apples. As a way of attracting more people, the airport has started to offer themed tickets in collaboration with neighbouring municipalities. Says Haak: “Pleasure trips are on the increase and it’s not just people going to Stockholm, they’re coming here, too. During the annual arts week at Österlen we’re offering ‘art flights’, where people can fly here and experience that. We’re doing the same thing with “apple flights” when the local orchards are harvesting. There are a lot of ideas to develop.” ♣ kidairport.com

PHOTO: FREDRIK BJELKERUD

PHOTO: LISA WIKSTRAND

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FA M I LY M AT T E R S Helsingborg thrives where others fail. ÄNGELHOLM HELSINGBORG AIRPORT is one of very few smallish airports with 100 percent private ownership. Add the unique collaborative effort Helsingborg Family and you’ve got a recipe for success. T E X T: H E N R I K P E R S S O N

Cooperation breeds success. At least that’s the opinion on the west coast, or Ängelholm Helsingborg Airport to be more precise. Here, business is carried out in a somewhat different way than at other airports of the same size. Ownership is 100 percent private, which is very uncommon today. Says Christian Ziese, chief of operations at Ängelholm Airport Inc: “When the airport was sold off a couple of years back, the municipality had preemption rights, but they weren’t interested in running it. So [construction giant] Peab stepped in and bought it to ensure Christian Ziese their headquarters could remain in the region.” “Obviously, the deal was very beneficial for other companies and regular people as well, since this type of infrastructure is very important for regional development.” It’s no surprise then, that the majority of travellers at Ängelholm Helsingborg Airport are business people. During 2013, 70 percent of all journeys were business related, and the vast majority of them were on the Stockholm route. Aside from the capital, there’s also a line to Mora in the winter, 38

used mainly by skiiers and holiday home owners, a Gotland line in the summer as well as chartered traffic to Turkey. From an operational point of view, being privately owned like Ängelholm Helsingborg Airport is very demanding. For one, it is not eligible for any public grants whatsoever. “That’s the downside of private ownership of course – you’re getting neither company support nor municipal grants. When competing airports are able to run a 20 million deficit in one year, and still get black numbers, it’s kind of hard to compete. But we’re working hard and the region has a lot of potential,” says Ziese. “However, being privately owned doesn’t mean we don’t have a great relationship with the counties and municipalities. Right now, we’re working together to improve a lot of the infrastructure on and around the airport.”

“The basic idea is that we can do more together than we ever could apart. Groups are stronger than individuals and neither people nor companies think in terms of strict borders anyway. So why should we?” “For the municipalities, the money comes primarily from the residents, in the form of taxes. So the most important thing is making sure people want to stay, and others want to move in. If a company is based in this or that municipality is much less important. The main thing is to make sure we’ve got companies and employers in the region.” The airport plays a major role in this development as well: “It’s very important from an infrastructure point of view, for companies as well as people. It provides a quick and easy way of getting in and out. An airport can mean the world to people, for work or leisure.” ♣

HELSINGBORG FAMILY

Even outside the airport, cooperation is key. Counties in the region are currently working together on business and tourism development, using the umbrella name Helsingborg Family. The “Family” is an effort to increase growth and promote start-ups, regardless of borders. Claes Malmberg at Helsingborg city thinks unity equals strength:

www.angelholmhelsingborgairport.se www.familjenhelsingborg.se

FEATURE

D R E A M H AC K

Made in Sweden Parents may focus on the hack part of DreamHack. But for serious computer geeks across the globe, it is nothing short of a dream. T E X T: M I C H A E L H E L A N D E R P H O T O : P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F D R E A M H A C K A N D R I K A R D S Ö D E R B E R G

r e a m h a c k i s t h e world’s largest digital festival, a celebration of all things computer, Internet, and digital culture. With 23,000 visitors, over 3 million SEK in prize money and nearly 8 million online viewers from around the world, DreamHack festivals have become the pilgrimage of computer enthusiasts. And it all began in Sweden. As many digital phenomena do, this digital festival giant began with a small gathering of friends in the basement of an elementary school back in the early 1990s. In 1994 they had grown large enough to move up to the school cafeteria and the first reference to DreamHack was inaugurated. A few years on and the gathering leaped into the arena at Borlänge, becoming the largest LAN (local area network) party in Sweden. It was in 2001 that they jumped over to the Elmia exhibition center in Jönköping, and the world’s largest digital party has been held there ever since.

Despite a multitude of qualifying rounds and expo events throughout the year, the finals culminate in two major digital gatherings – Spring and Winter. Both festivals run a non-stop 24-hours a day for a period of four days and rely heavily on over 500 volunteers to help with everything from technical issues to handling the pros and participants. Volunteers are provided with 3 warm meals a day, lodging in the crew sleeping hall and access to a special crew LAN. One volunteer, Darthozzen from Lysekil, wrote about his experience and being ‘starstruck’ at the sightings of digital celebrity pros like TotalBiscuit, IdrA, Lalush and MorroW. “Sure enough, right outside the entrance to the crew area TotalBiscuit had set up his booth. We had a chat about trolls, haters, his casting principles and just his thoughts on what DreamHack is gonna be like,” said Darthozzen on his blog. “I am completely taken back by how loud he talks and his enunciation, he speaks exactly like he casts and it is amazing.”

DreamHack is the undisputed largest LAN network in the world with multiple Guinness records. In 2013 they were just shy of having 17,000 unique devices connected to the LAN. To handle the DreamHack explosion, the corporation reorganized in 2011 to better address future growth. They formed partnerships with Major League Gaming and Electronic Sports League to support their development within the North American and European electronic sports (eSports) scene; partnerships that resulted in universal rankings and unified competition structures. Today’s DreamHack digital festivals include gaming competitions, creative digital arts competitions, an expo with big brand companies, and live music playing round the clock. Participants bring their own computers, monitors, sleeping bags, and sometimes even their own chairs to replace standard ones provided at the event. World records aside, the greatness of DreamHack is found in the diversity of people attending the festival. All nations and ages are represented. Competitions are held for enthusiasts as well as hard-core professionals, and all ages are welcome, resulting in a dotting of elementary kids and senior citizens among the average 16-20 year old. DreamHack’s drug and alcohol-free zone also sets it apart from many of today’s festivals. Whether a digital enthusiast or a fierce competitor, check out the next DreamHack festival this June in Jönköping. ♣ 39

PEOPLE

MEET

Yvonne Sörensen With a long and illustrious career behind her you might think Bern’s Group Managing Director YVONNE SÖRENSEN would take some time to rest on her laurels. If you’re thinking that then you haven’t met this driven, intelligent and humorous woman who has made her name as one of the top players in Sweden’s hotel and restaurant industry. T E X T: J U D I L E M B K E

m e t y v o n n e at Berns Asiastiska Restaurant in central Stockholm, where we sat amidst the luxurious ambiance of the imposing yet intimate room. An hour spent discussing her career ups and downs and it was clear that this was not your ordinary businesswoman. While still at high school,Yvonne Sörensen worked weekends and holidays at Scandic Hotel. After graduation she took a gap year, continuing to work at the hotel before pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer. Well, she never made it to law school because during that gap year a passion and talent was not only ignited, it was noted by her employers, and before she was out of her teens Yvonne was on the path of a dizzying career ascent. After 18 months at Scandic Yvonne moved on to a hotel in Geneva, where

she eventually became head of Sales and Marketing. Moving to a new job and gathering new skills has been the hallmark of Yvonne’s career; her two and half years in Geneva gave way to a return to Stockholm, where she embarked on a period of incredible growth; she returned to Scandic and began moving up the ranks, eventually becoming a hotel

“When you’re an attractive young woman making a big splash you need to be careful; you don’t want to be a mascot.You need to make sure you have the skills and talent that will take you into the future,” says Yvonne. In those days sexism was fairly rampant in the service industry, but while Yvonne says she didn’t encounter it all that often

“When you’re an attractive young woman making a big splash you need to be careful; you don’t want to be a mascot.You need to make sure you have the skills and talent that will take you into the future.” General Manager. Scandic saw Yvonne as an example of a young woman who could go far in the company, but Yvonne says this was a bit dangerous.

there were a few incidents, such as the time a salesman asked to see the General Manager. When she replied that she was the GM the salesman laughed – and he didn’t make

Lovely Berns by night.

the sale. A few years later that same salesman apologised - and then he made the sale. After six years Yvonne left Sweden again, with stints in Brussels, Paris and, eventually, London, joining Swedish company Securum as Sales and Marketing Director UK. During this time, Sweden was suffering a severe financial crisis and eventually Yvonne began overseeing UK hotels that were acquired during the financial meltdown, evaluating the hotels and their future. This was followed by yet another return to Stockholm where Yvonne decided it was time to work at a four star hotel. But she didn’t go to just any four star hotel – she went to Stockholm’s Grand Hotel, where she updated the premises and implemented new schemes, breathing fresh air into the creaky dinosaur. Then a head hunter came knocking and she took another leap, this time becoming Managing Director of what was then a rather tired little Stockholm hotel, Hotel Birger Jarl. Her colleagues at Grand thought she

was crazy but Yvonne saw it for what it was: a unique opportunity to make her mark. And make her mark she did. She set about changing the hotel’s rather tired reputation by implementing a Swedish Design theme, and in the process pioneered ‘designer hotel rooms’, where name designers were more or less given carte blanche to design a room to their taste. The resulting domestic and international publicity changed the hotel’s fortunes, turning it into a boutique destination with four stars and Yvonne had a smashing success on her hands. Giving the hotel a face-lift wasn’t the only trick up Yvonne’s sleeve. The hotel began hosting exhibitions, including one with legendary Swedish design company Svenskt Tenn. Before long Svenskt Tenn was knocking on her door and after much persuasion Yvonne put her considerable talents to work for this rather dusty old design company by revisiting its history and making it cool and hip across the generations.

