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R E S P ON S IBLE P UBLI S HE R AND C HIE F EDITO R TERESA IVARS LANGUAGE EDITO R LAURA POINTING COVER P oland ’ s and S weden ’ s P ri m e Ministers D onald T us k and F redri k R einfeldt in W arsaw, May 2 0 1 1

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2012 Raoul Wallenberg Year: To mark the centenary of his birth, Swedish Bulletin spring edition 2012 plans to dedicate a special feature to commemorate this Swedish international hero, who rescued tens of thousands of Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary during WWII after arriving in Budapest in July 1944, as a special Swedish Envoy. He was detained by the Soviets in 1945 during the Siege of Budapest and up to now his fate remains an unsolved mystery and the subject of continued speculation. Read on page 17 contribution by Olle Wästberg, Co-ordinator of the National Committee for Raoul Wallenberg 2012. In this issue our main focus is on Poland and the ever developing relationship between Poland and Sweden, and the long history that our countries have shared. We take a look at how Poland’s European optimism, was needed for her successful Polish Presidency of EU. SB interviewed the ambassadors of Sweden and Poland, Staffan Herrström and Adam Hałacinski and Swedish photographer Georg van der Weyden who has spent the past seven years discovering Poland through his lens. In our section Swedish Companies you can learn about how SAAB, the Swedish defence and security company with global reach, can help a nation to develop that capacity, helping national defence and civil authorities to be better prepared for future threats. We meet the inventors of Hovding’s ‘Invisible Helmet’ Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin, who have revolutionised the bicycle helmet for the fashion conscious among us. Swedish company Sodra is also causing excitement in the green sector with their recent development Durapulp, a new material that is poised to be a replacement for plastic.You can also read about the Green Train, the most environmentally friendly mode of long distant transport. With the Christmas season fast approaching, Swedish Bulletin brings you some festive cheer with a visit to Gränna, the home of ‘polkagris’, a sweet treat that is a symbol of Christmas the world over. If you consider something different, take a look at Christmas in Poland, and get inspired by the unique gift ideas in The Art of Giving. If you are more of a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas then you will pleased to hear that Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ is making a comeback to the Stockholm stage this season, with full details on page 64. If you want to find a good spa to go to this holiday season, then take a look at those on offer in Wellness in Poland and experience something new.

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The days may be getting shorter and darker, but Swedish Bulletin shows that Sweden still has much to offer during this festive season. Season’s Greetings and Merry Christmas to you all!

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swedish FOCUS

PEOPLE

SWEDISH REGIONS

58 Hasselblad award 2011 - Walid Raad

48 Anna C Belfrage - Building future leaders

Värmland - Land of poets and iron works

60 The retro radical artist - Thought provoking

50 A true picture of modern day Poland -

he design museum in Götebourg - Housing T fascinating collections and presenting exhibitions

66 UEFA EURO 2012 - Football champions will

The new confident Poland - Poland’s ambassador

to Sweden, Adam Hałacinski, is happy

mbassador Staffan Herrström - Discusses the A relationship between Sweden and Poland

12 From rivalry to friendship - A look back at Sweden and Poland’s joint history

14 Poland’s European optimism - The rise of Poland in the EU

Poland - The European success story

Polish design in a nutshell

FEATURES

Photographer Georg van de Weyden has been capturing Poland through his lens

SWEDISH COMPANIES

18 Saab - Innovating weapons for the future 20

Trafikverket - Gröna Tåget; The Green Train

22 Law for Swedes in the world - Knowing your 24 SLG Thomas International Poland - Providing ways to improve your business

28 Investor AB - Enjoying success despite troubled

Stockholm ICT innovation praised

44 2012 Raoul Wallenberg centennial - The world

remembers that one man can make a difference

S trindberg 2012 - A radical writer of his time. His work is very much alive today

financial times

urapulp - A biodegradable new material to D replace plastic

32 Hövding’s invisible helmet - Revolutionising the bicycle helmet

istra-Urban Futures - Making a difference in M urban development

LANDMARKS

rights

16 The 2011 Nobel Prize for Literature - Success for Tomas Tranströmer

WINTE R 2 0 1 1

S weden’s landscape laboratory - Promoting education in horticulture and design

LIFESTYLE

work by Marcus Mårtenson

meet in Poland in the summer of 2012

Wellness in Poland - For body and wallet

FASHION

assionate fashion by Ursache - Amelia Ursache P shares her spring/summer 2012 collection

GOURMET

72 Gränna - The sweetest town in Sweden is the origin of Polkagris

62 The art of giving - Be inspired by unique gifts

74 Polish Christmas table just like years ago -

this festive season

hat the Dickens? - English theatre brings W Christmas spirit to Stockholm

Explaining Polish Christmas traditions 1 9 Glas - Peter Bennyson puts his neighbourhood restaurant on the map

ART & CULTURE

SWEDISH DIARY

80 Some things you might not know about the

ntik West in Göteborg and Beijing - Sharing A the beauty of Chinese antiques

Nobel prize and its laureates

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oland’s ambassador to Sweden, Adam Hałacinski, is happy. Poland’s economy is relatively healthy despite the times of crisis; the EU Presidency has so far been fulfilled with professionalism and dedication. Next year the Swedish soccer enthusiasts will travel to Poland to witness UEFA 2012. Also, although he may not want to admit it, the latest parliamentary election in Poland proved not to be the turbulent affair the media had somewhat anticipated. The ruling coalition was re-elected – a historical event in Poland and political stability was ensured.

Transition to market economy Since the EU membership in 2004, (“a point of no return”) life of the average Polish citizen has improved. But the fast and sometimes painful transition from socialism to market economy started two decades earlier, it has been characterized by tough economic reforms and a lowering of inflation from peak levels of 600 percent in 1989 down to EU standards. Poles are also both proud and happy to be a part of the union, and when the Polish EU Presidency started on July 1st 2011, people celebrated in the streets.You don’t see that kind of EU enthusiasm in many of the union’s other member countries. “I think we have one of the highest support levels for EU of all members,” smiles Adam Hałacinski in his large office at Karlavägen in Stockholm. “The Presidency has been very well reviewed so far, and we have been considered well-prepared, solid and responsible in our engagements. It has been a good way of showing our degree of ‘EU ripeness’ and I think it was the perfect moment for us to step up and raise the standard.” Growth, openness and security have been the three pillars which the work has been based upon. The EU needs far more transparency to avoid another Greece situation according to many, and there have been several conferences on how the EU should tackle these kinds of crisis situations.

Sweden and Poland in close relation

The new, confident Poland Poland is one of Sweden’s closest neighbours and our history has been painted with both blood and solidarity. Now a new Poland is rising, with entrepreneurship, confidence and stability. TE X T & P HOTO : C H R I S T I A N V O N E S S E N

Adam Hałacinski has been living with his wife and two daughters in Stockholm suburb Skogås for a year, which he refers to as “an excellent year” and “a stage of advanced beginning”. He has developed a well-established co-operative framework in Sweden, and has had many dealings with focus on the EU. ‒ “Sweden and Poland share the same approach in many cases. There is the strong sense of equality and solidarity and the active participation in the EU. We also have many common policies and collaborate on a large-scale basis in the Baltic Sea Region for example.” Sweden and Poland have also both been doing quite well in the latest financial crisis. In Poland’s case this is due to a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a growing service sector and a strong consumer market. In addition returning Poles who have been abroad, bring home with them fresh capital and internationally acquired talent. The history of the two countries is tightly knit, both with blood and solidarity. “As far as I know, the Polish national anthem is the only one that actually makes a Swedish reference in the lyrics. We used to have common monarchs, we have fought wars,

but later on many Poles were helped in exile here in Sweden. You helped after WWII with the White Buses, and there was also the solidarity movement in the early 80’s when each Swede contributed with one krona to the Polish cause. These things are remembered in Poland.”

Large trade exchange Today, the connection is mainly business-oriented. The trade exchange between Sweden and Poland has doubled during the last five years, and the trade turn-out is SEK 60 billion, with a trade surplus for Poland. Sweden is now the 6th or 7th biggest investor in Poland, and an increasing amount of Polish small and medium-sized enterprises are moving to Sweden. ‒ “One of the things on my agenda is to encourage Sweden to be even more open to Polish products and services,” says Adam Hałacinski. “There are many fine products from our agricultural markets that could easily be popular in Sweden.” The first Poles arrived in Sweden in the 19th century and today there are almost 100,000 Poles living and working here. The grey labour market that brought many workers to Swedish construction sites and farms in the 80’s has ceased to exist.

‒ “The communist system encouraged the grey market, but now with the open borders there is no need to bypass the authorities anymore. Also, Poles have become more well-educated, wellmannered and skilled. Back then we only had the practical skills, but nowadays these skills have been paired with a good sense of business as well.” With some more time to go on the job, Adam Hałacinski looks upon the future with enthusiasm. “Sweden has always been perceived in a positive way in Poland, both in the public and political opinion. This notion is just developing, and now we see a heavily increased interest for Poland here in Sweden, both as a potential business market and as a tourist destination. Last year we had 150,000 tourists from Sweden. In 2012 we are hoping that for that figure to significantly increase.

From the “Declaration on political co-operation in areas of strategic importance between Poland and Sweden” May 2011: “The Government of the Republic of Poland and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden believe that the promotion of mutual understanding and closer co-operation between Poland and Sweden will benefit the interests of both States. Building on already existing forms of co-operation, Poland and Sweden will further deepen and extend this co-operation in areas of strategic importance for both countries.”

FOCUS HE S t a f f a n H e r r s t r ö m , a m b a s s a d o r o f S w e d e n t o P o l a n d .

Ambassador Staffan Herrström Sweden and Poland see eye to eye on regional co-operation with more room for expanding relations TE X T: E R I C PA G L I A

P HOTO : S W E D I S H E M B A S S Y I N W A R S A W

wedish ambassador to Poland Staffan Herrström has enjoyed a distinguished career in politics, the media, international development and most recently diplomacy. Warsaw is his third diplomatic destination, following ambassadorships in Tanzania and Vietnam. Six months in to his latest assignment, Ambassador Herrström spoke to Swedish Bulletin about his personal impressions and the deep ties between Sweden and its Baltic neighbour to the south, which is currently holding the rotating European Union Presidency for the first time.

How do you see relations evolving in the years ahead?

How is Sweden perceived in Poland?

Trade, which is still too low compared to our neighbours, will definitely increase. I believe tourists will increasingly travel in both directions, and co-operation will increase in almost all possible areas. The declaration signed during the State Visit in May signaled that kind of ambition. Foreign policy is an obvious case in point but also environmental. Some areas that are very close to my heart where I would like to see more co-operation are children’s rights, gender equality and the rights of LGBT people where already some initiatives have been taken.

A Polish journalist told me the image of Sweden couldn’t be better. True or not - I definitely feel that the perception is very positive. Perhaps sometimes reflecting the traditional Sweden more than the modern Sweden but I think that is gradually changing as well. When you e.g. talk about Swedish music I hear references not only to ABBA but also to new musicians and bands that might be unknown to me but well known to a younger generation. While along a different line, some Swedish experiences related to greening the economy and gender equality could be a source of inspiration.

What are your main priorities while ambassador to Poland?

What insights about Poland have you gained while ambassador?

First of all to promote our already excellent relations, especially in the area of trade and investment, and to make modern day Sweden even better known in Poland. Secondly to continue the dialogue around important issues on the EU agenda, also beyond the Polish EU Presidency - a Presidency which I want to underline is managed in a truly impressive way. Thirdly to facilitate the already growing co-operation in environment and energy efficiency. Finally on a personal basis to get to know Polish society and language to become an effective link between our two countries.

After half a year, I have already been impressed by the new, modern Poland emerging with a dynamic economy, energetic foreign policy and strong commitment to European integration. Poland and its success story could and should be an inspiring example for countries in the Eastern neighbourhood. A complementary insight relating to the environment is where I strongly believe that there is a huge potential for greening the Polish economy, in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and using waste as a resource rather than a liability.

As Baltic neighbours, how do Sweden and Poland co-operate on regional concerns?

What are the most important skills, experiences and personality traits for a diplomat?

The EU Baltic Sea Strategy, launched during the Swedish EU Presidency 2009 created a broad framework for co-operation in a wide number of policy areas such as environment and economic growth. I have just participated in the Baltic Development Forum in Gdansk and was impressed by the number of stakeholders now involved in very concrete efforts to develop the potential for innovation and growth, as well as address issues like environmental threats to the Baltic Sea. In this latter area we already have a long history working together within the framework of Helcom and are now working according to a fairly new action plan. Sweden has co-financed several wastewater treatment plants, an area I was deeply involved with during my years within the Swedish development agency Sida, and there is - unfortunately - still a lot to do. We are specifically offering Polish stakeholders and decision makers opportunities to visit Sweden and hopefully become inspired by green solutions in areas such as waste management and renewable energy.

You need to be both curious and humble. To understand a country outside your own requires a constant preparedness to listen, learn and adapt your conclusions to new insights. Personally I have a slightly different background than the professional diplomat - from Swedish politics and Government offices, from media and from development co-operation. All these are very useful experiences not least since I have seen reforms being initiated and implemented in a broad range of areas. At the same time I feel a deep respect for diplomats having spent a longer time than myself in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What are the most important aspects of Swedish-Polish relations?

Are there any points of contention between Sweden and Poland?

We are neighbours, friends and partners - both within the Baltic Sea Region and the European Union. There are 70,000 Poles living in Sweden, and over 600 Swedish companies active in Poland. The Swedish people supported Poland during the fight against oppression, as well as development co-operation during the process of transition and EU integration.

Definitely not. On the contrary - we are very like minded in most policy areas and are often acting jointly within the European Union. Two examples are the EU Baltic Sea Strategy and the EU Eastern Neighbourhood initiative the latter one being brought further forward during the Polish EU Presidency. Through our joint initiative Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine have been able to be offered an avenue leading to closer integration with the EU.

What personal interests do you pursue in your free time? I read a lot, but also like to travel with my family. I am really looking forward to see as much as possible of Poland outside Warsaw. Additionally, I am very fond of jogging. Perhaps it is overambitious but I have a secret dream - perhaps not so secret after having told you in this interview - to participate in the Warsaw Marathon before my term here is over. Some of my free time is also used for my studies in the Polish language. I really enjoy it.

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K i n g C a r l X V I G u s t a v a n d Po l a n d ’ s p r e s i d e n t B r o n i s ł a w K o m o r o w s k i d u r i n g t h e R o y a l C o u p l e ’ s v i s i t i n Po l a n d , M a y 2 0 1 1

TE X T: A R T U R S Z U L C ( T R AN S LATED BY : C H R I S T I N E D E M S T E A D E R ) P HOTO : P I O T R M O L E C K I / K P R

elations between Sweden and Poland have a long historical tradition. It is probable that the first dynastic bond was established in the latter part of the tenth century, when Swedish monarch Erik Segersäll (Eric the Victorious) married Polish princess Swietoslawa who adopted the name Gunhild. She was the sister of Poland’s first crowned king, Boleslav I. Centuries later and royal nuptials resulted in a long period of conflict between the countries. In 1562, Johan III married Polish princess Catherine Jagellon. Their son, Sigismund (born 1566), became King of Poland in 1587 and went on to be crowned Swedish monarch in 1592. To sit on two thrones naturally posed big problems. As a Catholic, Sigismund was highly unpopular in protestant Sweden. Furthermore, he had risen to the Polish throne after promising Swedish-ruled Estonia to the country. There followed a propaganda campaign to oust him and, after the lost battle of Stångebro outside Linköping in 1598, Sigismund was overthrown as Swedish king. He kept the Polish crown, but continued his quest to rule Sweden again. The Polish Vasa’s aspirations to the Swedish throne, and Sweden’s expansion plans meant that the Polish-Swedish conflicts were a regular feature of the 17th and 18th centuries. Karl X Gustav was a Swedish king who wrote himself into the Polish history books. Between 1655 and 1660 his forces ran riot in Poland, leaving a trail of great destruction. It is no wonder that the war became known as the ‘Swedish Deluge’ in Polish history. Peace in Oliwa in 1660 was no real victory for Sweden, other than that Polish monarch, John II Casimir, renounced his claim to the Swedish throne. The dynastic struggle had ended. If the 17th and 18th centuries were marred by rivalry between the two countries, a signature of friendship marked the following 100 years. This was of particular importance during Poland’s darkest moments. Between 1795 and 1918, Poland didn’t exist on the European map and many Swedes became involved in Poland’s struggle for freedom. Every Polish uprising aroused sympathy among the Swedish people, in part thanks to characters such as

Bishop Esaias Tegner and poet Carl Snoilsky who wrote several poems about Poland in 1863. Despite the fact that Poland did not officially exist, the Pole Henryk Sienkiewicz was awarded the 1905 Nobel Prize in Literature. The prize was well deserved, but in the same year riots surfaced in several Polish cities that belonged to Tsarist Russia. Sienkiewicz’s Nobel Prize also played a part for its political significance.

Relations between Sweden and Poland during the 1900’s can be characterized by friendship and ambivalence. When Poland was put back on the map as a renewed nation in 1918 it was recognised almost immediately by Sweden, but diplomatic relations faced a tough start. Poland’s border conflicts had an adverse effect and their demands were regarded as too high by Swedish standards. In 1926, Sweden objected to the permanent Polish membership of the League of Nations Council, which in certain Polish circles confirmed the image of Sweden as pro-German. However, Polish public opinion swung to Swedish favour when Sweden turned out to be prepared to give its seat in the Council to Poland. Despite a slow start, the 1920’s proved a good decade for relations between the two countries. In 1924, the Pole Wladyslaw Reymont received the Nobel Prize in Literature and Swedish culture began to spread throughout Poland. Even trade increased when Poland began exporting coal to Sweden. During the turbulent 1930s, Warsaw sought to deepen relations with Sweden and improve its security position. But neither Foreign Minister Józef Beck’s visit to Stockholm in early 1935 or a trip by Swedish Foreign Minister Richard Sandler to Warsaw two years later led to anything concrete. Sweden did not intend to abandon its strict code of neutrality. When war broke out, however, Sweden didn’t hesitate to take on the role of Poland’s diplomatic patron. During the war there were also Swedes who risked their lives, acting as couriers for the Polish resistance movement.

“Our solidarity will not stop. We are close to Poland.” P r i m e M i n i s t e r O l o f Pa l m e d e c l a r e d

The post-war period naturally brought complications in relations between communist Poland and democratic Sweden. In the years immediately after the war, Sweden had donated large amounts of aid to Poland, but the Polish authorities suspended such programmes in 1948. Almost two decades of frosty relations followed. The ice began to thaw in 1967 when Prime Minister Tage Erlander visited Poland but froze over again the following year in connection with the Communist Party’s anti-Semitism campaign and the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia. Nevertheless, there was a desire to bring about a more vibrant economic and cultural exchange. During the 1970s, Swedish investment in Poland intensified while Polish exports to Sweden increased. When the Solidarity movement was formed in 1980, developments were followed very closely in the Swedish press. Swedish opinion lent itself to support the Poles in their fight for democracy. During Poland’s bleak years in the 1980s, charitable collections of clothes and money were organised.

In 1982 people demonstrated in Stockholm against the oppression and Prime Minister Olof Palme declared: “Our solidarity will not stop. We are close to Poland.” In the end, Poland won its independence and in 2004 the country became a member of the European Union, alongside Sweden. Close bilateral collaboration followed and in May 2011, during the Swedish Royal Couple’s official visit to Poland, a declaration on political co-operation was signed in Warsaw by the respective foreign ministers in the presence of King Carl XVI Gustav. Thus, the circle from rivalry to friendship has been brought to a close.

Artur Szulc (born 1976) is a historian, specialised on Poland during World War Two. He is the author of three books, published by publishing house Norstedts. He also writes articles for several major historical magazines.Visit his website: www. arturszulc.se (in Swedish).

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are positive about the European Union’s future. They are the most positive about the EU’s actions in restoring financial stability. They also remain fiercely pro-European (according to some opinion polls as high as 86% of Poles support EU membership) and three-quarters of Poles believe that Poland has largely benefitted from membership. The reason for Polish optimism about the European Union can be explained by two factors. To begin with, the economic situation has improved significantly in the country over the past twenty years, with EU accession in 2004 accelerating this process. European structural funds allowed for improvement in infrastructure in every region of the country, investment in thousands of companies and improvement of skills of tens of thousands of individuals. Many Poles also used the opportunity to study and work abroad. Yet economic growth is only the second factor behind Polish optimism. The main reason is the limited expectations people had during the internal debates on EU accession in 2003. Their main reasoning was that EU accession for Poland was

Poland’s European Optimism TE X T: P I O T R M A C I E J K A C Z Y N S K I

urope used to be a continent of confidence and optimism. Only two decades ago the European way of life was one that sparked envy in other corners of the world. The 2008 economic crisis only strengthened the feeling that the European approach to regulating financial markets was the correct model to follow.Yet somewhere between the peak of the European social model of the early 1990’s and the ongoing crisis in the Eurozone, European optimism and confidence has largely evaporated. The European Union’s collective economy is still the largest in the world. “Still” is the key word. Timing is not on the EU’s side as the rise of Asian economies challenges European global leadership in almost every field, with the only likely exception being winter sports. Yet the feeling of pessimism and perpetual crisis persist. The population at large is fearful of the economic situation

(rising unemployment, instability and unpredictability of the current situation, and the crisis in the Eurozone) leading to disenchantment with national and European leadership. Fears are also fuelled by changing demographics in many regions, especially rising immigration. The European social model – praised and developed for years – is now seriously challenged and requires major reform. Such reform tends to be deeply unpopular, as it often entails cutting social benefits. Many Europeans at least partially blame the situation on the EU.

the government’s tough position during negotiations on the multi-annual budget in 2005. Can optimism become widespread in Europe again in the future? Surely this must be possible: the Polish experience clearly illustrates that it is. What Europeans need is an optimistic perspective on the future for themselves, their countries and the entire continent. Nations that already hold this perspective are less fearful of contemporary crises. Poles are among such optimists – they know what they want for their country and the European continent. They also know what they want is not cost-free, but they seem ready to share the price of further economic reforms. In fact, optimism is one of the messages of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2011. Europe can be on the offensive, but it needs to focus on what is achievable and needs to stay ahead of the curve. The continent can grow and develop; its potential is so enormous that the entire world can – and should – benefit from it.

The European Union’s collective economy is still the largest in the world. “Still” is the key word. Timing is not on the EU’s side as the rise of Asian economies challenges European global leadership in almost every field, with the only likely exception being winter sports.

more a cultural choice than an economic one. The cultural choice made in 2003 had its consequences. For example, it meant that Poles did not expect that their lives would radically change overnight on 1 May 2004 (EU accession). It seemed their decision was rather a mid- to long-term investment, so there was no immediate pressure to “deliver”. Low expectations therefore allowed Poland to maintain high support for membership ever since 2004.

Piotr Maciej Kaczynski (born 1978) is a political scientist specialising in the EU political integration including the position of Poland in the EU. He is the author of over 80 publications on EU integration all over Europe and beyond.

Another consequence was that Poles felt at home in the Union almost immediately. They did not take full responsibility for the European “house” nor were they expected to do so – but they spoke freely and made use of various rights almost immediately, such as the decision by many Polish citizens to take advantage of free movement rights immediately after accession in 2004, or

This pessimistic mood, however strong it may be, is not prevalent in each European state. One nation (but not the only one) stands out considerably. While many Europeans are fearful and pessimistic about the future, most Poles are more optimistic and at times even enthusiastic about Europe and the trends in their own country. Three quarters of Poles

F EATU R E

09.06

The 2011 Nobel Prize for Literature

Hong Kong Euro Hedging

“One of the foremost poets in the world today.” Pe t e r E n g l u n d , p e r m a n e n t s e c r e t a r y a t t h e S w e d i s h A c a d e m y

10.06

New York Financing of export orders

TE 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 HOTO : M A J A S U S L I N / S C A N P I X

The 2011 Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded on October 6th to one of Sweden’s most important poets, Tomas Tranströmer. A native of Stockholm, born on April 15, 1931, Tranströmer studied psychology and poetry at the University of Stockholm.

is works have sold thousands of volumes in Sweden and has been translated into more than sixty languages with many of this works translated into English. His poetry builds on Modernism, Expressionism, and Surrealism and much of his imagery brings isolation and fragmentation into view. Prior to Tranströmer, there hasn’t been a poet awarded the Nobel Literature Prize since 1966 and it hasn’t been since 1974 that a Swede has received the Nobel prize, when Eyvind Johnson and Harry Martinson were named. The long time stretch between Swedish laureates is likely due to the controversy that arose as both Johnson and Martinson were members of the Swedish Academy, the institution responsible for selecting the literature prize laureate. But no one is second guessing the Academy’s choice and there are no dissenting voices over the merits of Tomas Tranströmer. It seems the global literary community are in consensus that he is worthy of the prize. In fact, Transtromer has been one of the annual favourites to win the prize and has been nominated every year since 1993. Sweden’s most called upon Tranströmer expert is Lund University’s professor, Niklas Schiöler. He offered an analysis

of his poetry, “Tranströmer’s poetic investigation of the complex human identity, as well as his construction of bridges between nature, history and the dead never results in structured patterns or in loud-voiced confessions. His poetry is a tranquil affirmation of few words…The lure of existential secrets, the sensibility to our inner sources of energy, is invoked by Tranströmer’s concreteness. No sweeping statements, no abstractions.” The Academy of American Poets describes the poetry of Tomas Tranströmer over the course of his life as, “His work has gradually shifted from the traditional and ambitious nature of poetry written in his early twenties toward a darker, personal, and more open verse. His work barrels into the void, striving to understand and grapple with the unknowable, searching for transcendence.”