Finally the position of CEO at Berns Group landed in her lap, offering yet another opportunity to take a struggling brand and turning its fortunes around. Need I tell you that she’s been as wildly successful at Berns as she has been most everywhere else? The formerly ailing restaurant is now one of the hottest spots in Stockholm, while the hotel was recently named the best boutique hotel in Europe. Today Yvonne says she’s happy where she is - but when I ask if there’s anything she still wants to do with her career she says, “If we get new hotel contracts I’d like to work with that. But my heart is also with the restaurant business and Berns is more about the restaurants than the hotels – and we’re growing that area. I like to say that Berns is an entertainment palace with rooms – and that is what makes this job so rewarding: every day is different and offers the opportunity to tackle new things.” ♣

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GRUPP F12 F12 + F12 Event + F12 Terassen Smak på Restaurangen Grill & Koko-Mo Bar Trattorian & Pontonen Orangeriet & La Cucina Brasserie Le Rouge & Le Bar Miss Voon Köttbaren Vigårda Lilla Vigårda Köttbaren, Malmö

Top chef MELKER ANDERSSON may have fulfilled most of his entrepreneurial aspirations,

but he can’t seem to stop bringing new restaurants to Stockholm. Swedish Bulletin met with one of the country’s most successful chefs and restaurateurs. TEXT AND PHOTO: CHRISTIAN VON ESSEN

“I still go around to our restaurants to spend some time in the kitchen together with the chefs. I taste the food, season the sauces and talk to the staff.” t ’s o n e o f t h e

first few sunny days of the year and the water lies cold and still outside Orangeriet - the garden-like sister-restaurant to Italian Trattorian at Norr Mälarstrand on Kungsholmen, one of the main islands of Stockholm. It’s 10 am, and the place is dark and quiet. But I know that Melker Andersson is inside somewhere. I know, because a large Volvo is parked right out front, ski box on the roof (he loves to ski) and a crisp, white chef ’s coat is hanging by the passenger seat. A few minutes later he struggles to unlock the door and sighs when he opens. “Inspection..!” Four men in neon vests and with resolute faces walk around in La Cucina, the chambre separée dedicated to corporate events, cooking classes and family get-togethers. The kitchen area is facing the room, raised on a stage-like section. What exactly they are inspecting is unclear. Melker Andersson seems tired and slightly annoyed. Someone calls him about what seems to be an investment he doesn’t feel comfortable pursuing. The neon-clad men are asking him questions, a couple of people knock on the door to have a look at the premises and soon a photographer for the Founder’s Alliance entrepreneur book enters to set up her equipment. Melker has answered several phone calls, and it’s only 10:30. ALWAYS ON THE JOB

In a Dagens Nyheter article in 2005, the team follows him through a full work-day. One of the key findings – to the amusement of the writer – is that the praised chef barely has time to eat, himself. According to the text, he owned four restaurants in Stockholm at the time. Today he owns eleven (depending on how you

count) together with long-time partner and star chef colleague, Danyel Couet, in their increasingly powerful conglomerate Grupp F12. The turnover is over 350 million SEK a year, with a staff of no less than 450. Melker has said in TV interviews that he wishes he could have spent more time with his children. Does he have more time now? “No”, he smiles, “...[there’s] too much going on all the time. But I have a new coordinator. It’s her first week, but I’ll talk to her.” VERSATILE PERSONALITY

Melker Andersson has many faces. He has been seen as the Swedish equivalent to Gordon Ramsey in a televised restaurant help show, he’s been dancing with other celebrities on prime time, in Let’s Dance, and competed against fellow top chefs in Kockarnas Kamp in 2013. In 2014, together with PG Nilsson from Svenska Brasserier, he intends to fill the gaps in his kitchen staff by establishing a brand new culinary school in Rinkeby, a Stockholm suburb with a large immigrant population. “It’s a six month education, which involves simultaneously running a proper restaurant at the premises,” he says. “We will have a casting based on interest, skills and will. We want to show that it’s possible to take an interested person and make him or her a chef in six months, but we won’t necessarily limit the school to young people.” The initial plan is to guarantee employment within the two founding organizations for everyone fulfilling the course – Svenska Brasserier consists of the four tremendously popular Stureplan restaurants Riche, Sturehof, Teatergrillen and Taverna Brillo. The whole concept sounds suspiciously TV-friendly. “We have had some discussions, but it would be a documentary-style production if anything. We definitely can’t turn it into some kind of reality show.” COMPETITIVE EDGE

Melker Andersson had a few rough years in his childhood, which has seemed to spur a profound longing for some sort of

vindication. Perhaps the need for confirmation pushes him to his athlete-like winner’s instinct. He is a bespoken perfectionist, and some of his staff have spilled their stories about his tough management style to the tabloid media. He has also won most culinary awards there are, and has a star in Guide Michelin for the fine-dining restaurant F12, which is the heart of the group’s ecosystem. “We are actually looking for new premises for F12 right now”, he says. “We want to find something smaller – it’s difficult to focus on the premium segment at the moment, when we have events, night clubs and plenty of seats. Twenty to thirty seats would be perfect. At the current address Fredsgatan 12, we will develop a different and more easy-going concept together with the night club.” During 2014, The F12 Group will be establishing its second restaurant in Malmö, a sibling to the two Vigårda branches in Stockholm. Is there an end in itself to keep growing? Are there concepts and trends that can’t be missed? “No, it’s about being passionate. I can’t develop something that I don’t believe in. ‘Concept’ sounds so artificial, so… American. Starting a new restaurant is a long and challenging process, but when I fall in love with something it’s difficult to say no. I find it very interesting working with food, drinks and guests in combination with the environment, service and atmosphere. That’s my passion.” Do you have a dream left to fulfill? “I sometimes dream of doing something more small-scale, you know like running a small hotel and restaurant in Tuscany. I think most entrepreneurs deep down are small-scale by their very nature.” Do you miss the actual cooking? “I still do it every night! I still go around to our restaurants to spend some time in the kitchen together with the chefs. I taste the food, season the sauces and talk to the staff. It’s very important to me. The day I can’t do that anymore, I might as well run a gas station instead.” ♣

Summer 2010.indd 47

19/5/11 18:53:28

PEOPLE

S W E D I S H B U L L E T I N TA L K S TO J A N L I N D Q U I S T:

A third culture kid Sweden’s capital is home to one of the youngest Rotary clubs in the country – The Stockholm International Rotary Club –a new, vibrant kid on block of Rotary International.

T E X T: E L I Z A B E T H D A C E Y- F O N D E L I U S

its start in May 2003 to meet the needs of the international and English-speaking community in Stockholm. It was the brainchild of Carl Vernersson who turned it over to the competent hands of Ronald Pavellas. Ron, a Rotarian of 12 years and the club’s first president, took the club from drawing board to production line. As an international club with culturally diverse members from all corners of the world and as many business sectors, meetings are conducted in English. The Bulletin was privileged to catch up with the Club’s current president, Mr. Jan Lindquist, who took over the gavel in July 2013. Jan credits his wife to having sparked his interest in membership and joining the club. Speaking freely about why he joined 6 years ago, “Initially it was because I liked to meet other international people speaking English. What I learned is that the club exceeded my expectation in diversity. The warmth of meeting other club members is shining weather on some of the cold cloudy days.” Mr. Lindquist got engaged early on and has also held the office of treasurer. He explains that the club’s success is directly linked to efforts of the club’s members, “In each role one takes a special engagement with each project.” Jan’s primary objective for his presidency is to further increase membership » he club got

PEOPLE

“What I believe is important to be a Rotarian is the feeling that I want to give back to my local or international community.” » involvement, “In any club it is the members that make the difference, not the board members or president. Each member has to find how they shall engage in the club in their own way.” With and average of 23 of 46 members attending each meeting and 30 members attending the club’s AGM, Mr Lindquist is clearly inspiring membership participation. Diversity in the Stockholm International Rotary Club is one of its greatest strengths. Don’t let the typically Swedish name and Scandinavian features of its president fool you into thinking you have your average Swede at hand. “I’m Brazilian,” Jan Lindquist announces. Born and bred in Brazil, it wasn’t until he was 19 that Jan moved away. But instead of heading to ancestral Sweden, Jan

Lindquist landed in the United States. Jan quickly corrected the question when asked when and why he had moved back to Sweden; “I didn’t move BACK” he spelled out clearly, “I moved TO Sweden for the first time.” It was 2003 when his job at Ericsson brought him with his wife and son to Sweden. A deeper understanding of what makes President Lindquist tick reveals, “I am a third culture kid”. This is an aptly descriptive term for children with one ethical/ cultural background, growing up in a different one from that of their parents’. With Swedish, Brazilian and a smattering of the US all shaken and stirred in a cocktail of identity, Jan Lindquist is possibly the best poster child for any International Rotary club. Jan jokes about the puzzled looks he receives when he tells people he is Brazilian. But joking aside he is serious when he affirms, “I’m Brazilian in nature.” That identity converts into elasticity in practical terms, which facilitates problem solving. “The Brazilian philosophy is that there is always a way”. When Rotarian values promote service before self, it is the solution that counts. That is exactly the positive thinking that has made Rotarians such exceptional members of our society and contributors to an improved future for all of us. If unfamiliar with the work of Rotarians,

it is only to look up the tireless march to eradicate polio. The pledge to rid humanity of the crippling disease was made in 1985. Since then, in union with health agencies, the Rotarian drive has brought the number of cases of polio down by 99 percent. It has been Rotary International’s most ambitious program to date. Soon it will be one of its greatest achievements. The Stockholm International Rotary Club, together with the Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia Rotary Club, have cosponsored an international service project. Fund raising completed in 2013 will provide operations for 120 children suffering from cleft pallet deformities. The amazing work done by these selfless Rotarians is best summarized by President Lindquist, “What I believe is important to be a Rotarian is the feeling that I want to give back to my local or international community.” ♣

If you are interested in joining International Rotary, you are welcome as a guest at the regular Thursday meetings at 6:00 PM in the hotel Hellsten, Luntmakargatan 68. After three visits as a guest, you may apply for membership. All details you will find on the SIRC website stockholminternationalrc.wordpress.com or our Facebook site facebook.com/SIRotaryClub

two universities, 34,000 students and an average age of 38.

1,156

Umeå has grown by 1,156 people a year over the last ten years.

WWW.Umea.se/naringsliV

Umeå’s it sector has expanded by around 800 people in the last seven years.

statistiCs sWeden

We aim to build an attractive city with twice as many homes in the centre.

Umeå is the fourth municipality in sweden in terms of average growth over the last five years.

, Umeå is one of the coUntry s three fastest-growing cities. Umeå mUniCipality’s master plan

BUsiness mUniCipality of the year, UC

one of the very best sporting cities in sweden. sVt

eUrostat, the eU’s statistiCal offiCe

Umeå

117,294

sundsvall

96,687

gävle

96,170

luleå

74,905

Östersund 59,485

northern sweden’s best and the country’s sixth best municipality to live in. “foKUs” magazine, 2013

population 31 dec 2012. statistiCs sWeden

Umeå. more oPPortUnities.

200,000 City planning is based on a growth target of 200,000 inhabitants by the year 2050. We aim to create a rich urban life for more residents and companies. Umeå mUniCipality’s master plan

www.umea.se

A PL AC E TO CA L L H O M E In UPPLANDS VÄSBY in the north of Stockholm, a record number of housing construction projects started in 2013. In total, the projects involve over 600 homes. According to the Municipal Manager Björn Eklundh, it’s no coincidence that housing construction reached record numbers. They are now beginning to see the results of the initiative focusing on increased growth that began six or seven years ago. 48