“I am the place where creation is working itself out,” he declares in his poem “The Outpost” about which he wrote, “This kind of religious idea recurs here and there in my poems of late, that I see a kind of meaning in being present, in using reality, in experiencing it, in making something of it.” Tomas Tranströmer has additional honours to the Nobel prize. They include the Aftonbladets Literary Prize, the Bonnier Award for Poetry, the Neustadt International Prize for

10.06

Stockholm A Letter of Credit is issued

Oslo Due Diligence To m a s Tr a n s t r ö m e r

10.06

Frankfurt Netting of Payments

05.06

Singapore 1 billion USD is transferred

Literature, the Oevralids Prize, the Petrach Prize in Germany, and the Swedish Award from International Poetry Forum. Tranströmer is so well represented in translation that there are five different translators for some of the same poems. However, the translator through whom he is best known in English, who first introduced him in the early 60’s, is fellow poet and friend, Robert Bly. Whichever the translator and whichever the language Tomas Tranströmer is read in, the magnitude of his minimalistic style will captivate. Here is the closing stanza of Tranströmer’s poem,Vermeer:

The airy sky has taken its place leaning against the wall. It is like a prayer to what is empty. And what is empty turns its face to us and whispers: “I am not empty, I am open.”

A bank that sees things from a diﬀerent angle. Yours. Results matter. When companies are bought and sold, when currencies and securities change hands, when export transactions are guaranteed and risks managed. At SEB, results are always achieved in partnership with our customers. And proof that good teamwork leads to success is that we are now the foremost commercial bank in our part of the world.

sebgroup.com/merchantbanking 17

S WEDI S H C O M P ANIE S

“This award highlights the importance of working together towards a single objective that you are passionate about. It is because of the passion I have for what I do and persistence that I am receiving this award.”

To achieve this one needs the best systems possible: - for monitoring land, sea and air; and the digital space, - for rapidly detecting patterns in behaviour, as well as possible and actual threats, - for protecting and defending our borders, our communities and our people. Saab has a wide range of solutions and systems, doing just that. In this world of increasing possibilities and threats, Saab’s mission is to make people feel safe – despite the uncertainties. To do that Saab need to challenge intellectual capacity, and push the boundaries of what’s technologically possible. The main resource for this is Saab’s global house of engineering where more than 7,000 engineers and technicians each and every day take on the defense and civil security challenges of tomorrow.

Saab

This is the fundamental key to Saab’s success for the last 75 years: the creativity, the ingenuity and the innovation potential of well educated, motivated and passionate engineers, individually and as a team. With them nothing is impossible.

P HOTO S : S A A B G R O U P

Fo r h a l f a y e a r t h e S w e d i s h A i r Fo r c e , b a s e d a t t h e S i g o n e l l a a i r b a s e i n I t a l y, f l e w m o r e t h a n 6 5 0 reconnaissance missions over Libya with the Gripen aircraft.

Serious events will occur in the near or distant future. But with globalization and the technology revolution, where news and people travel fast, we can be sure that they will affect us. Thus the conflicts in e.g Afghanistan and Iraq may well lead 18

To highlight this Saab has an Innovation Award, presented annually to one or several innovators employed by Saab worldwide recognizing outstanding innovation that has contributed to strengthening business opportunities for Saab. Last years winner was Cobus van der Merwe of Saab’s Electronic Defence Systems (EDS) Business Area. He received the award for his innovation in conceptualizing the LEDS Active Protection Solution.

Protection against enemy fire

Saab exporting safety ur world is radically changing. Literally billions of people all over the globe are experiencing the benefits of globalization. Economic development creates more opportunities and a better life for many. But it also makes us more vulnerable. There are an increasing number of threats to our society that might hurt us in the future. Some of them are unknown today, but nevertheless may be severely damaging once they become reality. It might be wars on other continents – or our own – resulting in flows of refugees or triggering terrorist attacks in our cities. It might be piracy actions against vital trade routes on land or at sea, such as the coasts of Somalia and Mozambique. Or crime aimed at families, corporations, public utilities or natural resources, e.g our wildlife. Future threats against our society could also come from natural disasters such as earth quakes and flooding.

One of the missions for the Saab remote operated underwater vehicle SAROV can be to protect harbours and to find and destroy mines.

to actions in New York, New Delhi or Stockholm. We cannot prevent things from happening. But we can be well prepared for what might happen – for the risks that life and our world carry. Just as individuals, families and companies need insurances in case of possible future fires, burglaries or accidents, our society needs an “insurance”. Most of the time we won’t need it, but when we do it has to be of the best quality possible! Thus, this insurance of society is a powerful tool for ensuring the safety of any nation.

Saab solutions As a defense and security company with global reach, Saab can help a nation to develop that capacity, helping national defense and civil authorities to be better prepared for future threats. By helping them look around the corner and by anticipating tomorrow, they can provide solutions that handle the threats identified.

LEDS offers an enhanced survivability method to combat vehicles. The system uses detecting mechanisms and mechanical solutions for high-speed directable launchers to dispense counter missiles.Van der Merwe identified the operational need, conceptualized a world-leading solution and generated the first requirement statement for it between 1995 and 1997.

Saab truly believes that a business relying strongly on creativity and innovation has to have an open and transparent corporate culture, where ideas may flow freely and where everyone is entitled and encouraged to express their opinions. Combined with drive and expertise it’s the optimal framework for creating new ideas and rapidly developing new solutions.

In 2001 he revisited the original concept and requirements and conceptualized what has today become the LEDS Active Protection Solution. LEDS has already realized its first Land Electronic Warfare sale to a NATO customer and significant international interest as an Active Protection Solution (APS). It is fast becoming one of the international benchmarks for APS. “The only way that a radical idea in my head could have ever become a reality is through teamwork,” said van der Merwe. “This award highlights the importance of working together towards a single objective that you are passionate about. It is because of the passion I have for what I do and persistence that I am receiving this award.”

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Population centres

Stockholm

>1 million inhabitants

Oslo

0,5-1,0 million inh.

Aarhus

250-500 thousand inh.

Jyväskylä

100-250 thousand inh.

Gävle

50-100 thousand inh. Rovaniemi

Luleå

Oulu Skellefteå

U å Umeå Trondheim

Joensuu

Kuopio

Östersund Örnsköldsvik

Jyväskylä

Sundsvall

Tampere Lahti

Mora

Bergen

Trafikverket

Gröna Tåget: The Green Train A Swedish consortium makes the most environmentally friendly mode of long distance transport even more sustainable.

Oslo

Falun

Borlänge

Kristiansand

Aalborg

S:t Petersburg

Helsinki

Stockholm

Tallinn

Norrköping Linköping

Uddevalla Trollhättan

Gothenburg

Jönköping

Riga

Varberg

H l t d Halmstad

K l Kalmar

Helsingborg

Esbjerg

Uppsala

Västerås Örebro

Stavanger

Turku

Gävle

Copenhagen Odense

Lund

Karlskrona

Malmö Railways in Scandinavia Proposed new link (with Gröna Tåget) Kiev Service by Gröna Tåget

Bremen

Hamburg

Other line (not all shown) Map: Oskar Fröidh, 2011

TE X T: E R I C PA G L I A

ail transport dates back to the early 19th century, yet the environmental advantages of travelling by train continue to make it a very modern alternative compared to automobiles and airlines. Over the coming years it promises to become even more advanced due to the technological innovations of Gröna Tåget (“The Green Train”) research, development and demonstration programmes.This consortium of government agencies, engineering firms and Swedish universities has over the past few years conducted comprehensive research aimed at further enhancing the quality, comfort and efficiency of train technology, making this venerable mode of transport an even more attractive option for travellers in Scandinavia and beyond. “The Green Train has applied a scientific approach (with a splash of artistic flair) to analyzing every aspect of passenger trains,” according to project co-ordinator Dr. Oskar Fröidh from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). This institute is one of the primary programme partners along with the Swedish Transport Administration and the train manufacturer Bombardier. “High speed travel and smart use of space are the primary programme goals,” according to Dr. Fröidh. He believes that a virtuous circle of technological and aesthetic

improvements when fully deployed, would attract greater numbers of travellers to choose the train over less sustainable modes of transport. Shorter travel times on faster trains would lure passengers that might otherwise fly or drive, while reducing operational expenses due to savings on personnel costs. Lower fares would also result from maximizing the number of seats – while improving passenger comfort - through the wide body wagons that have been designed by engineers involved with the Green Train. A key consideration for the Green Train is to accommodate high speed, long distance travel on existing (an often antiquated) mixed-use rail lines that include both passenger and freight traffic. Green Train technical solutions include futuristic aerodynamic design, carbody tilt technology, improved regenerative breaking and a modern propulsion system based on a permanent magnet motor allowing a top speed of 250 km/hour. These new solutions aim to reduce energy consumption by more than 30% compared to the current high-speed X2000 trains operating in Sweden. Thus the environmental benefits would be significant – a primary goal as the programme’s name suggests and eventually help Sweden and other countries meet their commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the Green Train programme

has developed technologies to adapt its trains to operate in the harsh weather conditions of the Nordic region, which has wreaked havoc on rail transport in recent winters. Wear and tear on rail lines would also be reduced by Green Train technology, as would noise pollution. The Green Train programme comes to its conclusion at the end of this year, with a final report to be presented at the end of January 2012. Meanwhile, several of its technological innovations have already been integrated into existing trains in operation. Although an entire Green Train is yet to be constructed, Dr. Fröidh expects the cutting edge solutions developed under the auspices of the programme to continue to be deployed in Scandinavia and beyond. As railway authorities look to replace their current fleet of high-speed trains, the Green Train is poised to represent the next generation of train technology exemplifying the most sustainable mode of long distance transport. For more information on The Green Train programme visit www.gronataget.se

S WEDI S H C O F MEATU P ANIE RS E

Amarone for everyone!

Mini-Amarone!

SOPRASASSO AMARONE

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Mini-Amarone!

TE X T: M A G N U S S O N A D V O K AT BY R Å

International law of procedure

Example

International private law (IP) is the branch of law in each country that regulates the private legal system of international nature and includes areas such as family law, law of inheritance, contract law, labour law or damage claim issues. The criteria is that the issue has to prove connection to at least two countries; therefore we have Swedish, Belgian, Iranian and Russian IP etc. The main task for every country is to state which legal circumstances shall be tried according to another country’s law and under what foreign legal system the issue shall be tried.

International law of procedure (ILP) refers to every country’s law of procedures, for example if a court can raise a case with connection to another country or acknowledge and execute foreign judgments.

• If a Swedish couple are resident abroad for more than two years, a Swedish court can in a case regarding for instance private property, let the rule of the country they are resident in be applicable. If Lasse and Lisa, who are Swedish citizens, are resident in Iran for more than two years the Swedish court must in principle let Iranian law (i.e. sharia) be applicable on questions regarding their property in a dispute in Sweden.

Example • If a car registered in France is in a crash in Finland with a car registered in Italy where the French car is driven by a German citizen and the Italian car is driven by an Austrian citizen – which country’s law shall be put into practice? • If Kevin, an American citizen, marries Lisa, a Swedish citizen, in France and settles down in Hong Kong – which country’s law is ruling in case of a divorce?

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International private law

IP does not solve the issue itself but decides under which country’s legal system the issue shall be solved.

SOPRASASSO RIPASSSO

Example • For Kevin and Lisa in the example above the question is: “In what country shall we file for divorce?” Swedish court can raise the case only if: 1. Both parties are Swedish citizens 2. One of the parties is resident in Sweden in accordance with certain criteria laid down in applicable law. Kevin and Lisa who are still living in Hong Kong can most likely therefore not get a divorce in Sweden. Principle of Residency According to Swedish IP the so called Principle of Residency is the starting point when deciding what country’s law shall be applicable. This often leads to the Swedish court when qualified to raise an IP case (according to the rules for ILP) will let the Principle of Residency rule which country’s law shall be applicable. This means that a Swedish court can use foreign law on a specific issue.

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Law for Swedes in the world

DAGENS NYHETER, JULY 31, 2011

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Before moving abroad it is important to find out the legal consequences. It might be necessary to draw up legal documentation, for instance agreements regarding what country’s law shall be applicable when it comes to financial issues between the couple, in order to avoid unexpected and problematic consequences during the move abroad. It is not always so that a Swedish citizen has the right to have his case solved by Swedish court in accordance with Swedish law.

Alkohol kan skada din hälsa 23

S WEDI S H C O M P ANIE S

SLG Thomas International Poland

or 30 years Thomas International has been a global supplier of efficient management systems and diagnostic tools that help organizations to more effectively select, develop and prevent high turnover of workers especially in difficult economic times. SLG Thomas International Poland, part of the Swedish company Skandinaviska Ledningsgruppen (SLG), has been on the Polish market since 1994. With 18 years of experience and use of corporate standards we are still able to constantly develop. Our mission is to support managers in modern and effective companies. We believe that successful companies create satisfied and motivated employees, whose potential and the individual’s characteristics, are clearly defined and optimally used by the organization. The success of the company is created by the people, not only due to their

qualifications and experience, but also through the skilful use of their natural personal predispositions. SLG Thomas International offers its partners expertise in the area of psychology adapted to the conditions of modern business. We offer a friendly tool which is functional and gives practical knowledge of the “soft” management. This knowledge is successfully used by over 300 companies in Poland and more than 30,000 companies worldwide.

Thomas International Management Systems Our comprehensive solutions allow you to identify the behavioural styles, strengths and limitations, measure skills and speed of learning and analysis of the competencies expected in the workplace. Tools from Thomas International assist employers in

better understanding, evaluating and identifying potential pathways of persons employed in organizations, by increasing their self-awareness, selfesteem and confidence.You can use the system when recruiting and motivating employees, development of personnel and organization, planning the next steps, coaching, team building, career planning, evaluation, training etc.

The Thomas system covers three main areas:

Personality and Behaviour

- ThomasPPA - Personal Profile Analysis - TEIQue- Thomas Emotional - Intelligence - Thomas Teams - Audit Team - Thomas 360º

Aptitude and Ability

- ThomasTST/GIA - Tests for Selection and Training/General Intelligence - Assessments

Personal Profile Analysis (ThomasPPA) and related tools (ThomasJOB, ThomasTEAMS) are based on William Moulton Marston’s theory concerning the styles of behaviour (1928, 1931). In the late 50’s and early 60’s Dr. Thomas Hendrickson developed the theory initiated by Marston and expanded its use by creating a professional environment application; the Thomas Personal Profile Analysis. Since then, PPA undergoes regular and rigorous testing to ensure its reliability and validity.

ThomasTST/GIA is a fully professional, standardised tool in Polish conditions and meets all criteria for psychometric tests for intelligence.

2011 SLG Thomas International Poland is constantly evolving to offer its customers services and tools to the highest international standards. This year we introduced a new, improved team audit. For 2012 the Prime Minister announced on the Polish market the next two products - ThomasGIA and ThomasTEIQue. - More than 1,500,000 tests performed annually - 250,000 certified professionals worldwide - 32,000 customers 60 countries 56 languages

Job

- Job Profiling - ThomasHJA - Human Job Analysis

Let us entice you into the unique world of islands. The Stockholm archipelago is unique. Genuine archipelagos exist in only a few corners of the world, and Stockholm’s is the largest. Beginning in the middle of the city, where our boats are moored, it stretches for mile after mile out into to the Baltic Sea.

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Welcome aboard our boats operate daily services to the Stockholm archipelago. Just climb aboard and let us entice you into this unique island world. all information you need, as well as timetables, are available in our terminal at Strömkajen in Stockholm, in front of Grand Hôtel, and at www.waxholmsbolaget.se. Tour information, tel 08-679 58 30. ViSiT SkärGården We can also recommend visiting the archipelago’s very own travel agency, Visit Skärgården. learn all about the archipelago and its islands, find out what activities are available and check out the special offers at www.visitskargarden.se. Visit Skärgården, Strandvägen, quay 18, Stockholm. Tel 08-100 222.

FOCUS

Construction Industry: The start of building of one of Warsaw’s office blocks

Facts about Poland Area 312 700 sq km – 6th in European Union Population 38,12 million – 6th in European Union Currency Polish Zloty (EUR 1 ~ 4.40 PLN) GDP volume USD 721 bn (PPP, 2010 6th in the EU)

Poland – the European Success Story... P HOTO : M I N I S T R Y O F F O R E I G N A F FA I R S O F T H E R E P U B L I C O F P O L A N D. D E PA R T M E N T O F P R O M O T I O N

here are many good reasons for Swedish businesses to take a closer look at Poland. Poland is a large economy, closely located to Sweden with a world of business opportunities. Poland is the 7th largest economy with the 6th largest population in the EU. It is Sweden’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Its economic development during the recent financial crisis surpassed that of most, if not all EU-member states. A significant flow of money from EU funds, together with foreign and domestic private investments, makes Poland a rapidly growing and attractive market, albeit a competitive one. Swedish companies can make good inroads and profitable business in Poland. Poland as one of the most attractive countries for foreign investors in the world Two reports published recently show that Poland is the perfect place for investments. According to the World Investment Report 2011, Poland was placed among six of the most attractive countries for investors. This means that the country has moved up five places as compared with 2010. Its 38-million strong consumer market is one of the biggest in Europe. The country’s favourable location, in the centre of Europe, where the main communication routes intersect, makes it possible to export goods to all European countries and thus reach over 500 million consumers. In another key report, the 2010 Ernst & Young European Attractiveness Survey, managers of international concerns indicated Poland as the top potential asset destination for their investment projects in Europe.

Polish foreign trade and trade with Sweden Polish exports within the last decade experienced very rapid growth. Between 2000 and 2010 they grew almost 3.5-fold, reaching nearly 120 bn EUR in 2010 and 66.7 bn EUR in the first half of 2011. Sweden is Poland’s eighth largest trading partner. In 2010, the value of trade between Poland and Sweden amounted to sixty billion SEK and it should be stressed that this is a twenty-fold increase since the beginning of the nineties and an almost three-fold increase since 2001. The structure of trade between Poland and Sweden is very favourable and beneficial. The bulk of the trade involves processed and highly processed goods. Statistics for the first half of 2011 show an increase in trade between Poland and Sweden at a level of about 15%. Business to business The value of Swedish investments in Poland ranks Sweden in sixth place among foreign investors. Among the biggest Swedish investors are such famous and well known Swedish companies as Skanska, IKEA, Nordea,Volvo, Arctic Paper, Trelleborg AB, Electrolux, Husqvarna, Sandvik, Tetra Pak, Alfa Laval, Fortum and Oriflame. Sweden can offer Poland modern and proven technologies, since Poland is facing the implementation of new waste management system and energy system solutions based on eco-efficiency and renewable energy sources.

GDP growth 1.7% (2009), 3.8% (2010), 4.3% (2Q 2011)

Why work with Poland? - Large and close to Sweden - Economic and political stability - Availability of skilled human resources - Effective incentive system including EU-Funds

Membership EU, NATO, OECD, WTO, Schengen Zone

At the same time, Polish companies enjoy commercial success in the Swedish market. In all Swedish cities more than 300 buses that operate within the public transport infrastructure come from the Polish company Solaris Bus & Coaches. For Solaris, Scandinavia belongs to their most important markets, especially Sweden, where Solaris delivers eco-friendly buses with biogas engines. Another excellent example of win win business co-operation could be the story of Swedish Ericsson and Polish Ericpol, where for 20 years, they have been providing advanced telecommunications R&D services for the Swedish company. Moreover, the Swedish market has expressed a strong interest in Polish building, construction and finishing materials, which are known for their excellent quality, design and attractive pricing. Poland has been closely co-operating with Sweden, modernising its economy using Swedish solutions and experience in many different areas; however, there is no doubt that at the same time, Poland, with its attractive commercial offers, creates an excellent climate and a friendly environment to do business in its own market.

Trade and Investment Promotion Section Embassy of the Republic of Poland www.stockholm.trade.gov.pl stockholm@trade.gov.pl Tel. 08 453 84 20

Poland is the 7th largest economy with the 6th largest population in the EU. It is Sweden’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Its economic development during the recent financial crisis surpassed that of most, if not all EU-member states. S o u r c e s : Po l a n d ’ s C e n t r a l S t a t i s t i c s O f f i c e ( G U S ) , Po l i s h I n f o r m a t i o n a n d Fo r e i g n I n v e s t m e n t A g e n c y ( PA I Z ) , E r n s t & Yo u n g ’ s 2 0 1 0 E u r o p e a n A t t r a c t i v e n e s s S u r v e y, U N C TA D W o r l d Investment Report 2011

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Investor AB Made up of a unique international network and boasting a strong brand, Sweden’s legendary Investor enjoys a competitive edge even in troubled financial times. TE 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

nvestor was founded nearly a century ago by the Wallenberg family, who were already at the time, leading financial influencers of the Swedish industrial climate. Today, Investor is the current flagship of the Wallenberg financial empire. It spun out from the family’s bank, Stockholms Enskilda Banken(SEB) and has become the holding vehicle for their primary investments. Originally when the industrial age began, the bank’s holdings included the many cornerstone industrial companies of Sweden. However, legislation enacted during World War I severely restricted the ability of the country’s banks to hold long-term shares in Swedish industrial companies, which comprised of a significant share of SEB’s shareholdings. In response to the new legislation, the Wallenbergs set up Investor AB in 1916, transferring an impressive portfolio of industrial shareholdings to the new holding company. Despite being in its infancy in 1916, Investor from the start held majority positions in a number of Sweden’s oldest and most prominent industrial companies, such as Scania and Atlas Copco. Investor remained closely linked to SEB from 1916 to the early 1970s, still a part of the bank founded in 1856 by the Wallenberg family. By fortitude of the bank’s sound financial health during the depression era of the late 20’s and 30’s, Investor was able to gain significant shareholding positions in many of Sweden’s most important industrial companies of the twentieth century. After the merger of Stockholms Enskinda Bank (SEB) with the rival Skandinaviska Enskilda Bank in 1972, the Wallenberg

family lost its controlling share of the bank. Instead, the family devoted its attention to Investor and the Wallenberg flagship holding company set sail. In the 1980s, Investor participated in major structural transactions that concentrated the portfolio further. As a result of this increased concentration, Investor could take a more active role in the development and expansion of its holdings. Throughout the remainder of the 20th century and into the first decade of the 21st, Investor has kept an ear to the ground and adjusted as needed for the continued success of the longestablished company. “Esse non videri” has been the motto of the Wallenberg family for 150 years. Roughly translated, it means “to be, not to seem”. This active attitude demonstrates the Wallenberg family’s willingness and business focus, allowing them to be responsive to change. In an interview, Jacob Wallenberg, Chairman of the Board, addressed change, “There is an overriding principle that one of my ancestors voiced: Change is really the only tradition worth preserving. We think there is only one way to survive in the kind of global business we’re involved in, dealing with multinational companies – if you want to be at the forefront and be successful, you have to be able to adapt.” Investor’s 2010 chairman’s annual report message sums up its basic business principles, “The business concept is to generate attractive long-term returns for our shareholders by owning and developing companies with solid potential for value creation. We are an engaged owner and apply experience, knowledge and a unique network to develop listed and unlisted companies to make them best-in-class.”

BMW DIPLOMATIC SALES. AT HOME THE WORLD OVER. For detailed information please contact

Bavaria Stockholm Mr John Josefsson Gårdsvägen 11, Solna Phone: +46 (0)8 735 39 92 E-mail: john.josefsson@bavariastockholm.se www.bmw-ids.com

S WEDI S H C O M P ANIE S w101, designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune.

Dura Pulp –

a biodegradable new material to replace plastic TE 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

T h e c h i l d r e n ’ s c h a i r Pa r u p u .

P HOTO : C O U R T E S Y O F S Ö D R A

Attractive design has drawn attention to the renewable material also suitable for speciality paper and board. Södra recently started the production.

n November 2011, the production and selling of DuraPulp, an exciting new biodegradable material, commenced at a new production plant of Södra’s, an economic association of more than 51,000 Swedish forest owners. DuraPulp, with the potential to replace plastic in several areas, is the result of seven years of research by Södra, in collaboration with the research and development company Innventia. To begin with, sales will be directed to the business areas of speciality paper, packaging, design and board. Dura Pulp, with characteristics similar to those of paper, consists of selected pulps from Södra combined with renewable biopolymer. The material is tough and elastic. It has a high tear strength, a high folding resistance and an impressive bending stiffness. As it is basically made of paper pulp, it will dissolve if kept in humid conditions. “If you get tired of your DuraPulp product, you can basically put it among the dead leaves and cut grass in your garden heap,” says Henrik Wettergren, Business Area Manager at Södra. In 2009, the children’s chair Parupu, the first product made completely of DuraPulp, was presented at the Milan Furniture Fair. Parupu is a stackable chair, designed to cope with the wear and tear of children’s play.