“It’s about the approach you have. Should we focus on the difficulties or opportunities? When you think ‘oh, oh this will be difficult,’ then it will be difficult.” “We’ve been working hard for many years to develop land, find partners that have land, trim our organisation and create processes to build and strengthen our economy so that we are capable of strong growth,” says Björn Eklundh. The vision is to increase the population by 600 to 800 inhabitants per year. Last year, Upplands Väsby reached the target by a wide margin when the municipality’s population increased by nearly two percent. By 2040, the population in Upplands Väsby expect to have grown from the current 41,000 to 63,000. “You have to run many planning processes simultaneously; you cannot focus on one at a time. There are always plans that appeal and construction sites that drag on. Therefore, we build up a portfolio of several possible projects. We also require a promise from the construction companies that they really will start to build.” Björn Eklundh found that about two percent of the population in Stockholm county lives in Upplands Väsby. However, in 2013 Upplands Väsby built around six to eight percent of the county’s new housing. Björn Eklundh has been Municipal Manager for Upplands Väsby since 1996. He thinks that there is a very strong drive in the municipality. In his role, he has two main tasks. The first is to ensure the best possible conditions for those who live and work in Upplands Väsby. The second assignment is to ensure that the services financed by the municipality deliver the absolute best. Eklundh has his office in the new Messingenhuset (The House of Messingen) that was awarded the Big Environmental Prize in 2012. “We take our responsibility to be involved and contribute to a growing Stockholm. Since the late 1980’s there have been thoughts of doing something with the Messing area. [In] 2007, we began to discuss a new high school. Once we started, we had a detailed plan adopted and completed by the council in just eight months,” says Björn. The recent housing debate is very often concentrated on the barriers to housing constructing, such as lengthy planning processes. “It’s about the approach you have. Should we focus on the difficulties or opportunities? When you think ‘oh, oh this will be difficult,’ then it will be difficult,” says Eklundh. Seeing opportunities, focusing on what is fun and daring to try new paths are just a few ways in which you could describe Eklundh’s outlook. And finding good reliable partners and involving the citizens are just some of the municipality’s recipes for success. “We start our project with a blank sheet of paper. We’re not saying to the local residents that we have a

plan and this is what we will do. We look at it and say that we have an opportunity and ask if they want to be a part of the creating process. Upplands Väsby has created their own way of communicating.Väsby Labs is an example of how dialogue with residents, businesses and construction companies can be designed. They actually refer to Väsby Labs as an approach, or a city development model, which opens up questions, creates commitment and tests new ideas. “Now we have 14 to 16 stakeholders who want to help build homes in Väsby. Before we opened up we were three.” The municipality has entered into agreements with TB Development AB and Senior Safe Fastighetsfond AB to build new housing and develop central Väsby. “It is very gratifying that these two companies are now at the forefront of developing our city centre to the modern town we saw before us.” “But everything is not about housing when you want to grow. Infrastructure is another important part. Upplands Väsby is strategically located at the E4 freeway between Stockholm and Uppsala, with its own commuter rail station. Arlanda Airport is only seven minutes away. Cooperation with the other Arlanda municipalities and the Arlanda Airport operator Swedavia, surrounding infrastructure, land development, business development and environmental issues are important.” Public buildings are also a high priority, and Upplands Väsby aims high, something the award winning Messingenhuset is a proof of. This year, the new cultural center is being built that is to be docked together with Messingenhuset. When the municipality began to discuss the rebuilding of the station area they opened up to a dialogue with the citizens. The answer from Väsby residents was that they wanted to see a brave and bold proposal that could put Väsby on the map. The municipality then contacted Zaha Hadid’s architectural office in London, and it turned out that Väsby absolutely was an interesting place for the world renowned architect’s first project in Sweden. “We wrote a letter and received a reply from London within a week. Zaha Hadid wanted to work with us and now we are working together with the artistic processing,” says Björn Eklundh. “This is true as told that it is important to focus on the possibilities and dare to try new paths.” ♣

PHOTO: KARI KOHVAKKA

SWEDISH REGIONS

Lovö Waterworks

Top Quality Water in Stockholm Stockholm Vatten produces drinking water retrieved from Lake Mälaren and purifies the sewage water before it is discharged into Saltsjön. A huge project will help to preserve the Baltic Sea for future generations. T E X T: C H R I S T I N A L I N D E R O T H - O L S O N P H O T O : M I C K E S A N D S T R Ö M , K A R I KO H V A K K A

with rich natural resources, and good clean water is one of them. Large lakes and plenty of waterways ensure a steady flow of water all over the

weden is blessed

country. Stockholm Vatten (Stockholm Water) takes care of the water supply and sewage system in the capital.You can drink the top quality water straight from the tap. Stockholm Vatten supplies 1.3 million people with water from Mälaren, one of the four largest lakes in Sweden. The yearly volume is enormous, around 149 million m³. The daily water consumption, 180 litres per person, is a 50 percent reduction compared with 1970. Norrvatten, a municipal council owned by 14 municipalities north of Stockholm, produces and distributes water from Mälaren to around half a million people in the northeastern region of the capital. All in all, nearly two million people enjoy the lake's water. “The Mälaren water is of high quality and in the last 40 years it has improved. Thanks to an almost limitless supply, Stock-

holm Vatten also provides 12 neighbouring municipalities with water. Lake Bornsjön functions as a reserve supply”, says Jan Ekvall, Head of the Water Production Department at Stockholm Vatten. THE DRINKING WATER IS PROCESSED IN THREE CLEANING STAGES

It takes 12 hours to process water from Mälaren into drinking water with the help of two waterworks. Lovö Waterworks supplies water to the north-western parts of Stockholm, while Norsborg Waterworks distributes water to the central and southern parts of the capital. The water is processed in three cleaning stages – a chemical, a biological and a mechanical stage. Aluminium sulphate is added in the chemical stage where the water is passed through a sedimentation basin. Soil and micro-organisms turn into lumps and fall to the bottom of the basins. The water is then rapidly filtered through metre thick sand beds. The last stage takes place in large outdoor basins where the water

passes through a sand bed more than a metre thick, an eight hour process. Bacteria in the sand beds eat up the remaining organic elements. The water is desinfected with the help of utraviolet light. And finally, the pH value is adjusted to prevent corrossion in the pipes. “The water supply pipes in Stockholm and Huddinge measure approximately 2,300 kilometres. There are 12 water towers, the oldest ones are of architectural interest. They work to even out pressure in the water pipes and also function as reservoirs to make sure that water is always available. We see to that the water supply network functions properly day and night, all year. And to monitor the quality, we annually take more than 1,000 samples in the water works, in the distribution system and in the taps,” explains Jan Ekvall. Lake Bornsjön is a restricted area. Stockholm Vatten owns the land surrounding the lake. To protect Bornsjön and its water for the future, the company manages agriculture, forestry, wildlife and properties in the area.

PHOTO: KARI KOHVAKKA

PHOTO: MICKE SANDSTRÖM

Henriksdal Sewage Treatment plant

Norsborg Waterworks

SEWAGE TREATMENT

Two sewage treatment plants in Bromma and Henriksdal daily receive and process 378,000m³ of waste water from the capital's inhabitants and industries. Henriksdal is an impressive plant; one of the largest and most modern of its kind in Europe. It is also one of the world's largest underground treatment plants, where chambers blasted into the rock house the basins. “Stockholm has a combined sewage system, that receives both sewage and day water, but the suburbs generally have separated systems. The weather sometimes causes problems, a heavy downpour of rain can lead to a flood in the system”, explains Sonny Sundelin, Head of the Wastewater Treatment Department of Stockholm Vatten. The whole purification process takes 24 hours. The sewage treatment is a three stage process, where the sewage is treated with mechanical, chemical and biological methods. Then it passes through a sand filtration process that removes the remaining particles. At last, the purified water is discharged into Saltsjön outside Djurgården, part of

the Baltic Sea.You can take a swim in the treated water, but it is not fit for drinking. “The waste products are used in several ways. The heat from the treated water is recovered in the thermal power station at Hammarby, where it becomes energy used by the district central heating network. The sludge is treated and degraded into biogas, used as vehicle fuel by the local bus network in central Stockholm. The amount of vehicle fuel derived from sewage per annum is sufficient for 6,500-7,000 vehicles. The sludge formed during the purification process contains plant nutrients, phosphorus and nitrogen, very good as an agricultural fertiliser. The Mälaren area agriculture takes care of the high quality sludge from Bromma, the sludge from Henriksdal is used as a soil covering medium by the mining company Boliden”, says Sonny Sundelin. THE BALTIC SEA ACTION PLAN

Following a new EU-directive, Stockholm Vatten has to rebuild the sewage treatment plants, specifically the one in Henriksdal. Eutrophication, or manure pollution, has for

several years been a threat to the Baltic Sea. EU requires an even stricter control of the treatment process. “The rebuilt sewage treatment plant will be one of the most advanced plants in Europe. A huge project where a 15 kilometre long tunnel will transport sewage from Bromma to Henriksdal. The cost will be around 6 billion SEK and the rebuilt plant will be finished in 2018. The rebuilding project is part of a sustainable environmental effort and as a bonus valuable land, suitable for housing, will be freed in Bromma”, says Sonny Sundelin. The construction of the tunnel and the new sewage treatment technique form part of a strategic environmental venture to preserve Mälaren and the Baltic Sea for future generations. ♣

Stockholm Vatten owns and maintains 5.300 kilometers of water and sewage systems. The municipally owned company’s operations are financed by water and sewage rates and charges. www.stockholmvatten.se

EDUCATION

S W E D E N ’ S FA M O U S A R T AND DESIGN COLLEGE T E X T: E L I Z A B E T H D A C E Y- F O N D E L I U S P H O T O : Å K E E : S O N L I N D M A N

Exhibition hall Vita Havet

he universit y college of arts,

Crafts and Design, better know by its Swedish name, Konstfack, is the largest university college of it’s kind in Sweden. Each year, almost 900 students are enrolled in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, Teacher Education programs and Professional courses. It is rather unique among the traditional art schools because it teaches arts, crafts, design and art teacher training, all under one roof. It is a public university but active both in the private and public sectors and well recognised internationally. The lore of its origins tells of a young artist by the name of Nils Mons Mandelgren who opened a Sunday drawing school for craftsmen in Stockholm in 1844. Mandelgren’s reason to open on Sundays was to give the crafts and journeymen and other apprentices the opportunity on their day off to learn a variety of artistic expression in order to develop their artistic training. Nine different crafts were represented in the first group of students, among them stove tillers and silk weavers. However, it took until 1857 to enroll its first women and make female students officially welcome. It was the same N.M. Mandelgren who went on the following year to found the Swedish Society of Industrial Design (Svenska slöjdförening), which eventually evolved into the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design, Svensk Form, a not-for-profit membership association mandated by the Swedish government to promote Swedish design at home and abroad. From its humble origins in 1844, its name and location has shifted. In less than a year it became the School of the Swedish Handcraft Association and by 1859 it became a public institution. It was as late as 1945 that it evolved to its current name, Konstfackskolan. 52

Prior to Konstfack’s present location, the school had always been within the city limits and most recently was located on Valhallavägen near Gärdet. It was in 2004 when Konstfack moved to Telefonplan, one of Stockholm’s upcoming hipster neighborhoods just south of the city limits. Konstfack moved into the former telephone factory made up of 20,300 square meters of space once owned and operated by one of Sweden’s foremost telecommunications giants, LM Ericsson. Today, it is still most often referred to as the Ericsson Factory. The building was constructed between 1938 and 1940. Its architect is Ture Wennerholm. The building, lauded by the architecture historian Fredric Bedoire, “perhaps the most beautiful of the functionalist industrustrial complexes in Stockholm.” Upon entering the converted space, visitors along with faculty and students are welcomed into the area better known as “Vita Havet” or the White Sea, an exhibition hall for temporary projects and showcase for student works. The exhibits are in constant change depending on the projects by current students. Many of its students and faculty members have international backgrounds. The exchange of knowledge and an increase in understanding between cultures, countries and religions is a vital element in its continued success. Konstfack has exchanges and joint projects with over 60 universities in more than 25 countries, welcoming over 70 international students each year. ♣

www.konstfack.se Lm Ericssons väg 14, 126 26 Hägersten, Sweden, +46 8 450 41 00

LILL A AK ADEMIEN A SCHOOL TO CHANGE THE WORLD THROUGH MUSIC The words of wisdom, “Music can change the world” by Beethoven is scrawled across the website of the Junior Academy of Music. Quite literally translated, Lilla Akademien, means “The Little Academy.” T E X T: E L I Z A B E T H D A C E Y- F O N D E L I U S

a one-of-a-kind music education institution aimed at a wide range of pupils. The grade span of students ranges from preschool children through to a post-secondary school level. It was founded in 1994 as extracurricular musical training for students to take part in after a traditional school day. But the Lilla Akademien’s popularity and promise led the after-school program to become a true elementary school in 1998, teaching both General Studies and Music Theory. It was in 2002 and 2005 when the school finally expanded to secondary and pre-university education respectively, a range that includes students up through 23 years old. The goal of Lilla Akademien is to provide male and female students with a solid education of musical topics. The academy does not distinguish between students who hope for professional musicrelated careers from those who simply love music. The musical life of the school is intense and there is a great deal of attention to keeping a student’s focus on his or her own artistic expression of music to foster an environment of inspiration and not competition. Individuality is highly encouraged and the school proudly boasts its socio-cultural diversity, which they feel reflects the multicultural make up and flavor of Stockholm. As is the case with all Swedish schools, it follows the Swedish national curriculum and its students pay no additional tuition or fees, except perhaps the cost of an individual instrument. illa ak ademien is