The following year, w101, a DuraPulp lamp designed by the well known Swedish architect and designer company, Claesson Koivisto Rune, attracted much interest.The lamp was developed by Swedish lighting company Wästberg together with Södra. w101 was awarded Best in Show and Best Lighting at the ICFF Furniture Fair in New York earlier this year. It has also been the winner of Swedish design prizes. “There has been a great interest in DuraPulp. This time, we launched design products, instead of displaying samples of the new material. DuraPulp is suitable for a number of business segments, it is also a possible replacement for cotton in, for example, bank notes,” continues Henrik Wettergren. The economic association Södra produces paper pulp, wood products and biofuels, mainly for the international market. The five business areas are Södra Skog – timber raw products, forestry services, Södra Cell – paper pulp, Södra Interiör – interior wood products and Södra Windpower AB. Södra has around 4,000 employees. The head office is situated in Växjö in the province of Småland.

www.sodra.com

S WEDI S H C O M P ANIE S

Hövding’s Invisible Helmet TE X T: M I C H A E L H E L A N D E R

P HOTO S : C O U R T E S Y O F H Ö V D I N G

hen Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin conducted a survey on the streets of Sweden to find out why adult cyclists did not wear helmets, they heard reasons of logic and reasons of vanity.Winter hats do not fit under a bicycle helmet in the winter.They are difficult and bulky to carry around when not being used. Bike helmets are boring and they look geeky. But the most common reason was that it messed up the cyclist’s hair. Regardless of the risks, many adult cyclists still avoid wearing a protective helmet. Over 30,000 people in Sweden are injured or killed in bicycle accidents each year. In Denmark where 9 out of 10 citizens own a bike, or Holland where 40% of all traffic movements are made by bicycle, the injury and death toll is certainly higher. In countries like Sweden, biking is not so much a sport but as a means of transport from A to B. Often B is a place of employment or school, so arriving with windblown hair and being totally tussled is not at the top of the wish list for students or professionals.With the looming threat of additional Swedish laws imposing helmets on all cyclists, following an intensive debate after the 2005 law requiring helmets for children, Anna and Terese decided to tackle the age-old issue of cyclist’s messed up hair as part of their industrial design master’s thesis. Little did they know they were about to revolutionize the bicycle helmet industry. The lightbulb ‘aha’ moment came when Anna and Terese heard the word ‘invisible’ during their survey. It was then they knew exactly what needed to be done. In order to convince cyclists to wear protective helmets, 32

they would need to develop an invisible bicycle helmet that would not mess up their hair. Impossible? Fast forward to the present day. Anna and Terese have not only successfully developed the invisible bicycle helmet, they founded the company Hövding (which means Chieftain in Swedish) and won the globally-recognized INDEX: award earlier this year for designs and processes that have the capacity to improve the lives of people around the world. The Hövding bicycle helmet is designed as a collar that blends with what you are wearing, and at first glance simply looks like a scarf wrapped around the neck. The technology within the collar is a cold gas-driven airbag; the smallest in the world. In the event of an accident, it inflates and surrounds the head and neck in the shape of a helmet, reducing head injuries which are the leading cause of bicycle deaths. Hövding owners also have the option to purchase additional fashion ‘shells’ for their collars, and while there are only two shell designs available today, more will be added to the collection. The helmet comes complete with a LED battery indicator and a micro USB port to charge the battery, as well as a black box that records 10 seconds during a bicycle accident. Hövding hopes to use this data to continue improvements for the safety helmet, and anyone sending their accident data to the company receives a discount on their next Hövding. Scanning through the extensive and growing list of press and media coverage for Hövding, there is one post in particular

that stands out. This post translated into extensive international exposure due to The Oprah Effect. In August this year the Oprah blog out of the United States featured the Hövding invisible helmet, creating invaluable buzz for the company. Production of the invisible helmet is underway here in Sweden, and the company is taking pre-orders via their website at www.hovding.com. Later this year you’ll be able to find them at various DesignTorget stores across Sweden. With a price tag of nearly 4000 Swedish crowns, it may empty your pocketbook, but it definitely won’t mess up your hair.

Ardbeg Embassy Stockholm, Vasterlanggatan 68 +46 - (0)8 - 791 90 90 www.ardbegembassy.se

2011 We are conducting different methods of dialogue that empowers our citizens to involve themselves in ongoing development projects.

CONTACTOR

2011 This autumn a new center for knowledge and culture, called Messingen, opened in central Väsby. The building includes one of Sweden’s most modern high schools.

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.

www.upplandsvasby.se

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11-11-09 14.13.13

S WEDI S H R EGION S

Värmland – land of poets and iron works Skiing, culture, deep forests and waterways are some of the attractions. Värmland is a province of industry and story telling. TE 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

aterways and forests dominate this lovely province. There are 10,152 lakes, including Vänern, the biggest inland lake in Western Europe. Also historically, the river Klarälven has been of great importance to the industry. For several hundred years, iron ore has been a foundation for wealth, and Värmland is one of the leading iron and steel regions in Europe. The paper and pulp industry is another major part of the province’s business. “Regional development is focused on collaboration between local companies, Karlstad University and official institutions, such as Region Värmland. Much of the expansion and growth are due to cluster organisations. One example is the Paper Province, consisting of more than 90 member companies in the region.

P HOTO : P E R E R I K S S O N , Ö Y V I N D L U N D

They range from large international companies to local suppliers,” says Hedvig Bergenheim, Director of Communications at Region Värmland. Another exemple is The Packaging Arena, an innovation partner in packaging, helping companies to create world class packaging. Compare, Competence Area ICT, concentrates on business management and competence development in IT and telecom, a joint organisation of 100 companies. Compare operates within a highly successful segment and counts on recruiting more than 1,000 new employees in the next two years. Karlstad, with 85,000 inhabitants, is Värmland’s largest city. Beautifully situated at the crossing of the river Klarälven and lake Vänern, the natural waterways in many ways defines the city. Christmas Market in Karlstad. Photo: Per Eriksson

Klässbol Linen Mill. Photo: Öyvind Lund

Where to stay

Places to visit

Elite, Stadshotellet Karlstad Situated in Karlstad, at the Klarälven riverside. 139 individually furnished rooms, restaurant and modern conference facilities.

Värmland is the birth place of some of Sweden’s best known writers.You can visit memorial places of two of them:

www.elite.se/eng

Selma Spa+ in Sunne, was the first Spa hotel in Scandinavia. The charming hotel, with 184 rooms, and a restaurant offering healthy and ecological food, is situated at the lake Fryken. They also have well equipped conference facilities.

www.selmaspa.se

Hennickehammar’s Herrgård, 60 kilometres from Karlstad. Today, the manor house from the 18th century is a romantic hotel, with quality food, situated in the deep forests. 55 rooms, 5 large conference rooms and seven meeting rooms.

www.hennickehammar.se hotel@hennickehammar.se

Selma Spa+. Photo: Öyvind Lund

The manor house, Mårbacka, now open to the public, was the home of Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940), the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature - in 1909. Open December – guided tour Saturdays at 14.00

www.marbacka.com

One of Sweden’s best loved poets, Gustaf Fröding (1860-1911) was born at the manor house Alster’s herrgård near Karlstad. It is open to the public May-October, and a few other times.

Klässbol Linen Mill, near the town Arvika, has produced quality table linen since the 1920’s. The company is purveyor to HM the King of Sweden. Napkins and table cloths from Klässbol are used at the prestigious Nobel feast. Open Mon-Fri 9.00-18.00 Sat 10.0016.00

www.klassbol.se

Skiing. Värmland offers plenty of skiing for the whole family. The five major ski centres are Branäs, Hovfjället, Ski Sunne,Valfjället and Värmullsåsen.

www.varmland.se/en

Take a trip on a timber raft on river Klarälven. Although rafting is a bit of an adventure, the timber raft floats at a gentle pace of two-three kilometres per hour.

www.varmland.se/en

36 Rafting on the river Klarälven. Photo: Öyvind Lund

H e n r i k V i b s k o v : “ T h e E a t ” s h o w, AW 1 1 , C o p e n h a g e n 2 0 1 1

S WEDI S H R EGION S

LE ISURE DE LUXE . K ARL SKRONA– GDY NIA .

Discover the best Sweden has to offer: The ferries to Poland. Beyond the Underworld

The Design Museum in Göteborg Interested in design and arts & crafts? Röhsska museet houses fascinating collections and continuously present exciting exhibitions. TE 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

öhsska museet in Göteborg, The Design Museum, is the only museum in Sweden wholly focused on design and arts & crafts. The museum produces a steady flow of interesting exhibitions. It also houses a number of fascinating collections, comprising more than 50,000 objects. Since the opening in 1916, textiles, glass, porcelain, furniture, fashion and various artistic expressions have been gathered together, and the collections are continuously being updated with works by important Swedish and international designers.

Among the permanent exhibitions, you will find China & Japan – oriental decorative art, the Falk Simon Silver Collection, the Baroque Chamber - an interior from the Old Town (Gamlestaden) in Göteborg in 1729, and Design History – from 1851 to the present day. There is an extensive textile collection, from Egyptian cloth and Chinese silk to embroidery and modern textile art. During the autumn, visitors can follow the work of the museum curators and conservators, who are digitalising, photographing and conserving textile objects in public.

“The Danish fashion designer Henrik Vibskov has recently been awarded the Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Nordic Design Prize.Vibskov is an avant-gardist and one of few Nordic fashion designers of international recognition. The Henrik Vibskov show is spectacular, it includes fashion, performances and installations in the museum,” says curator Love Jönsson.

Carl Westman was the architect of the original museum building, with a facade of hand made red brick, completed in 1913. The museum was financed by donations, mainly from the brothers Wilhelm and August Röhss, at the turn of the last century.

Beyond the Underworld displays the artist Torsten Jurell’s processed impression of Beijing in sculptures, assemblages and prints. Jurell has been inspired by Chinese contemporary art, articfacts and the language of the streets in Beijing. “At the end of January, there will be a small, but interesting exhibition presenting the American artist and blacksmith Albert Paley, internationally famous for his sculptures in iron. Paley will work on new iron sculptures at the art school of Steneby in the winter, some of them are to be shown at the museum, together with documentation from the creative process. Seminars and workshops will be arranged at the same time.”

P HOTO : T O R S T E N J U R E L L , A L A S TA I R P H I L I P W I P E R

“The original building has gone through several renovations and expansions since the 1930’s. Now we plan to open up closed sections, in order to exhibit more of the collections. The plan is to finish this process in time for the museum building’s centennial in 2013,” says Love Jönsson. Beyond the Underworld – 19 February 2012 Henrik Vibskov, Recipient of the Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Nordic Design Prize 2011 – 26 February 2011 Albert Paley 24 January-20 February 2012

You will find the Design Museum at Vasagatan 37-39, in the centre of Göteborg. Phone +46 31 368 3150. Open Tuesday 12-20, Wednesday-Friday 12-17, Saturday-Sunday 11-17. www.designmuseum.se

Get onboard our new ferries Stena Vision and Stena Spirit and experience the good life at sea. Here you’ll ﬁnd no less than three different restaurants, affordable shopping, cosy bars and a spa area with an endless sea view. We sail from Karlskrona twelve times a week. Once you arrive in Poland, the good life continues. Trójmiasto (Gdynia, Sopot and Gdańsk) on the north coast offers great culture and entertainment with over 350 restaurants and nightclubs.

Book your trip at stenaline.se/polenkryss or call +46 455-36 63 00 (a booking fee will be added due to personal service). You can also contact your local travel agency.

PHOTO: JENS ASSUR

S WEDI S H R EGION S

Making a Difference in

Urban Development

TEXT: JAN RIISE

istra–Urban Futures is a research and knowledge centre for sustainable urban development, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, and four other cities across the world. By creating an internationally leading centre, Mistra–Urban Futures will contribute to the building capacity needed to transform the current urban development worldwide to more sustainable pathways. The centre will deliver new knowledge, approaches, tools and arenas needed to develop fair, green and dense urban environments. A particular strength of Mistra–Urban Futures is the close collaboration of practitioners and researchers, thus ensuring a direct interaction between universities and the practical applications for sustainable urban development. A focus on trans-disciplinary methods and projects generates cuttingedge knowledge, valuable to different areas, both practical and scientific, in urban development issues. The value of the results for the intended users form the basis of Mistra–Urban Futures research and knowledge development programs, including an emphasis on dissemination, access and accessibility to knowledge. Traditional means of communication are used in parallel with the development of new ways of sharing knowledge, such as visualization and games. The centre formally starts in 2012. During 2010-2011, a number of pilot projects have been carried out, looking at urban development scenarios, governance, learning and the use of games as means to reach both existing and new audiences in a new way. Mistra–Urban Futures is funded by Mistra, the Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research, and Sida, the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency. A consortium of seven Gothenburg based universities, public authorities and private organizations, make up the owners of the centre. Mistra–Urban Futures’ Local Interaction Platforms are based in Kisumu, Kenya; Cape Town, South Africa; Greater Manchester, UK; Shanghai, China; and Gothenburg; Sweden. A close co-operation with the Swedish Trade Council forms part of the organisation in these countries.

Rush-hour traffic. Stockholm Style.

A city structure adapted to climate change One of the projects run by Mistra-Urban Futures examines how three different climate adaptation strategies – attack, defend and retreat – can be used in planning and development of Frihamnen, the free-port area in Gothenburg. The focus is on how the district’s planned buildings can be climate adapted to rising sea and water levels. The project investigates how the three different adaptation strategies would affect the area’s sustainable development, i.e. the resulting economic, social and ecological consequences of each approach.

Stockholm is a metropolitan city of some 1.8 million people. But that doesn’t mean its afflicted with the same environmental problems as most large cities. In fact, Stockholm has been chosen as the first ever European Green Capital in 2010 for the way we keep the air and waters clean. Free information and advice on investment matters Stockholm Business Region Developement is the official investment promotion agency of Stockholm. We provide you with professional assistance regarding investment opportunities in the Stockholm region – free of charge. Read more at www.investstockholm.com

F EATU R E

Stockholm ICT innovation praised

raised by the high-profile foreign press, Stockholm’s ICT sector has been held up as a model of innovation.

In its September issue, the American magazine Wired wrote that Sweden has “the most digitally connected economy in the world,” and a global mindset when it comes to developing innovative tech start-ups. Stockholm was listed alongside Berlin, Tel Aviv, Paris, London and Moscow as a hotbed for European start-ups. With a relatively small market, most Swedish entrepreneurs by default have a global mindset when building up a business, the magazine pointed out. A Wall Street Journal reporter recently met with a large number of Stockholm’s ICT entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to talk about Stockholm as a tech hot spot. The report, which was part of the newspaper’s Tech Europe tour, concluded that the Swedish capital has a very entrepreneur-friendly community and there’s “no shortage of ideas or engineering talent” in Stockholm.

Both publications highlighted companies like the music service Spotify, online video monetising service Videoplaza, video editing tool JayCut and audio distribution platform Sound Cloud. Anna Nedeby Bar-Am, head of Stockholm Entrepreneur Centre (Stockholm’s NyföretagarCentrum), said she would like to create an “Entrepreneur Palace” in the heart of Stockholm that would accommodate start-ups and provide a lending hand to small business owners.

What do you want to go here?

“What if we could create a place that cultivates a sense of belonging and where everyone inspire and help each other?” Small business start-ups are crucial for the Swedish economy now multinational companies can no longer be relied on to provide the bulk of the jobs.

S P E C IAL F EATU R E

Raoul with his grandfather Gustav

Wa l l e n b e r g i n h i s o f f i c e i n B u d a p e s t 1 9 4 4

Raoul with his mother Maj

The world remembers

2012: Raoul Wallenberg Centennial

“One man can make a difference.” TE X T: O L L E W Ä S T B E R G Co-ordinator for the Government of Sweden for the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial

Wa l l e n b e r g i n h i s l a t e t e e n s

o one is as strong – for good or evil, as a man with a goal and conviction.

This is written in the aftermath of the monstrous terrorist murder in Norway. The murder, planned and executed with evil conviction ended or changed the lives of hundreds of people.

RAOUL WALLENBERG TE X T: L A U R E N D Y E R A M A Z E E N

P HOTO S : F R O M N I N A L A G E R G R E N ’ S P R I V AT E C O L L E C T I O N

orn into a family with a long tradition of foreign affairs and philanthropy, educated as an architect in the US, Raoul Wallenberg used his creative acumen – innovative problem solving and lateral thinking – to save the lives of tens of thousands of people during the Nazi occupation in Budapest during his assignment from 1944 to 1945. His unwavering drive was fuelled by a deep sense of compassion and his principles of humanitarianism. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth and will be celebrated by people who share his values and wish to keep them alive all over the world. It also serves as a reminder that the fate of this courageous man is still unknown. He was detained by the Soviet army entering Budapest in 1945, and despite an international outcry for the release of documents from the Soviet government; his actual fate is still unknown. Many believe that this year’s celebrations could serve as an impetus for the demonstration of international goodwill through disclosure of the truth concerning Raoul Wallenberg’s mysterious disappearance.

“One man can make a difference.”That is the sentence written over the front door of the Raoul Wallenberg School in Brooklyn, New York - one of many schools honouring Raoul Wallenberg, a man that showed that good conviction could save lives in the thousands. Raoul Wallenberg was the young Swede sent to Budapest in the end of WWII in order to use passports from neutral Sweden to protect Jews threatened with immediate deportation to the death camps. He was a young man from a wealthy family, ready to risk his life for human beings he never had met or had any relation to. He and his collaborators saved tens of thousands of Jews. That has made Raoul Wallenberg – who on the 4th of August next year should have been 100 years old – become a symbol

of unselfishness and courage. Gideon Hausner, the Israeli attorneys general, who headed the prosecutors at the war crimes trial of Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem fifty years ago and later was the president of Yad Vashem, the foremost museum and monument of the Holocaust, has written about Raoul Wallenberg: “Here is a man who had the choice of remaining in secure, neutral Sweden when Nazism was ruling Europe. Instead, he left this haven and went to what was then one of the most perilous places in Europe, Hungary. And for what? To save Jews. He won his battle and I feel that in this age when there is so little to believe in–so very little on which our young people can pin their hopes and ideals–he is a person to show to the world, which knows so little about him.That is why I believe the story of Raoul Wallenberg should be told and his figure, in all its true proportions, projected into human minds.” Raoul Wallenberg risked his life in the struggle against one of the horrifying ideologies of the dark twentieth century; Nazism. He was killed by the other; Communism.

In January 1945 Raoul Wallenberg sought out the Soviet commander in order to create a safe situation for the Jews of Budapest in the mayhem of the Russian occupation. He was captured by the Soviets, brought to Lubjanka Prison in Moscow. He never returned to his home country. When and how he died is still not fully proved. Swedish official negligence contributed to so his case was not raised immediately. At the centennial of Raoul Wallenberg’s birth next year he will be remembered all over the world: By exhibitions, lectures, books and manifestations. Numerous places, streets and schools have been named after him. There are 32 monuments in different countries remembering him. To honour Raoul Wallenberg is not only to honour a great man but also to remember that the responsibility and power in every one of us could be used for good or evil, that one man can make a difference. The memory of Raoul Wallenberg is personal, but his fate also makes him a symbol of our time.

August Strindberg at Värmdö in the Stockholm archipelago, 1891

Self portrait. Gersau in 1886

August Strindberg at Värmdö in the Stockholm archipelago, 1891

F EATU R E

Self portrait. Gersau in 1886

Strindberg 2012 An avant gardiste theatre man and a provokingly radical writer of his time, August Strindberg’s work is very much alive today. TE 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 HOTO : A U G U S T S T R I N D B E R G , J O H N L A N D G R E N , C O U R T E S Y O F S T R I N D B E R G M U S E E T, S T O C K H O L M

012 marks the centennial of August Strindberg’s (18491912) death. One of Sweden’s two greatest writers (the second one is the Nobel Laureate in Literature, Selma Lagerlöf), he was a man of many talents. Internationally, Strindberg is best known as an innovative dramatist and an avant garde theatre man. The naturalistic plays Miss Julie and The Father and Creditors from the 1880’s are performed regularly. At the turn of the last century, he developed a dream play technique, two examples are To Damascus and A Dream Play. At the end of his life, he wrote a number of chamber plays, including The Ghost Sonata and The Pelican for The Intimate Theatre, also called The Strindberg Theatre, which still exists in Stockholm. Strindberg was a respected art critic and a serious scholar. As a novelist, he wrote two Swedish classics, The Red Room; a portrait of radical 19th century Stockholm bohemia, and Hemsöborn; with reminiscenses from the island Kymmendö where Strindberg spent several summers.

August Strindberg was part of the European cultural lifestyle of his time, living partly in France, Germany and Switzerland, socializing with many international writers and painters. During non-writing periods, he painted around 130 paintings, the best of which fetch high prizes at the international art market. Tate Modern in London exhibited his paintings in 2005. Although from a bourgeois family, August Strindberg sympathized with the working class. He allied himself with the labour movement, writing inflammatory newspaper articles that seriously provoked the conservative establishment. Among the thousands of people who followed his coffin at the funeral, few were part of the Swedish establishment. There are many myths concerning Strindberg, some of which he helped create. A complex character, he went through many phases - in turn an atheist and a religious man, a family man and a misogynist, a serious scholar and an alchemist. Recurrent themes in his writing are the struggle between man and woman, the naturalistic struggle of the survival of the psychologically fittest, and social criticism.

If you want to learn more, The Strindberg Museum in Stockholm, is a good place to start. A popular place among visiting international intellectuals, containing Strindberg’s last home- a three room apartment furnished in Art Nouveau style, and his library with 3,000 volumes- forms the centre of the museum. A recently opened permanent exhibition presents various aspects of Strindberg’s life and works. To enhance the atmosphere in his apartment, there is a soundtrack installed, with recordings of piano music, horses on the street and cheering crowds.

Cullberg Ballet presents a ballet evening in two parts, The Strindberg Project, created by Melanie Mederlind and Tilman O’Donnel. The first performance will be at Dansens Hus in Stockholm on 15 March 2012. www.cullbergballet.se

An exhibition focusing on the director Ingmar Bergman and Strindberg, StrindBERGman, is planned for the springsummer 2012.

For more information on Strindberg 2012 Festival visit:

Drottninggatan 85 in Stockholm. Open Tues-Sun 12-16.

www.strindbergsmuseet.se

Liljevalchs Konsthall in Stockholm produces an August Strindberg exhibition in 2012. 29 September-8 January 2012

www.liljevalchs.se

www.strindbergfestival.com The site lists international Strindberg events in 2012.

P EO P LE

Building future leaders Are there universal personality traits that characterise excellent leadership? Anna C Belfrage believes so. As chairman of Raoul Wallenberg Academy for Young Leaders she is part of changing the future. TE X T AND P HOTO : C H R I S T I A N V O N E S S E N

nna C Belfrage greets me in the lobby of a monumental concrete building where she works as a senior adviser at global communications and consulting bureau Kreab Gavin Anderson. The building turns out to be the former Czechoslovakian embassy, which explains a lot.

A short resume of Anna C Belfrage

The soul of Raoul Wallenberg

After receiving a scholarship to study in the US after high school, Anna C Belfrage engaged in a music and dance group called Up with People, with which she practically toured the world for some 13-14 years. After an MBA in the UK, she went to Sweden and worked as a marketing manager at American Express, then CEO of Swedish lobby group Positiva Sverige and later for daily newspaper Svenska Dagbladet’s Executive Club, where she managed a network including the 400 most prominent leaders and opinion makers in the country. Now she has concluded a decade here at Kreab Gavin Anderson, using her extensive network as a senior advisor and door opener to her colleagues.

For ten years now the academy has had courses of one week intensive education each year, thus far pushing the limits for more than 500 talented Swedish teenagers. After completion they are all added into the increasingly strong alumni network. But what does this gesture of helping the elite even further up the ladder have to do with Raoul Wallenberg?

Met with Kofi Annan

So the leadership education is not intended as pushing the envelope for silver spoon careerists. – “The soul of Raoul Wallenberg shines through every step of the way, including a focus on civil courage, ethics and multi-culturalism.”

But we are actually here to talk about her spare time, part of which she spends with her honorary (and pro-bono) assignment as Chairman of the Raoul Wallenberg Academy for Young Leaders. It was during the SvD Executive Club years that she met with the then UN Secretary Kofi Annan during his visit to Stockholm. It so happened that she also met with Kofi Annan’s mother-in-law, who is Nina Lagergren, sister to the world-famous Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who helped thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II, and whose fate has been cloudy ever since he was captured by the Soviet army on that cold January morning in 1945. Anna C Belfrage and Nina Lagergren got along well. In 2001 it was decided to create something valuable of his heritage for future generations, the Raoul Wallenberg Academy for Young Leaders. It was founded by the Raoul Wallenberg Committee in collaboration with Stockholm School of Economics, Viktor Rydberg high school and the leadership coaches at Mgruppen – The Swedish Management Group. Anna C Belfrage was appointed chairman in 2005. “We decided to create the one and only leadership education targeted at high school students,” says Anna C Belfrage in one of the conference rooms at Kreab Gavin Anderson.