And boy are there a lot of instruments the students can learn (they’re expected to learn one or more). They include: piano, organ, violin, cello, recorder, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, harp and percussion. But whatever the instrument, all students are expected to sing. Singing in the choir is compulsory until the age of 17. With all that talent, there is no surprise that the school has no fewer than five orchestras and numerous ensembles. And they go on the road; Student performances have travelled domestically and internationally. The rehearsals and performances are regarded as a core educational competence for development for each student. Certainly, the expanded horizons a student receives from travel to perform and compete creates an extensive network for pupil exchange and attracting guest teachers. The hard work and dedication of a school devoted to music and consequently, “changing the world” has enabled the Junior Academy to grow to become one of the most important and influential music institutions in Scandinavia. Consistently the students perform well on grades. In 2013 they could boast that the Junior Academy produced the most students with exceptional grades in all of Greater Stockholm. Let’s hope that Beethoven is indeed right and music can change the world. At the very least, it seems assured that the Junior Academy’s students, through their education so closely entwined with music, will certainly help make the world a better place. ♣

S T O C K H O L M I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C H O O L

C E L E BR AT I NG L E A R N I NG A N D DI V E R SI T Y Over 560 students from 65 different countries. That’s reality at Stockholm International School. Here, students receive the best possible education regardless of where they come from. And where they’re going. » T E X T: H E N R I K P E R S S O N P H O T O : © S T O C K H O L M I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C H O O L

SIS MOTTO:

Challenged, Valued, Prepared CHALLENGE students in the area of academics, arts and sports, and in interpersonal and intercultural encounters wihin and outside the school. VALUE every and each student as individuals, and make them value others. PREPARE students for their future lives and teach them to accept responsibility for their own actions.

» Coping with a very dynamic and changeable life requires a safe environment in which an individual can retreat to, most people would agree. That kind of environment is exactly what Stockholm International School (SIS) aspires to be for the hundreds of students who come here to get their education. Founded mid last century as a school for a group of foreign children whose parents were working in Sweden, nowadays SIS offers an internationally compatible – and competitive – education from age three all the way through to high school. “We attract the globally mobile community because we’re the only school in the area mapping what other prestigious international schools in the world do. Over 80 percent of our students come from diplomatic and business families that move around a lot,” says Marta Medved Krajnovic, Ph. D, who serves as the school’s director. Additionally, SIS easily integrates students with no previous international experience by offering strong individual support programmes such as, for example, intensive English as an additional language learning programme. A MIXED ENVIRONMENT

SIS is the epitome of diversity. Over 60 nationalities from across the globe are represented here. With this many backgrounds and cultures between four walls, it’s important to foster a culture of mutual understanding and appreciation. Hence, compatibility is key and the understanding and appreciating of other cultures is a central part of the school philosophy. “It’s so exciting, walking through the hallways and seeing kids from all continents of the globe and so many different countries, all communicating in English. The language unites us but we all have different cultural backgrounds. And everyone respects each other and is excited to learn about each other,” says Krajnovic, who herself is from Croatia, where she earned her Ph. D in applied linguistics, focusing on multilingualism amongst children. 56

100 PERCENT INTERNATIONAL

The education offered here is based exclusively on international programmes. For the youngest, aged 3-5, there’s an early years programme followed by the widely acclaimed International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Past sixth grade and up through high school, the world leading International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme (IB MYP and IB DP) are taught, with an emphasis on developing inquisitive, knowledgeable, innovative and socially responsible learners who are internationally minded and can, with ease, communicate in many diverse contexts. SIS challenges every child to develop to the utmost of their potential and has higher educational standards than most national school systems. Even though English is the primary school language, it’s important for all students to continue developing their mother tongue. Therefore, groups of students over five, sharing the same native language, are offered extra hours of mother tongue education. Since the school also serves a portion of Swedish students, and since international schools always offer their students linguistic and cultural experience of the host country, Swedish as a foreign language and Swedish as a mother tongue are also taught at SIS. An education this ambitious is possible thanks to financing by government provided fees and additional tuition fees, something that sets SIS apart from most other Swedish schools. From an organisational point of view, the school is run by the Board of Trustees as a non-profit foundation where all resources go towards offering high quality and a world class education and staff. One hundred teachers for 600 children means a pupil-teacher ratio of no more than one to six; far below the national average. “It’s a great advantage for us to have a ratio that low.Teachers can spend more time with each pupil and cater for students’ individual learning and emotional needs.This is also one of the reasons why in our IB Diploma results we are far above the world average,

and our students enter world renowned universities of their choice,” says Krajnovic. Stockholm International School has a long standing good reputation as an educational institution and as an institution that highly invests into professional development of its staff . Therefore, it attracts skilled teachers from all over the world. A number of SIS staff also serve as members of Council of International Schools’ accreditation teams and are sent to evaluate international schools in other countries. Stockholm International School was founded in 1951 as the Anglo-American School, and within a decade the school grew to just short of 300 pupils. Change and growth continue today, both in student numbers and in enrichment programmes widely offered by the schools.

“We strive for excellence. Our vision is to be one of the world’s leading international schools that operates to the highest educational principles.” MARTA MEDVED KRAJNOVIC, PHD

CONTINUITY

The SIS motto is “Challenged,Valued, Prepared”. In an environment as international as this, pupils, and to some extent teachers, will come and go at a fairly high rate. As a result of this, many international schools run the risk of losing long term stability, making them vulnerable from an educational, as well as an institutional point of view. This is not the case at SIS, where the school offers continuity few, if any, are able to match. “The SIS Board consists of members who represent the school’s key stakeholders, but are more permanently situated in Sweden. The Board takes a long-term perspective on developing the school, and the fact that we see excellent academic results and a high level of satisfaction of parents and students,

shows the model is working well,” says Krajnovic. In order to secure educational quality on a long term basis, SIS has started an intensive search for larger facilities. The school faces the pleasant problem of attracting too many students to be able to remain in the current building. A new location has not, as of yet, been decided upon. Krajnovic concludes: “We’re located in the city centre next to the beautiful Johanneskyrkan park and that means everything’s around the corner. That’s great for the kids, but since we’ve basically outgrown our current facilities we’re also renting a space at Luntmakargatan. The best thing is to have it all under one roof though. And that means moving.” ♣

Swedish International School Founded: 1951 Address: Johannesgatan 18, Stockholm www.intsch.se

S I G T U N A S KO L A N H U M A N I S T I S K A L Ä R O V E R K E T

T H E BOA R DI NG SC HOOL BROA DE N I NG I T S HOR I Z ONS Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket is making changes. Earlier this year the school that King Carl Gustaf XVI attended appointed its first foreign principal, Dr Margret Benedikz, and is now increasing the number of courses it offers in English. T E X T: J O N B U S C A L L / H E N R I K P E R S S O N P H O T O : C H A R L I E B E N N E T / I A N G A V I N

“We were the first school in Sweden, together with Kungsholmen, to offer the IB Diploma Programme which is taught exclusively in English,” says Benedikz, who is originally from the UK but has worked in Sweden for over twenty years. From August 2014 year Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket will also be offering the Natural Science Programme for upper secondary pupils in English and the Social Science Programme in both Swedish and English. “This is quite a departure for what’s been a very traditional school, but one we see as important and reflecting the needs of our students,” says Benedikz. STUDENT DEMAND FOR ENGLISH SKILLS

Having previously worked as principal at IEGS for eight years, the international school on Södermalm, Benedikz knows full well just how much interest there is in English-language programmes in Sweden. “Students are very keen to ensure they have the best options for the future,” she adds. ”Business and education today is so incredibly international: young people recognise this. More and more want strong English skills to compete in the international workplace, study abroad and increase their options.” This is something the school is also hear-

ing from parents. For the second year in a row, competition for places on the IB MYP programme for pupils starting grade 7 is high with nearly 100 applicants for next year already submitted. Parents keen to secure a place for their younger children also place them in the queue for both boarding and day places. “Some have even put their children down to start at SSHL in 2017,” says Benedikz. A SCHOOL TRUE TO ITS SWEDISH ROOTS

Despite its increasing international focus and the increase in foreign student applications, SSHL remains very much a Swedish school. “We have many local day students from Sigtuna and we’re a big part of the local community. We also have Swedish boarding students whose families live and work abroad. They come to Sweden to learn more about their home country so it’s important we remain aware of our roots. We like to think of ourselves as a Swedish school with an international flavour.” The school celebrates all the typical Swedish traditions, which students and staff always enjoy. “The Lucia Christmas celebrations in December are amazing,” says Benedikz. “It takes place very early in the morning overlooking picturesque Lake Mälaren. For

both our foreign and Swedish students, it’s a moment to remember.” For students from Swedish families abroad it’s very important that they have the opportunity to experience the very best of Sweden. Situated by beautiful Lake Mälaren, boarding at SSHL offers just that, with students living in modern boarding facilities in one of the most picturesque small towns in the country. As well as academic study, the school has a wide selection of free-time activities available for students in the afternoons ranging from rowing, skiing, athletics, soccer and rugby to theatre, music, and artistic pursuits. »

Dr Margret Benedikz

“Our boarding houses are not just academically focused, they are small, close-knit communities with a strong family feel to them. Many of our boarders become friends for life.” DR MARGRET BENEDIKZ, Principal of Sigtuna Humanistiska Läroverk

The school buildings

» Located, within easy distance of the capital and all its attractions yet only 20 minutes from Arlanda, Sweden’s largest international airport, Sigtuna is an attractive destination for many families looking for boarding facilities in the capital region. A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT

As part of its commitment to providing the very best for its students, SSHL established a new Student Welfare Centre at the start of the 2013-14 academic year in one of the former boarding homes, right at the heart of the school’s impressive campus. “The Student Welfare Centre caters for students with learning learning difficulties and health issues under one roof,” says Benedikz, “and its something parents and students have really appreciated.” In August 2014 the Academic Centre will open situated right at the heart of SSHL’s beautiful campus to provide additional academic support during both day and evenings. Furthermore, from next term each boarding home will have an academic tutor joining the current live-in house parents. The school ensures that pupils’ study and care needs are catered for, providing a supportive environment in which to study and live.

“Students have daily läxis – homework – but we wanted to introduce more support and academic guidance for our boarders to make their time at SSHL as successful as possible.” The school’s mission is to help every student develop to their absolute potential, both academically and personally. “We believe in a holistic approach to schooling,” says Benedikz. “We help our students develop into well-rounded, academically outstanding global citizens.” A LEADING BOARDING SCHOOL

With Swedish education firmly under scrutiny since the PISA report in 2013 showed Sweden falling behind many other countries in terms of academic performance, SSHL is ideally placed to lead the way. It recently joined the Boarding School Association, (BSA), as it strives to implement best boarding praxis, and students regularly achieve some of the highest grades in Sweden. The school liaises with other international boarding schools to ensure the facilities on offer are up to similar standards and that the school is an ambitious learning environment. “We see our graduates being accepted to some of the top universities in the UK and

USA and we’re very ambitious for them,” says Dr Benedikz. “Everyone here at SSHL is working to ensure the school is a safe, secure, academically challenging place to live and learn. I really believe Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket can bring something different to what is currently on offer in Sweden.” What really makes SSHL unique though is, Dr Benedikz believes, its combination of outstanding academic support alongside a strong feeling of being at home in a really friendly environment. “Our boarding houses are not just academically focused, they are small, close-knit communities with a strong family feel to them. Many of our boarders become friends for life.” ♣

www.sshl.se

STOCKHOLM SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

A C H A NC E TO M A K E A DI F F E R E NC E It demands a lot and requires a lot of planning. But Julia Shelkova doesn’t regret applying for the Executive MBA program at Stockholm School of Economics. “You need to further your skills, even if it takes a lot of hard work,” she says. T E X T: H E N R I K P E R S S O N

Every day is a busy day for Julia Shelkova. The 35 year old Muscovite works in development of high speed railroads in western Russia. As if that wasn’t enough, she’s enrolled in the Executive MBA program at Stockholm School of Economics. “It’s challenging but also really stimulating. I’ve gained a lot of practical skills that I’m able to use right here in the office. Subjects like financial analysis and management control was just the sort Julia Shelkova of knowledge that I needed,” Shelkova says on a Skype connection from Moscow. Although she studies in Stockholm, Shelkova still officially resides in Russia. One week per month she’s on site, however, focusing entirely on her studies. It’s tough combining work and school – not to mention raising her child – and Shelkova’s schedule is always full. “I tell people I’m always going somewhere. I’m kidding, but in a way it’s true. I don’t have a lot of spare time. And since I’m not always at school, the collaborative work is a bit harder to manage.” “My classmates probably think it’s tough being in my group, but I try my best to work it out over phone or email.The school provides us with a web portal, too,” says Shelkova. A native of Kazan in eastern Russia, Julia Shelkova studied economics at the state university, eventually ending up with a Ph. D. For several years, she worked for an affiliate to the Russian state railway company, focusing on development. Her move west was purely for professional reasons.

“The Kazan region is very conservative in a lot of ways. People have a lot of opinions about what women can and cannot do. Many people disapprove of female professionals altogether.You basically have a choice of either marrying or running away. I chose the latter,” Shelkova says. Shelkova’s life continues to be influenced by a longing for learning and personal development. This is also the reason she applied to Stockholm School of Economics a year ago. “I needed an intellectual boost. My boss had previously spent many years in Sweden and tipped me off about the school. Their schedule would make it possible to combine work and studies, so I applied. I guess they liked what they saw, because they called me up and here we are.”

The students are predominantly male and the school is working on getting more women to apply. Julia Shelkova supports this and she’s very impressed with her female co-students. “I really am.They’re really intellectual ladies. Really smart, critical thinkers.The school should work hard to attract others like them.” Shelkova works harder than most. If she had to advise other women on whether or not to apply to the Executive MBA program, she’d tell them not to think too much. “Don’t sit and analyse too much. I knew I’d have to struggle with this, but I did it anyway. If you sit around and think for too long, you’ll never do anything. Turn your head off for awhile, and think with your heart.” ♣

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Pierre Gonnord: Iris, 2011. Courtesy of the artist and Galleria Juana de Aizpuru.

BAROQUE

5 April–19 October at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern

You will find Kulturhuset Stadsteatern at Sergels torg in the City Centre. Opening hours: Monday–Friday 9–19. Saturday–Sunday 11–17. Phone +46 8 506 20 200 www.kulturhusetstadsteatern.se

T H E M AG N I F I C E N C E OF BAROQUE ART IN STOCKHOLM 62

Rembrandt van Rijn: Young Woman in Profile 1632. Photo: Nationalmuseum.

David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl: Boy with Parrots and Monkeys, 1670. Photo: Nationalmuseum.

Nationalmuseums and Kulturhuset Stadsteatern’s exhibition focus on connections between the 17th century and the world of today. T E X T: C H R I S T I N A L I N D E R O T H - O L S O N

his spring,

Nationalmuseum and Kulturhuset jointly present Baroque. The exhibition brings together art by the great 17th century masters – Rembrandt, El Greco, Murillo and Jordaens – with contemporary artists - Isaac Julien, Pierre Gonnord and Annika von Hausswolff; to mention a few. It takes a close look on how the magnificent and sometimwwes exaggarated art and design of the Baroque era have influenced modern artists. Baroque art is characterised by movement, a marked contrast between light and darkness and strong emotions. An intensity of expression unifies the exhibited works. Common issues are also fascination and fear of the unknown, religious beliefs, identity and the cycle of life. “There are several connections between the 17th century and the world of today, such as the globalisation, people travelling from one continent to another and the interest in exotism”, says Estelle af Malmborg, Deputy Director of Art & Design at Kul-

turhuset Stadsteatern in Stockholm. She is curator of Baroque together with Nationalmuseum’s Linda Hinners, Martin Olin and Mårten Snickare. SEVERAL THEMES

The show includes more than 100 paintings and works of art, and several themes. Identity and representation focus on portraits, from pictures of Queen Christina in her various roles and identities, to staged images by the contemporary American art photographer Cindy Sherman. Rembrandt’s breathtaking Young woman in profile will be displayed close to a contemporary photographic portrait. The Vanitas theme, reminding us of death, was important in Baroque art. Andreas Serrano’s photographic series from a morgue is a later and more obvious version. Jacob Jordaens and his 20th century Swedish collegue, Annika von Hauswolff, have both depicted The human body and the human gaze in the fashion of their day. Spirituality shows how spiritual values are portrayed in art. The conflict between

Catholicism and Protestantism exploded in enduring wars in Europe in the 17th century. Italian Baroque artists like Caravaggio and his followers were highly influenced by the Counter-Reformation. Pierre et Gille’s kitschy images are displayed together with Murillo’s religious paintings, while the 17th century artists El Greco, George de la Tour and the Dutch masters represent a more restrained tradition. “Many contemporary artists are interested in the post-global world and its problems. Isaac Julien executed a film project in Sicilia, the port to Europe for immigrants, which partly takes place in a baroque church. The Brazilian artist Adriana Varejao, who is influenced by baroque iconography, focuses on the connection between Europe and South America. She is one of several South American artists with a baroque expression in their art,” continues Estelle af Malmborg. Nationalmuseum’s building is undergoing a major restoration. A number of masterpieces from the museum’s collections are part of the exhibition. ♣

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A N E W D I R E C T O R A N D A N E W V I S I O N AT

Thielska Galleriet The beautiful palatial villa, housing a famous collection of Swedish art and some of Edvard Munch’s best paintings, is well worth a visit. T E X T: C H R I S T I N A L I N D E R O T H - O L S O N P H O T O : T O R D L U N D

PHOTO: STEFAN TELL

lt h o u g h p at r i k s t e o r n ,

Director of Thielska Galleriet (Thiel's Gallery) in Stockholm, is new at his job he has plenty of ideas for the fabulous art museum. Following two tumultous years when both Chairman and Director left their positions, the museum can hopefully look forward to a creative and an inspiring time. “I want to focus on the uniquity of this very special place. The building, the interior and the collection embody the spirit of around 1900. I also want to concentrate on the art collection and Patrik Steorn, the founder, Ernest Thiel, Director of Thielska Galleriet and his family; to highlight the art and culture of Thiel's time and see how they correspond with our time,” says Patrik Steorn. Prior to his new appointment, Patrik Steorn held a position as researcher and lecturer at the Centre for Fashion Studies at Stockholm University. His doctoral thesis from 2006 was Naked Men. Masculinity and Creativity in Swedish Visual Image Culture 1900-1915. He has also co-curated several shows, such as the celebrated David LaChapelle exhibition at Fotografiska in 2012. A TRULY IMPORTANT ART COLLECTOR

Patrik Steorn plans an exhibition on portraits of Ernest Thiel (1859-1947), a banker and financier who was one of Sweden's wealthiest men around 1900, and his family. The collection includes portraits by several

Edvard Munch: On the Bridge, 1903. Thielska Galleriet, Stockholm.

of Sweden's best known painters, Carl Larsson, Bruno Liljefors, Eugène Jansson – and also one by Edvard Munch. “Ernest Thiel was a truly important collector and a patron of art. He bought several paintings from The Swedish Artists Society: young painters from his own generation who protested against the conservative tradition of the Royal Academy of Art, and later on became some of Sweden's most succesful artists. Many of the artists became personal friends of Thiel's”, continues Patrik Steorn. After a scandalous divorce, Thiel remarried Signe Hansen, his first wife's companion, and began collecting. The palatial villa, now museum, was constructed to house the collection. Ferdinand Boberg, leading Jugend architect of his time, created an exterior which is a decorative mixture of Orientalism, Italian Renaissance and Mediterranean architecture. The Edvard Munch Room is the museum's treasury, with some of the Norwegian painter's best work: The Sick Child, Despair

Eugène Jansson: Dusk, 1902. Thielska Galleriet, Stockholm

and On the Bridge. Signe Thiel introduced the works of Friedrich Nietzsche to her husband, who in turn became fascinated by the German philosopher and translated several of his works to Swedish. Thiel commissioned Munch to portray the then dead Nietzsche and for some years became an important buyer of Munch's paintings. He also donated a large sum of money to the Nietzsche archive in Weimar, Germany. Thiel lost a large part of his fortune during the First World War, and in 1924 sold his villa together with the collection to the State of Sweden. Two years later, it was turned into a museum open to the public. ♣ You will find Thielska Galleriet at Blockhusudden, Djurgården in Stockholm Open Tuesday-Sunday 12–17. Phone: +46 8 662 58 84, +46 72 505 86 64 www.thielska-galleriet.se During weekends, you can enjoy a boat trip on ”Ballerina” from Nybrokajen in central Stockholm to Blockhusudden. www.sjovagen.nu

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Millesgården

Get to know Swedish sculptor CA R L M I L L E S in Stockholm Carl Milles is undoubtedly Sweden’s most celebrated sculptor. He became famous in the early 20th century for his bold sculptures and early experiments with fountains in Paris. Today, his works can be found in Sweden and around the world. In Stockholm alone, 80 of his sculptures and reliefs can be seen in 27 different places. T E X T: PAT R I C I A B R E N N A N R I C K N E L L P H O T O : L A R S E K D A H L © M I L L E S G Å R D E N

i l l es ca n b e

described as both a traditional and innovative artist. Inspired by ancient Greek, Roman and Christian mythology as well as Swedish history, his art was figurative and often narrative. He sculpted in hard, heavy materials such as granite and bronze, pairing his sculptures with lighter materials – water and air – by placing them in fountains and lifting them so that they interacted with the sky. Carl Milles was born in Lagga, outside of Uppsala, Sweden, in 1875. He was schooled in Stockholm, but left early to be an apprentice

cabinetmaker. He later attended evening classes in woodworking, carving and modelling at the Stockholm Technical School. In 1897, Milles received a grant from the Swedish Handicraft Society that allowed him to travel to Paris, where he supported himself by doing ornamental carpentry while studying anatomy at École des Beaux-Arts. Starting in 1899, he began exhibiting sculptures at the Paris Salon, where he continued to exhibit each year until 1906. In 1904, after gaining recognition as a sculptor, he moved to Munich. After a period of dazzling success in both Germany and Sweden, Milles

and his wife Olga (also an artist) returned to Sweden and bought the plot of land on the island of Lidingö that was to become Millesgården. Their intention was to build a home with space for their art studios. Here, they lived and worked until 1931 when they moved to Cranbrook, USA. Milles remained in the US for nearly 20 years, teaching as sculptor-in-residence at the Cranbrook »

SLEEPING BEAUTIES DREAMS AND COSTUMES THE RUSSIAN BALLET IN PARIS 1909 – 1929

Make the most of your visit Book a private tour in Swedish, English, French or Russian. Please contact us at info@dansmuseet.se. Why not combine the tour with a meal at Bistro Rolf de Maré? A classic French bistro with Swedish influences. Welcome!