“Well, the more I learn about him the more remarkable he seems,” she says with admiration. “He is a great role model for young people – he had an interest in humanity, culture and languages, and he must have had quite a strong moral compass. He stood up against the authorities to care for the weak.”

“The point is that you have to know yourself before you can become a great leader, and once you get there, you have to believe in making a positive difference for other people. You will also learn that you can’t do everything on your own. People can create beautiful things, and you can lead these people in the right direction.” Anna C Belfrage thinks it is frightening to see how fast we forget our role models, and she is happy to instill some of Raoul Wallenberg’s soul in the participants. “It is important to show young people these role models and what they stood for,” she says. “This is a truly meaningful, fun and stimulating mission for me, and I am very happy to give new generations the best possible start in their lives.”

Facts The young leadership program in August 2012 will coincide with Raoul Wallenberg’s 100th birthday, and will include 48 students. In the beginning it was only students from the schools Tensta and Viktor Rydberg, but today some 25 schools have joined the program. Every student will apply together with his or her school.The week, including accommodation, costs SEK 12 000, but the funding is usually sorted out between the school, sponsors, scholarships and the Academy.

www.rwa.se

P EO P LE & F O C U S

G e o r g v a n d e r We y d e n

wedish photographer Georg van der Weyden has spent the past seven years discovering Poland through his lens. Fifty thousand pictures later he has compiled a selection in his documentary book Poland Through Foreign Eyes. More than a mere snapshot, it illustrates the changing face of the place he has come to call home. To travel to a new country evokes a sensation of adventure, yet van der Weyden’s first visit to Poland in 2003 also left him somewhat annoyed. “No one ever told me what an intriguing country it is,” he says. “There are so many dimensions to it and I became totally fascinated with Poland.” He decided to spread the word and tell Poland’s story in picture form. Travelling all over the country through the cities to mountains, beaches and getting closer to the people, the result is a 388-page colour volume, published in 2010. “It’s a very complicated and complex story to tell,” he adds. “And it takes time to get to grips with it, as a foreigner from the outside. It was originally going to be about 140 pages but that wouldn’t do Poland justice. I had to be true to the country.” His perceptions beforehand were as bleak and barren as his search results in global image banks. “Those photos either illustrated pollution, Auschwitz or historic castles with bright blue skies,” he adds. “The reality is in between those extremes and was much more interesting than I had seen anywhere else. I just love the contrasts – that was my first impression.” The book doesn’t pose geographical boundaries and is instead themed separately into chapters such as ‘Striking Scenery’ ‘Stark Contrasts’ and ‘Rich Culture’ which lends itself to capturing a wholesome soul of the country.

A true picture of

modern-day Poland TE X T: C H R I S T I N E D E M S T E A D E R

P HOTO : M A G D A M A N KO W S K A

As a photographer who had previously worked in the world of fashion and advertising, van der Weyden’s vibrant tribute has a glossy sheen, but depicts the gritty reality of the country’s history and rapid transformation over the last few years. “Throughout the last century, Poland has been through so many huge changes that other countries in Europe can’t really imagine,” he says. “The most interesting time for Poland is right now – because for the first time in modern history the Poles can decide for themselves what kind of future they want.”

Having travelled the world and lived abroad in England, Italy and Denmark, van der Weyden decided to move to the country that seized his camera’s imagination. After a spell in Gdansk he has been settled in Warsaw for the past five years. “It’s easy to immerse yourself into Polish society, to become a participant and not just a visiting spectator,” he adds. “You warm to the people who are very open and welcoming and you make friends easily – the Poles let you in. Yet they didn’t always want to be photographed.” As van der Weyden explains, history still rules over the generations that lived through the Communist regime, when only the secret police took pictures of events. To persuade people to partake sometimes proved a sensitive issue and he occasionally found himself subject to interrogation from passers-by. More revelations in the book on Polish society past and present have been penned by Swedish journalist Kjell Albin Abrahamson, a foreign correspondent based in Warsaw. “It’s been exciting to work on the text together with Kjell Albin, whose deep-rooted knowledge about Poland has helped to give the book the needed analytic dimension,” van der Weyden says. Having spent years living and breathing Poland, van der Weyden is finding it increasing difficult to look at the country with the same ‘foreign eyes’ today. “I am becoming Polified,” he adds. “Those things that were so special to see in the beginning become more everyday so it’s becoming more challenging and my view is not as superficial anymore.” Still, it remains a work in progress and a second edition of the book is due to be released. It has been used as a promotional tool for the country, although it remains an independent artistic project at heart, receiving a mixed response from natives. “Some Poles love it and others that hate it are still thinking in terms of propaganda,” van der Weyden says. “It’s not just about parading a glittery surface. Just like people, you make real friends when you reveal what’s beneath and I really want Poland to make more friends.”

More information and book sales can be found at: www.polandeyes.com The photos illustrating this article are part of the fifty thousand pictures, taken by Swedish photographer Georg v a n d e r We y d e n , l a t e r c o m p i l e d i n a s e l e c t i o n i n h i s d o c u m e n t a r y b o o k P o l a n d T h r o u g h Fo r e i g n E y e s . M o r e than a mere snapshot, it illustrates the changing face of the place he has come to call home.

LAND M A R K S

Sweden’s Landscape Laboratory TE X T: L A U R E N D Y E R A M A Z E E N P HOTO : T H E L A N D S C A P E L A B O R AT O R Y A N D O F P R O F E S S O R R O L A N D G U S TA V S S O N C O U R T E S Y O F S W E D I S H U N I V E R S I T Y O F A G R I C U LT U R A L S C I E N C E S I N A L N A R P

he Landscape Laboratory is an exceptional program at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp – not far from Lund, located on the west coast of Sweden, directly across from Copenhagen.The Landscape Laboratory sits on the campus surrounded by a 40-hectare park with lush green lawns and winding pathways. It holds the largest arboretum in Sweden, with 2,600 varieties of trees and shrubs. Programmes at the university include horticulture, landscape architecture, landscape contracting, landscape management, market gardening, farm management and agricultural engineering. Initiated in 1984 by the exuberant Professor Roland Gustavsson, the purpose of the Landscape Laboratory (LL) is to provide “living references” where students as well as professionals can focus on plant establishment, maintenance, and the social significance of constructed and developed green environments. Professor Gustavsson strongly believes that the LL serves as a way for students and professionals to experience natural landscapes rather than intellectualize in a classroom with no connection to an actual natural environment. He states that he “wants to take back the outdoor experience – embody knowledge – use all the senses.” Through this education, the students are directed away from standardization, and an over simplification of landscape (as is

seen in many newly constructed urban developments).“This is one of only a few places in Europe to integrate design with understanding of management (sustainability and growing dynamics). We begin outside – so we can use those qualities – and then make a plan – working with complexity which we integrate into dynamics.” He cites that when there is no actual observation outside in nature, things are rarely questioned in the classroom, merely dictated. The program demonstrates the importance of long term management strategies, stressing the use of creative management to differentiate the landscape. LL provides experimental areas within the natural landscape, where students can observe different types of actual natural environments – like woodlands, water streams and meadows, frog ponds, or micro islands within ponds. The LL approach stimulates students to make excursions out to more ‘mature’ landscape areas. In this way there is the opportunity to study rare environments – like one of the few remaining remnants of natural woodland and compare these with plots in the LL, which have a design based on such a ‘reference landscape.’ Here students can transform what they observe into a planting scheme which will be used to plant green areas elsewhere. The students are able to observe how the different species grow together architecturally – while monitoring different

characteristics. LL’s focus is not just on landscape as architecture, but also on the process of growing. Design is presented as part of an ever-changing process. Students study the beauty of young and adolescent landscapes, comparing what is gained and lost from different types of pair plantings, developing more respect for the forest as a landscape. They are trained to work with shadow and light as they implement a design and work with time dynamics. Gustavsson encourages them with questions like “can you reach goals during a certain time period and is it pleasant to watch along the way?” Professor Gustavsson specifies that a natural environment designed within an urban centre can be conceived as a small room, which gives natural light. Both hazel and birch trees have been studied and developed in the LL in ways

In 2009, Professor Gustavsson wrote a significant article in the Journal of Landscape Architecture regarding his work at LL on the social life of trees. Through his studies he was able to interpret and start to understand the dynamics of how trees grow together. At the moment there are 9,000 registered trees including 3,300 different varieties and cultivars. They are also able to compare the growth plants from Scandinavia, East Asia and North America. He believes they still need more knowledge of how to mix species and add new species. For example, lime and maple forests are not found in Sweden so the LL brings them in to gain that important knowledge. Young trees are also the best to use while learning about design. In one case, they discovered that moss naturally grew below

Professor Gustavsson strongly believes that the LL serves as a way for students and professionals to experience natural landscapes rather than intellectualize in a classroom with no connection to an actual natural environment. that can filter natural light into urban outdoor environments. He points out that within the landscape there are important differences between sounds of the leaves and the needles and smells. Emphasis is also put on creating environments within a bustling urban landscape that can stimulate reflection. Some of his projects for the Laboratory include bringing young managers into young landscapes. Gustavsson has brought together horticulturalists, landscape architects, foresters, and engineers. He likes to be innovative with some of the courses incorporating more theatrical presentations within the natural environments with performances, music, and theatre.There is also a concern for nature education and experience for children and youths, as well as for professionals.

cherry trees and grass under birch.Trees are planted in groups to study how they can grow and support each other.They also try to keep them close together to determine how they self prune. Gustavsson has also expressed the need to place different varieties next to each – such as birches – to make the landscape more “vision rich and articulated”. He considers what is perhaps the most innovative, is the addition of what is called a field layer in urban planning – the establishment of herbs, grass, bamboo and ferns, with compost soil and newspaper pages as weed barrier.“It has taken 30 years of experimentation – lots of dead ends – we started using composts to give extra energy to introduce new plants – this has remained.” The Landscape Laboratory continues to gain recognition internationally as a desired model for landscape design, maintenance and sustainability.

At the moment there are 9,000 registered trees including 3,300 different varieties and cultivars. They are also able to compare the growth plants from Scandinavia, East Asia and North America. 52

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Antik West in Göteborg and Beijing Since 2007, the well known Oriental Art & Antiques dealer Björn Gremner has had a branch office in China. TE 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

jörn Gremner, expert on Chinese art and antiques, has been part of the enormously popular Antikrundan, the Swedish version of BBC’s The Antiques Road Show, since the start in 1989. 22 years later, the television programme attracts more viewers than ever. “Antikrundan has meant a lot to the Swedish antiques trade. Many viewers with little previous knowledge, have discovered the joy of antiques,” says Björn Gremner. Together with his daughter Anna, he runs Antik West – Oriental Art & Antiques in Göteborg, Sweden’s second largest city. For many years, Björn Gremner also had a show room in London, but following China’s rise to economic power, Antik West established a branch office in Beijing in 2007. The show room is placed in JiGuGe Art Co on Liulichang street, famous for its antique and art shops since the Qing dynasty.

P HOTO : E R I K K A R L S S O N , A N T I K W E S T

“Today, China is the world’s largest market for Chinese antiques. Although China have bought huge amounts in recent years, there is a lack of quality objects. Jade is in high demand. The customers are selective, they only buy items made for the home market, and in perfect condition. Although lately, they have begun to consider Chinese export porcelain, imported by the East India Companies in the 18th century, as well.” Antik West has produced a number of exhibitions in China, some of them sponsored by major international companies, for example the car manufacturer Volvo, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and SAS Radisson. In 2008, Jacob Travels to Guangzhou (Canton) attracted 58,000 visitors in Guangzhou. This event followed an exhibition on Chinese Export Porcelain in 2006.

In April 2012, Björn Gremner plans to hold an exhibition at the newly opened Mother and Child Museum in Beijing. This show will include objects decorated with women and children, a common motif on Chinese porcelain. Tang ceramics, antique Chinese furniture, such as cupboards, tables and chairs, are popular among Western buyers. Björn Gremner’s own favourites are Tang (618-906) and Song (960-1279) ceramics. “The attractive Ming (1368-1644) porcelain is still worth buying, as well as Wanli (1573-1619) export porcelain produced for the European market.” Antik West offers many lovely items suitable for Christmas gifts. The blue and white export porcelain from the 18th century is decorative, and you have the choice of a complete service or individual pieces. If you want a charming souvenir, there are pieces of jewellery with mounted fragments of porcelain, artifacts from the 18th century wreck Götheborg, salvaged outside Göteborg.