Rolf de Maré’s Museum of Movement Drottninggatan 17, Stockholm www.dansmuseet.se

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MUST-SEE MILLES SCULPTURES IN AND AROUND STOCKHOLM Orpheus fountain, Hötorget Columns and façade, Dramaten (Royal Dramatic Theatre) Lekande björnar, Berzelii Park Vingarna, outside of National Museum God, our Father, on the Rainbow, Nacka strand Sjöguden, Räntmästartrappan, Gamla Stan (Old Town) Bågskytten, Liljevachs Konsthall Industrial monument (fountain) and Cerberus sculptures plus entrance, KTH (Royal Institute of Technology) Triton Fountain, Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde Façade, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) More information about each work and Millesgården can be found at millesgarden.se

» Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills and obtaining numerous public art commissions. By the time he returned to Sweden in the early 1950s, the American landscape was dotted with his monumental works. One notable example is The Wedding of the Waters fountain in St. Louis, Missouri, which was intended to symbolise the place where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers merge. Commissioned in 1936 and unveiled in May 1940, its naked figures and undeniably sexually playful connotations caused an uproar, leading to a name change to The Meeting of the Waters. Indeed, Milles’ sculptures sometimes offended contemporary American sensibilities, so he had a ‘fig leaf ’ maker on retainer. Another well-known sculpture in the US is The Hand of God, sculpted in honour of Frank Murphy, Detroit Mayor, Michigan Governor and

US Supreme Court Justice. Today it stands outside of the Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit. In Sweden, famous works include the Poseidon statue in Gothenburg, the Gustaf Vasa statue at the Nordiska Museet, the Orpheus fountain outside of the Stockholm Concert Hall, and God, our Father, on the Rainbow, in Nacka Strand. The latter can also be seen in Tokyo, Melbourne and Beijing. In 1936, Carl and his wife Olga donated their home to the Swedish people to create a museum. In another magnanimous move, he also conferred to the museum the right to cast new sculptures. Today, this is still a central source of income for Millesgården. Millesgården is essentially a work of art in its own right, with Milles’ designed terraces, fountains, stairways, sculptures and columns blended

Rembrandt in Mora!

Rembrandt, Jupiter and Antiope, 1659. Zornmuseet.

This year, the Zorn Museum in Mora, Sweden, celebrates its 75th anniversary. To mark the occasion the museum presents two outstanding masters under one roof: Rembrandt and Zorn. Rembrandt (1606-69) was Anders Zorn’s role model as a graphic artist. Zorn carefully studied the Dutch master’s work and bought Rembrandt etchings at every opportunity. After a time he had acquired 200 of them, a considerable collection, even by international measures. This summer (May 15-September 14) the collection is

with diverse vegetation and magnificent views from the rocky heights. Of Milles’ dedication to designing his sculpture park, Olga Milles once quipped, “We have no money for forks, nor for linen, but Carl can always afford columns!” Today, the museum is one of Sweden’s foremost tourist attractions, known for its exhibitions of Swedish and international artists, and celebration of the visionary spirit of Carl Milles, not to mention Milles’ own surprisingly large collection of sculptures dating from antiquity and the Middle Ages. Millesgården is currently showing the works of Man Ray (18901976) in a retrospective exhibition containing some 90 of the cult artist’s sculptures, unique vintage photographs, drawings, paintings, objects and experimental films. The exhibition closes on 8 June 2014. ♣ being presented in an exhibition that offers not only an incomparable demonstration of the art of etching, but also a wonderful insight into 17thcentury Dutch society and imagination. The exhibition, Rembrandt: The World’s Premier Graphic Artist (Rembrandt – världens störste grafiker), will be accompanied by a catalogue of the etchings, which has been created in collaboration with leading Rembrandt experts. With this exhibition, the Zorn Museum takes part in celebrating the 400th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sweden and the Netherlands. For more information: The Zorn Museum, +46 250 592310, www.zorn.se

EXPLORE OUR EGYPTIAN BURIAL CHAMBER!

THE SECRET OF THE TOMB

Can you solve the tomb’s mystery? Join the Egyptian children Merit and Bes as they try to save Merit’s uncle in our audio guide for children. Once inside the tomb, study our 3D scanned mummy and discover what lies hidden beneath its wrappings.

M A R K E T A R T FA I R T H E NOR DIC A RT B A SE L

Martin AsbĂŚk Gallery, Astrid Kruse Jensen, Within the Landscape #16, 2013. Archival fiber print, 120 x 123 cm., ed. of 5, courtesy

LOYAL gallery-Danilo Stankovic, I vargtimma. 160 x 200 cm.

Galleri Magnus Karlsson, Jeff Olsson, A Fair Deal, 2013. Graphite, charcoal and ink on paper, 151x190 cm

Andréhn-Schiptjenko Xavier, VeilhanMobile (La Conservera), 2012. Fiber glass, polyurethane resin, carbon, white gold, polypropylene, 367 x 140 x 140 cm. Photo: Diane Arques Veilhan ADAGP VEGAP Paris, 2012

A R T FA I R S I N F O C U S Art fairs are increasing in numbers and importance around the world and Art Basel is one of the most significant stages for contemporary art, attracting over 70,000 visitors in just a few days’ time. Arco in Madrid, Armory in New York, Frieze in London and Fiac in Paris are other fairs that draw a lot of visitors. Art exhibitors, collectors, journalists and artists can attest that the status of the art fairs has grown over the past years. Between April 4th and April 6th the Market Art Fair is being held in Stockholm for the ninth year in a row, and Liljevalchsgatan on Djurgården will be filled with contemporary art. The Fair is the Art Basel of The Nordic, the leading trade fair for contemporary art in Scandinavia. Market Art Fair is open to all and it is a unique way to experience, and for that matter, invest in art. Everything is for sale and there are artworks being sold from a few thousand Swedish kronor up to much higher prices. Market Art Fair has previously been held at the Academy of Arts (Royal Adacamy of Fine Arts) but due to the fact that the National

Museum has moved there during its renovation time, Market Art Fair has looked for new premises. Moving to Liljevalchsgatan is seen as something positive and exciting and will probably attract a new audience. The fair is a good indicator as to what is going on in the Nordic gallery scene. 39 of the leading galleries will be exhibiting at the fair. Besides the main exhibition Market Emerging is included, a department for newly created galleries. This department is an important part of the fair, highlighting new galleries and their importance of a vibrant gallery scene. This year ANNA ELLE Gallery, APA Gallery, Domej Gallery and Gallery Stains Berliner will be showcasing art in the Market Emerging. In addition, there is a section called Market At Large which showcases items that do not usually fit in the usual stands or that require more focus. All At large projects will be displayed in the sculpture hall. Some works are specifically designed for Market Art Fair. Market started in 2006 by a group of gallery owners with the goal of creating a quality exhibition in central Stockholm. »

MARKET ART FAIR, part of Stockholm Art Week, April 1–6 2014. MARKET Art Fair is part of the Stockholm Art Week, taking place from the 1st to 6th of April. During the week other trade fair exhibits such as Photography Market on Fotografiska, Stockholm Art Book Fair at Spritmuseeum and other pop-up activities in the art field. Examples include gallery owner Niklas Belenius who organizes a group exhibition at the Biological Museum and gallery owner Jonas Kleerup who along with Bukowski is curating an exhibition titled The Art of Note Making. Leading institutions and museums arrange special programs during the week and many offer free admission. The start takes place on the first of April by a walking tour of a selection of Stockholm’s public art. The tour is led by Lena Form from Stockholm Art. Later in the evening, the opening party is being held at Taverna Brillo together with Bonnier Konsthall. On Saturday April 5th it is the Gallery Night in Stockholm, when many of the galleries are open with extended hours. Even if you are deeply interested in art or have never been to a gallery the Market Art Fair is a fun opportunity to get an insight into the Nordic contemporary art.

Gallerie Leger, Utan Titel (självporträtt) Peter Johansson, 2000, fotografi, Foto: Tord Lund

PHOTO: JOHAN LINDSKOG

» Market is owned by a group of Nordic galleries on a non-profit basis. Market Art Fair’s focus is to be the Nordic art scene’s premier quality exhibition and a venue for the contemporary art world actors. Each year galleries from Scandinavia is applying to the fair and the selection of galleries is made by an external selection committee. The selection is part of the success; Market never had the desire to be larger in the number of participating galleries. Quality is more important than quantity. It is only Nordic galleries participating, but the galleries will showcase international art. Market’s main partners are Morgan Stanley and Vinge. The fair is run by two co-directors, Joanna Sundström and Anna-Karin Helgesson. To attract international visitors Market arranges a coveted Collecort programme. This grip is common at art fairs around the world. 72

THREE QUESTIONS T O J OA N N A SUNDSTRÖM, CO DIRECTOR MARKET ART FA I R :

DON’T MISS

Taverna Brillo will together with Ruinart Champagne build a pop-up bar in the central sculpture hall. Ruinart is the oldest champagne house in the world and often appear in art contexts. Because if you read carefully, the name asks a pertinent question – R U In Art? ♣ Stockholm Art Week April 1–6 www.stockholmartweek.com Market Art Fair April 4–6 at Liljevalchs www.market-art.se Stockholm Art Book Fair April 4–6 at Spritmuseeum www.stockholmartbookfair.com Photomarket April 4–6 at Fotografiska http://spwk.eu/PhotoMarket Gallery Night April 5 www.gallerinatten.se

Why should you visit the Market Art fair? “Market is a perfect way to get to enjoy contemporary art in a convenient and at the same time fun and energized manner. Instead of running the gallery rounds in the various cities it’s on Market possible to offer a coherent view with 39 of Scandinavia’s leading galleries in one place. The Fair will be popping up in a few days and then it’s all over. The atmosphere is fantastic and this year it is more exciting than ever before.” Do you have any tips for visitors? “My best tip is to talk to gallery exhibitors. Ask them to tell you about the artist partnerships, dare to ask who the artist is, what it costs, what material it is made of and anything else you wonder. It is a fair and everything is for sale, and whether you’re buying, it might be interesting to know. Gallery exhibitors are real storytellers.” What’s New at the fair? “What is new is obviously the new location that put the fair in a new light. Market has always been in February and is now postponed to the first week in April. We hope for good weather. There are also some brand new galleries that will be exciting to see. Like the Icelandic Hverfis Gallery and the Swedish Lars Bohman Gallery, Monkey Gallery and Domeij Gallery.”

LIFESTYLE

L O N E S TA R:

Heel Kickin’ Fun in Skåne

Cowboy hats, BBQs, bull riding, line dancing, bonfires…If you’ve dreamt of travelling to the wild, wild west, it may be closer than you think! T E X T: M I C H A E L H E L A N D E R P H O T O : C O U R T E S Y O F LO N E S TA R C O N F E R E N C E C E N T R E

Conference Centre is a western-themed adventure destination located in the heart of Skåne in southern Sweden.You’ll be met with the flag of Texas waving at the entrance, and visitors have even said it is more ‘Texas’ than Texas itself! And it should be. The owners regularly visit the real Wild West in the United States to draw inspiration and pack up a shipping container’s worth of authentic western goods used for décor as well as to sell in the gift shop. With literally hundreds of activities to choose from, the Lone Star caters to family fun, company events, school outings, and more. Families are welcome to come for a day, or stay for the weekend. Every Saturday is the Country Fest: a 5-hour family event that includes a mouth-watering BBQ buffet at one of the Lone Star’s three restaurants, live music with The Lone stars, and an evening of kicking up your heels on the dance floor with country line dancing. No experience is needed and they will teach you everything you need to know. Just keep your eyes open throughout the evening for a group of rowdy outlaws bent on spoiling the fun. h e l o n e s ta r

Weekend packages are also available, including a stay at Lone Star’s westernthemed cabins or family hostel and entrance to the Country Fest. Guests can kick back by the cabin fire after a leisurely hike through the surrounding beech tree forest; Choose to relax or search for adventure with a multitude of activities including fishing, swimming, canoes, hikes, and a ride on the mechanical bull for the brave at heart. The Lone Star Conference Centre also provides the perfect backdrop for company gatherings and team building events. The conference and adventure package offers custom designed activities and adventures for your group, including cliff rappelling, canoeing, axe throwing competitions and archery. Rent the hot tub year-round, or take a dip in the Lone Star swimming pool during the summer season. The activities and adventure that await visitors at Lone Star offer something for all ages, including school trips designed for between one and four days. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, trips with friends, a couple’s weekend – there is something for everyone at Lone Star Conference Centre. ♣

COUNTRY FEST 245 SEK / adults 95 SEK / children WESTERN WEEKEND 1990 SEK / 2 people includes lodging and Country Fest entry SCHOOL TRIPS 325-340 SEK / child 995 SEK / child includes one overnight

W E LC OM E TO E V E RY D AY L I F E

IN THE V I K I N G AG E In the middle of Upplands Väsby is Gunne’s farm (“Gunnes gård” in Swedish), a unique and lovingly recreated environment from ancient times. Step inside and experience the day to day chores of a farmhouse exactly as it would have been a thousand years ago.

VIKING HOUSES AT GUNNE’S FARM: Gunne’s farm is a reconstruction. The model is from an archaeological excavation in Pollista, Bålstavägen. At Gunne’s farm you can see and experience what it was like to live on a farm a thousand years ago. Farm animals roam around the houses and burial ground. A trail, which takes visitors to many ancient sites is mapped in the area. One of the runic stones beneath the farm says: “Vibjörn had the stone cut by Gunne’s daughter, his wife.” The farm is named after the stone.

OPEN:

April-May: Saturday and Sunday 10am–4pm June, July, August: Tuesday-Sunday 10am–4pm September–October: Saturday and Sunday 10am–4pm

CONTACT:

+46 (0)8-5908 49 28 Ryttargatan 270 194 71 Upplands Väsby www.upplandsvasby.se/Gunnes gunnes.gard@upplandsvasby.se

In the cookhouse a pot is simmering over an open fire. Here, food is prepared by old recipes, using simple wholesome ingredients, such as turnips, cabbage and corn. In the garden, herbs and plants grow much like they did a thousand years ago. Wild plants are also being used: stinging nettles, blueberries and plantain all have dual uses as both food and medicine. At Gunne’s farm bread is baked, metal tools are forged, skins are prepared and fabrics are woven from freshly sheared sheep's wool. The main house contains the loom; this is where the weaving takes place. When building houses at the farm, real models – inspired by the discoveries of archaeologists during excavations – are used. There is a real sense of humans and nature working in harmony here – from the cows grazing in the pasture to the pigs rooting around outside the barns – much like it would have been a millennium ago. This is a working farm. Every season provides unique chores. Currently on Gunne’s farm, wood carving days, wool weekends and bead manufacturing is being organised and arranged. The activities can also involve leather processing and games and sports derived thousands of years ago. And of course, there’s cooking – anyone who wants to can get a taste of pea bread, blood dumplings and other ancient delicacies. In September each year, the big autumn market is organised. It brings together craftsmen from many parts of the country to exchange experiences and to view each other's goods manufactured according to ancient principles.

IRON AGE LIFE

To live the Iron Age life means changing your identity for a day or an evening. With Viking names and clothes, the visitors are working on various chores and crafts that were used on a Viking farm. Examples of activities which occur are cooking, blacksmithing and textile, as well as bone and horn crafts. The food has a central function; when you all gather together and enthusiastically discuss “how it was to live 1000 years ago”. Many of the younger pupils in Upplands Väsby schools are visiting Gunne’s farm and living the Iron Age life as part of the study of history. DISPLAY ON GUNNE’S FARM

The tours are arranged throughout the year and provide a snapshot of everyday life on a farm in Viking times. The guide takes the group on a visit to the houses, and a walk among the animals and ancient monuments in the immediate surroundings. The guides talk about family life, clothes, food, animals, farming, hunting, fishing, faith, burial ceremonies and what was found in the excavation of two graves in the summer of 1996. The houses, the fire, the smells and ancient monuments make it easy to fantasise about how it was in the age of the Vikings. A tour takes about one hour and group sizes of 10 are just about right. After the tour, the group continues with ancient crafts; the guide starts them off and then they continue on their own. The group is also welcome to come before or stay after the guided tour to relax and enjoy the farm atmosphere. ♣ 75

TRAVEL

A HOME FOR THE HOME Y Multiple travel trends coexist in a hundred-year-old private residence in Stockholm. Ett Hem combines a cozy, personal atmosphere with world-class design and an elaborate cuisine. They have received awards and media attention from all over the world. But few Stockholmers have been there. T E X T: C H R I S T I A N V O N E S S E N P H O T O S : E T T H E M / M A G N U S M Å R D I N G

n one of the more

anonymous small-townlike streets of Östermalm, Sköldungagatan, lies one of Stockholm’s more remarkable hotel establishments. But Ett Hem (basically “A home”) and its atmosphere is anything but a traditional hotel. General Manager Kenneth Hallström tirelessly corrects the small linguistic traits that could nurture the misconception – there are “guest rooms”, not “hotel rooms”, and all meals are served in the dining room slash library. Or in the kitchen if you like.

Or in the glass house. Well, it’s your home, so you decide. “Our ambition is to get to know our guests as much as possible”, Kenneth says. “We call them a week or two in advance, just to get an update on what they prefer and see if we can help them arrange something in the city.” There are 12 guest rooms, from double rooms to an executive suite, at a price range of 3,800 to 7,500 SEK for one night. “We have the luxury hotel experience, but in a personal setting,” says Kenneth Hallström, who has a 20 year background

firmly rooted in the Stockholm hotel scene. He has been at Ett Hem from 2012 and has hand-picked the entire staff himself. When choosing his employees, experience in the hospitality industry often has to stand back in favour of a great personality. PRIVATE RESIDENCE

The story begins at the turn of the twentieth century. Many of the beautiful brick buildings on the sloped blocks from Valhallavägen down to Karlavägen served as large private residences for government officials. The house on Sköldungagatan 2 was built

FACTS ETT HEM Ett Hem was established in 2012, in Lärkstan, a part of Östermalm in Stockholm. There are 12 guest rooms and the guests usually eat and drink together at large family tables. Some of the furniture has been designed by world-famous interior designer Ilse Crawford.

booking the entire house for a conference every once in a while.” Business travellers mingle at breakfast in the working weeks, while many couples and families enjoy the facilities during weekends. Hallström estimates that 60 per cent of the guests are international, and the consequent pricing lets Ett Hem stay in a comfortable premium segment, away from booking engines such as Hotels.com and Booking.com. “We are listed in Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which is perfect for our target group. We are also featured in a lot of international press, with two or three new media requests every week.” The unique, personal atmosphere and individually designed rooms, peppered with furniture, artefacts, art and books from the combined taste preferences of Jeanette Mix and Ilse Crawford, apparently makes Ett Hem an interesting story. And having proven themselves in the travel and design community, with several prestigious awards, the quest is currently winning the heart of the food critics. “We have a really well-established chef team here now,” says Kenneth Hallström. “More and more ‘foodies’ come here to stay with us. Now it seems that we will be included in Guide Michelin’s new Nordic book, so that segment is very likely to increase.” ♣

PHOTO: CHRISTAN VON ES SEN

Prices range from 3,800 to 7,500 SEK per night. Learn more at www.etthem.se

in 1910 for Mr Palmgren and his wife. They had no children, but 1,000 square metres of space and a beautiful garden in the middle of the city. The property was bought by research Kenneth Hallström and publishing house SNS (Centre for Business and Policy Studies) in the 1950’s, and turned into offices. It wasn’t until 2006 that the building was sold again, this time to hotelier Jeanette Mix and her husband Harald Mix, an investment capitalist. They had always dreamed of creating their own small, personal hotel, and when the building was for sale they seized the opportunity. Transforming the house back to the way it was designed in 1910 was a difficult project, but restorations were com-

pleted in 2012. 12 rooms were thoughtfully furnished and decorated with the help of renowned British interior designer, Ilse Crawford. Her solid, heavy brass furniture adds extra character throughout the entire building. AN INTERNATIONAL CROWD

In May 2014, Ett Hem celebrates its two year anniversary. Without the ability to expand the number of rooms, staff has increased from eight to sixteen. Many of them are recruited from top restaurants to lift the culinary standards even higher. “We are increasingly focusing on dinners and meetings”, says Kenneth Hallström. “We are open for anyone to come here to have drinks or eat lunch or dinner, but by appointment only. Some of our guests are famous people who value the privacy they have here. We also have to turn down many photo shoots and corporate events, even if we can have companies

GOURMET

BOCUSE D ’O R E U R O PE

comes to Sweden

A moment to celebrate the Swedish gastronomic scene: for the first time, the world-famous culinary championship Bocuse d’Or Europe will be hosted in Sweden. On May 7–8, the most talented up-and-coming chefs from across Europe will do battle in Stockholm for a place in the grand finale of Bocuse d’Or 2015, haute cuisine´s greatest contest. T E X T: C L A U D I A W A L L I N

being chosen to

host the world´s most prestigious cooking competition, Bocuse d’Or, demonstrates how prominent a culinary city Stockholm has become. The event helps to attract both visitors and future investors and strengthens the image of Stockholm as a creative gastronomic destination”, says Sten Nordin, Mayor of Stockholm. The Bocuse d’Or Europe 2014 will gather chefs from 20 countries at the Stockholmsmässan venue, where visitors will also be able to visit northern Europe´s largest food and beverage trade fair, GastroNord.

Tommy Myllymäki’s meat dish.

Around 450 journalists from all over the world are expected for the culinary feast, while the City of Stockholm prepares a series of special events for the general public in town. For the organisers, the arrival of the Bocuse d´Or European championship in Stockholm represents the long heralded rise of Swedish food. In the UK alone, they say sales of Swedish food are up by 30 per cent since 2006, and Swedish restaurants and bakeries are popping up everywhere in London. “We believe that hosting the Bocuse d’Or Europe competition is a recognition of what we have achieved in Sweden as a culinary nation over the the last twenty years”, says Mathias Dahlgren, celebrated double Michelin star chef, who will be presiding over the European competition in Stockholm. “We are proud of the produce we have in our country, and we are also open-minded to incorporate elements and ideas of other countries. We have great chefs, we have an interesting restaurant scene, and people have been talking about Swedish food in Europe and out in the world”, adds Dahlgren, who in 1997 became the first, and so far only Swede to win gold in Bocuse d’Or. For the first time in the competition’s

history, all the main ingredients will be sourced from the host country: the mussels, for example, will come from Mollösund, in West Sweden, whilst Swedish young pigs will be delivered from Mathias Dahlgren a farm in the south of Gotland. The competitors will have five hours and 35 minutes to prepare two elaborate platters – a fish and a meat dish, for 12 people. The platters are presented to a panel of judges, who make their evaluations based on the level of perfection in terms of taste, complexity, technique, innovation and harmony. The jury will include Elena Arzak, the world´s best female chef in 2012 and daughter to living legend of Basque cuisine, Juan Mari Arzak. “There will be many spectacular visual presentations. But in the end, the best food always wins,” says Mathias Dahlgren. Sweden will be represented in the competition by chef Tommy Myllymäki, silver medalist at the Bocuse d’Or 2011 competition. A well-known face in Swedish television – he was the winner of the TV

PHOTO: VISITSWEDEN/FENELLA METT

Tommy Myllymäki’s fish dish.

BOCUSE D’OR EUROPE 2014 DAY 1 – MAY 7TH: Contestant number 1: Germany Contestant number 2: Spain Contestant number 3: Turkey Contestant number 4: France Contestant number 5: Italy Contestant number 6: Estonia Contestant number 7: Norway Contestant number 8: Denmark Contestant number 9: The Netherlands Contestant number 10: Bulgaria DAY 2 – MAY 8TH: Contestant number 1: Finland Contestant number 2: United Kingdom Contestant number 3: Switzerland Contestant number 4: Hungary Contestant number 5: Austria Contestant number 6: Iceland Contestant number 7: Sweden Contestant number 8: Luxemburg Contestant number 9: Belgium Contestant number 10: Russia

Swedish competitor Tommy Myllymäki (to the right) and his commis Albin Edberg.

program Kockarnas Kamp (“Battle of the Chefs”) in 2012 , Tommy runs his own restaurant, Sjön, in Jönköping. The top 12 finalists of the European championship in Stockholm will qualify for the world final of Bocuse d’Or in Lyon in January 2015 - which will also gather the top finalists from Bocuse d’Or Asia and the Copa Azteca Latin America competition, amongst others. Founded by France´s novelle-cuisine icon Paul Bocuse, the Bocuse d’Or competition was born in 1987 in his native city of Lyon. Otherwise known as the Olympics of the culinary world, it takes place every two years in front of an audience of thousands of highly enthusiastic, cheering fans. It bears the fame as the world’s most rigorous culinary contest. Over the years, the Nordic cuisine has been consistently achieving the top positions at the Bocuse D’Or competition. In the 2011 contest, the Scandinavians

celebrated a total victory: the Bocuse d’Or went to Rasmus Kofoed of Denmark, the Bocuse d’Argent to Tommy Myllymäki of Sweden, and the Bocuse de Bronze to Gunnar Hvarnes, of Norway. And for chef Mathias Dahlgren, Sweden can now be in the lead of a new kind of eating experience: “Maybe in the future we will see many more simpler restaurants. There has been a growing interest in Sweden, from a huge mass of people, in going out and dining more often to have different eating experiences. Most people in the world do not want to go out and sit in a restaurant for four hours and eat 15 dishes – they want to eat simple, good, interesting food. And I think that can be what Sweden will stand for in the future.” ♣ Tickets to see the chef competition will be available at the homepage of the Stockholm Fair (Stockholmsmässan).

GOURMET

Gulddraken S W E D I S H R E S TAU R A N T AWA R D S Stockholm was once known for rather pedestrian food and restaurants that failed to inspire. These days the scene is not just thriving, it’s growing and making its mark as a destination for food lovers the world over. No longer the province of cream, dill and potatoes (although you won’t go wrong with that combination!) the food scene in Stockholm now offers pretty much whatever your palate desires. T E X T: J U D I L E M B K E

awards season across the world and in Stockholm Gulddraken (The Golden Dragon), presented by top Swedish broadsheet Dagens Nyheter, is the most prestigious culinary award in town. The award honours restaurants in six different categories: Luxury, Middle and Budget – with bar and café categories, as well as a special ‘guest prize’, which is presented by the well-known British journalist A.A. Gill. There are generally five nominees in each category, which are announced towards the end of the previous year. DN has been covering the Stockholm restaurant scene for more than 35 years and in 2001 established Gulddraken in order to bring attention to the best the capital has to offer to the inveterate foodie. The jury is made up of an anonymous ‘Pub Commission’ who visit nominees on multiple occasions, judging on taste experience, atmosphere, value for money and level of employee satisfaction. Ambition, imagination, wine list, and kitchen savvy also play into the final decisions. This year’s awards were presented at Stockholm’s glamorous Cafe Opera on the 27th January, and the excitement was palpable as the 500 guests gathered to nibble on 80

anuary kicks off

finger food and sip bubbly as they awaited the announcements. Presenter Magdelena Ribbing kicked off the evening, bringing roars of laughter with her quick etiquette tip when announcing the Budget winner, : ‘Do not talk with food in your mouth so that it spits and sputters – it’s too crowded between tables at budget restaurants’. Anyone who has crammed their way into a table at one of Stockholm’s smaller restaurants knew exactly what she was talking about. The Budget winner was one of the new kids on the block, vegan/vegetarian Restaurant Voltaire (Systrarna Voltaire). Owners Sally Voltaire and her mother Lotta were praised for creating ‘an oasis of green food enjoyment without lecturing’. Much was made of two women winning, as the room was 80% men and the field is, for better or worse, male-dominated. In the Middle category it was Vasastan’s Little Ego (Lilla Ego), awarded for its ‘warm atmosphere inside the rustic brick walls’. Little Ego is known for its high levels of ambition and low levels of pretension – the win was well deserved. Oaxen was the big winner of the night, taking a gong not just in the Luxury category but also A.A. Gill’s International Guest Dragon. A.A. Gill said that when

in Stockholm he always chooses Oaxen. Oaxen, which until recently was located out in Stockholm’s archipelago, is not easy to access, being situated on Djurgården, the Royal Park abutting Stockholm’s tony Östermalm neighbourhood. But it is worth the taxi or tram trip as the menu, which is sourced locally, is considered one of the finest in the country. Café Esaias, located on the always buzzing Drottninggatan – which is sometimes called “Stockholm’s hottest tavern square” - was awarded the Gold Dragon in the Café category. It was noted for its top-notch coffee (very important to the coffee-loving Swedes) and excellent pastries and sandwiches. Old Town’s Tweed won Best Bar, praised for its combination of passion and perfection. Known for it’s cozy surroundings, Tweed is the place to sink into a Chesterfield and sip a soothing cognac or whiskey while discussing the events of the day in extreme comfort. In addition to the traditional six winners, three special prizes were awarded this year: Daniel Crespi was designated the Year’s Tavern Profile, Gro Restaurant was noted for being the Year’s Lunch Heroes, and Gaston Wine Bar got the trophy for being the Year’s Everyday Improver. ♣

Oaxen Krog Lilla Ego

Sally Voltaire, owner of Restaurant Voltaire

GUIDE TO THE GOLDEN DR AGON WINNERS BUDGET: Restaurant Voltaire Hötorget 13/Drottninggatan 72 PUB 1st floor Stockholm 08-20 19 90 www.systrarnavoltaire.se MIDDLE: Little Ego/Lilla Ego Västmannagatan 69 69 113 Stockholm 08-27 44 55 info@lillaego.com www.lillaego.com LUXURY/INTERNATIONAL GUEST DRAGON Oaxen Krog & Slip Beckholmsvägen 26 115 21 Stockholm 08 551 531 05 info@oaxen.se www.oaxen.com

SWEDISH DIARY

C U LT U R A L C O N S I D E R AT I O N S :

When intent should be considered when laws are broken I would like to think that my home duality status affords me a teeny bit more credibility when observing, praising or criticizing Sweden. A recent event in Sweden brought international attention to Sweden’s legal proceedings. A Malaysian couple living in Stockholm were arrested, detained and tried for violating their children’s integrity because they used physical punishments on them. t went y y e ars in sweden.

In 1979, Sweden outlawed corporal punishment for children. They were the first nation in the world to criminalize outright the use of physical methods of discipline, including for parents. The spirit of the law is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. I thoroughly support the law and its original intentions. As the child of parents who rejected the use of physical punishment, with or without Sweden’s law I would never have accepted corporal punishment as a form of discipline for my own children, or used it to “teach a lesson.” Instead, we have had great success with non-corporal punishment, guidance and incentives. Our kids aren’t angels, but they are courteous, helpful and eventually come around to doing the right thing. Parenting without smacking requires patience and fortitude. Learning how to respect others is a long-term life lesson. But I come from a country, the US, which still allows for corporal punishment from parents. Many parents are moving away from it, but there is no law forbidding it, as long as it does not cross into abuse. While I would never advocate its use, I can sympathize with parents who believe (even if I strongly disagree) that it is the right method to properly raise a well-behaved child. Their intentions are good even if the method is flawed. There is no denying that regardless of your personal viewpoint and cultural practices, the local law must always be respected and the consequences of breaking local law will have its consequences. Ignorance of the law is never a defense. But I can’t dismiss the protests that came from Malaysians and the #SwedenLetThemGo hashtag campaign. There is an obvious clash of cultural values. And some of the outspoken Swedish voices on social media should take that to heart. It happens to all of us in foreign places. Some of you may remember the case of a Danish couple in New York City in 1997. They left their 14-month old child outside a restaurant in Manhattan bundled up snugly in a stroller. It’s rather normal in Stockholm; I have done it as well.You can monitor from the window. The parents were charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The child was taken into custody though the case was later dropped. A Swedish mother 82

was also arrested accused of child abuse in Amherst, Massachusetts in 2011 for leaving her one-year old in a stroller outside a restaurant. She defended herself by claiming it was common practice in Sweden. Both sets of parents were eventually reunited with their children and neither spent any time in prison. Comparing cases would be comparing the proverbial apples and oranges. What all cases do share is a belief and a familiarity in doing what they think is the right thing. In the “Scandinavians in US” cases, the explanation of “This is normal where I come from” seems very reasonable to a Swede who can sympathize since they too, might do it at home. However, a similar explanation of the Malaysian couple’s values is instead received with contempt by many outspoken voices. The results of the trial may show that the parents were abusive, even by the norms of a Malaysian family, but that is not the point. (The trial was underway but not yet decided at the time of publishing.) The couple clearly violated the laws of Sweden, which prohibit corporal punishment, and they should be fairly tried and held accountable. However, the intent of the parents comes from a set of values and norms that allow for physical punishment. And that should be taken into account from the moment of the arrest to when and how formal charges are made. It doesn’t always have to be a case of strict adherence to the letter of the law when it is obvious the intent may come laced with differing values. At the very least, a bit more sympathy and flexibility when it is obvious that the ‘suspects’ may not be basing decisions on the same customs and norms. That is what the Scandinavians in the US were afforded. By Elizabeth Dacey-Fondelius

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