Södra vägen 41, near Avenyn, in the centre of Göteborg. Open Tuesday-Friday 11.00-18.00 Saturday 11.00-15.00 Phone +46 031-18 51 60. www.antikwest.com

M i c h a ł B i e r n a c k i , C o d e , s e r i e s o f h o u s e h o l d s h o w a p p l i a n c e s , c l i e n t : Z e l m e r S A , 2 0 0 8 , w w w. c o d e d e s i g n . p l

FOCUS

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Polish Design in a Nutshell TE X T: C Z E S Ł A W A F R E J L I C H To m a s z R y g a l i k , Te r m o c h a i r, 2 0 0 9 , p r o d . N o t i , w w w. t o m e k r y g a l i k . c o m

hough Poland is not currently a leader in world design, the situation is improving from one year to the next. This is primarily a result of having achieved and maintained a high level of production. Despite the crisis, the economic state of the country and the constant added growth of the Gross Domestic Product favour the growth of design. Producers are beginning to note its contribution, particularly as a factor in making products more competitive. In Poland, industrial designers are educated at seven fine arts academies (Gdansk, Katowice, Krakow, Łódz, Poznan, Warsaw, and Wrocław), and at two technical academies, as well as a few private schools. Eight hundred B.A. and M.A. graduates leave the halls of these learning institutions every year, and the majority of them go on to work in advertising. It is estimated that 5,000 to 7,000 people are currently employed as designers in Poland (in applied graphics, industrial design, or interior design.) However, few find work in industrial design – only around 300 people are employed in this profession. There are only about a dozen large agencies in Poland who employ designers; almost all others work on commission. Whether they work at an agency, or as a freelancer on commission, most designers need side jobs. Their main source of income is from related fields, such as interior design, applied graphics, and advertising. The international situation is conducive to the development of Polish design. The Polish community is beginning to take an active part in many events, and not without success. Its most recent international successes include awards at the “Red Dot” Competition. The Adam Mickiewicz Institute, which promotes Poland abroad, has deemed our local design worth presenting in foreign countries, in addition to more traditional fields of art. This has borne fruit in recent exhibitions including “Polska! Year” in London and Milan, the

“UnPolished – Young Designers From Poland” show in Brussels (2009) and Berlin (2010). Polish Institutes – such as those in Berlin, Brussels, London, and Stockholm – have also begun using design to show foreign visitors our country’s culture. Domestically speaking, the last few years have seen the organization of temporary exhibitions, as well as ongoing design festivals. In October the ŁódzźArt Centre organised the fourth edition of the Łódz Design Festival, the largest and most dynamically developing event of its kind in Poland. It focuses mainly on young designers, often those working on the fringes of art and design. One of the most important exhibitions and competitions is “Dobry Wzór” [Good Design], organized since 1993 by the Institute of Industrial Design in Warsaw. A regional equivalent of this competition is “Slaska Rzecz” [Silesian Thing], organised for the fifth time running by the Silesian Castle of Art and Enterprise in Cieszyn.Young designers have their own review of the best diploma projects, organized for eight years now by “2+3D” quarterly magazine. There are several institutions and organisations involved in promoting design. Among the most important, since 1963, has been the Industrial Designers’ Association, a group of active industrial designers. Since 1950, the Industrial Design Institute in Warsaw has been the central state institution for the promotion of domestic design. It focuses its activities on counseling and training companies, and local and government administrations. A regional equivalent of the Institute is the dynamic Silesian Castle of Art and Enterprise in Cieszyn – and two additional centres will be coming soon: the Design Centre in Kielce and the Wielkopolska Design Centre in Poznan. Since 1979, the Modern Design Centre at the National Museum in Warsaw has been involved in preserving the

legacy of Polish design. Their priceless collection numbers over 24,000 pieces. It is kept mainly in storehouses, however, and seldom sees the light of day. Poland’s lack of a permanent museum exhibition and a comprehensive book chronicling Polish design should be regarded as glaring shortcomings. Without a doubt, the most important positive shift in our attitude toward design is Polish producers’ growing awareness of the valuable role design plays in selling their products. Consumers are increasingly on the lookout for products that are not merely inexpensive, but also well designed. Domestic production has, for the most part, reached a high technical standard – the time has come for added value. Polish customers are prone to trust local producers. Furthermore, cultural event organizers are beginning to see design as a field unto itself, including it in their calendars of exhibitions, festivals, competitions and conferences. This optimistic picture is somewhat overshadowed by the non‑comprehension of the role of design in daily life, for which both the central and the regional authorities are responsible. Price, not design quality, continues to be the most important criterion in selecting minor urban architecture, interiors of clinics, schools, preschools, etc. Signs of change are, however, appearing on the horizon.

This brief description on the state of contemporary Polish design is by no means complete; it merely provides a bit of fundamental information based on the data collected through the editorial offices of our magazine.

In 2010 a “Red Dot” award went to Matylda Goledzinowska and Bogusław Małczynski for the Modico R45 stamp, produced by Modico, while Katarzyna Okinczyc and Remigiusz Truchanowicz earned honorary mentions for their OVAL bag. In the previous year Renata Kalarus was singled out for her Comma chair, produced by Noti.

A R T & C ULTU R E

Hasselblad Award 2011

Walid Raad

Our Vision & Values Walid Raad

TE X T: L A U R E N D Y E R A M A Z E E N

P HOTO : © W A L I D R A A D. C O U R T E S Y PA U L A C O O P E R G A L L E R Y, N E W Y O R K , GALERIE SFEIR-SEMLER AND ANTHONY REYNOLDS GALLERY

alid Raad is one of the most original and singular contemporary artists using photography. He has been widely acclaimed for his project “The Atlas Group” in which Raad generated original ideas about the relationship between documentary photography, archive and history. In order to document and investigate Lebanon’s contemporary history, Raad developed innovative methods of approaching the imagery of war and the way political and social conflict can be explored in art. Through Raad’s work we are able to question the traditional iconography of war photography and speculate productively on visuality, memory and violence. Citation issued by Hasselblad Foundation. Gothenburg is home to one of the most influential international photography prizes – The Hasselblad Award. Begun in 1981 through the Hasselblad Foundation, this annual award is comprised of SEK 1,000,000; a gold medal and a diploma. The award winner is also given an exhibition at the Hasselblad Centre together with engaging seminars and public events. The internationally renowned Lebanese/American photographer Walid Raad was noted for his fourteen-year project - The Atlas Group (1989-2004) –an imaginary collective, which Raad created to research and document the social, political, psychological and aesthetic conditions and ramifications of the war years in contemporary Lebanon between 1975 and 1991. The historical documents in the Atlas Group archives are not actual documentations, but fictitious accounts revolving around stories told by imaginary characters, drawing awareness to the multiple ways in which history is portrayed. Raad’s perspicacious work has more

to do with recording a collective memory rather than an authoritative or official history. When asked to reflect upon the difference between what some consider conventional documentary photography and the fictitious images he creates in his work, Raad has said, “I would not characterize my images as fictitious. I produce documents that exist in fiction. Fiction is a place/time as is history. The question for me is: Why do certain images appear in fiction while others in history?” Even Raad’s self-portraits are not actual images of the artist. In his more recent on-going project, Scratching on Things I Could Disavow: A History of Art in the Arab World, the artist examines the politics of the emerging art market in the Middle East. The project centres on installations that could be stages for a play not yet written or the actual interiors of a museum yet to be built. Integrating performance, Raad gives private walk-throughs in the exhibitions where he weaves narratives – both factual and poetic – regarding stories he invents around his artworks, as well the actual historical events that inspired them.

The Erna and Victor Hasselblad Foundation was established in 1979 in accordance with the last will and testament of Erna and Victor Hasselblad.The main aim of the Foundation is to promote research and academic teaching in the natural sciences and photography.This aim is achieved through the awarding of donations and grants for scientific research, an international award in photography, and scholarships and grants for research projects in photography. Walid Raad – Hasselblad Award 2011.The exhibition will be on display from 12 November 2011 until 15 January 2012. Location: Hasselblad Centre Gothenburg Museum of Art, Götaplatsen, Gothenburg

“To be the best stepping stone for future global citizens. We want to prepare our youth for a global start in life.”

At Futuraskolan International School of Stockholm our culture is defined primarily by our core values:

PROGRESSIVENESS, ENERGY, RESPECT We are proactive, continuously evolving and keep abreast of the latest developments in education. We are creative, open-minded, engaged, tolerant, respectful and take initiative. Our Goals

To create a calm, safe, and structured atmosphere, generating a fulfilling and encouraging working environment. To create an international perspective and mindset in our children. To create a setting where our children, staff, and parents feel happy and comfortable, allowing each individual to demonstrate a sense of responsibility and respect for themselves and others. To offer an individually designed educational experience, stimulating and encouraging each child to do their absolute best while supporting their personal needs.

Students Accepted Year Round- Easy to Apply Online! Location: Telephone:

Erik Dahlbergsgatan 58 115 82 Stockholm +46 767 24 26 27

info@futuraskolan.se chris.mockrish@futuraskolan.se www.futuraskolaninternational.se 59

S WEDIASRHT C&O C MULTU P ANIE RS E

02:33:20 PM EJECTOR SEAT TEST LINKÖPING, SWEDEN 27 OCTOBER, 1964

The retro-radical artist TE X T: D A V I D B A R TA L

ost of Marcus Mårtenson’s two-dimensional work is as colourful and amusing as a cartoon in the Sunday papers. But at the same time this Stockholm-based artist is deadly serious. Many of Mårtenson’s paintings have a moral dimension and topicality which sets him apart from most of his contemporaries, as does his use of Christian iconography and themes like the inevitability of death, egotism and narcissism in the modern world. This Spring Mårtenson will stage his largest solo exhibit ever, some 40 to 50 works including a number of larger pieces. The exhibit will be take place at the Angelika Knäpper Gallery in central Stockholm. The new collection is coloured by recent political and economic convulsions. Many people have lost faith in the ability of world leaders to solve global problems. There is a sense that change is coming: “People don’t know which way things will go,” the artist reflects. Mårtenson has been grappling with similar themes for years. Earlier paintings, for example have depicted castles burning or kings being eaten by dogs. One of the new works to be unveiled in the spring is called “Famous Signs and Symptoms of Stress.” Among the symptoms represented are: depression, indecisiveness, isolation, restlessness and a tendency to get angry. Another work, constructed in the shape of giant hands which is nearly two metres tall, takes on the idea of a Gospel of Success. The idea behind this painting is that a belief in one’s self or ego has become the new religion. In addition to paintings on canvas and wood, Mårtenson creates colourful structures out of recycled materials. In 2008, for example, Mårtenson and his frequent collaborator Valeria Montti Colque made a giant phoenix out of junk at the House of Sweden in Washington, D.C. Marcus has often teamed up with Montti Colque, whose Latin-inspired work complements that of Mårtenson; they share the same studio in southern Stockholm.

“We held a workshop for school kids from the Washington DC area. We worked with recyclable objects and made a huge phoenix sculpture out of it together with the kids. The ‘maximalistic’ result was really nice and contrasted in a good way to the minimalist architecture and design of the House of Sweden.” For further information: www.angelikaknappergallery.com and www.marcusmartenson.com 60

Everything we develop is explicitly targeted for a unique purpose. But we often find new applications and areas of use, and our innovations often also contribute to a safer society. In the early days of aviation, technical problems were not uncommon. Should an aircraft become uncontrollable, the pilot had to climb out of the cockpit and jump. So, when Saab outlined its new J 21 fighter something radical had to be done. The J 21 was unique. A pushing aftmounted propeller, powered by a 1,500 bhp engine. Climbing out of the cockpit at over 400 km/h is then, of course, not an option. Saab’s solution was to develop the ejector seat to safely launch the pilot out of reach of the propeller.

Launching an ejector seat is a pretty violent procedure. Even more important, arms and legs have to be fixed firmly to the body. Otherwise there is a definite risk that the pilot might simply be torn apart. The solution was to tie up the pilot. Straps that were pulled by carefully dimensioned powder charges kept the pilot firmly in place during the launch. By that, the ejector seat could be a standard part of overall pilot safety.

In a way that’s the heart and soul of innovation: to look around for good ideas or solutions, and to look ahead for new possibilities. It’s simply one of the ways to anticipate tomorrow.

www.saabgroup.com

And there’s more to it. The sensors used for the straps later found their way into the automotive industry and today virtually all cars have seatbelt pre-tensioners, a direct carry-over from our ejector seats.

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The Art of Giving TE X T AND P HOTO S : M I C H A E L H E L A N D E R

and crafting was once considered a hobby, something you did at home alone or with friends. But with the monumental growth of social media and blogging on the internet, indie handmade and handcrafted items are now at the forefront of a multi-million dollar global industry. Making the art of giving a whole new level of personalisation and creativity. This holiday season why not consider giving unique and personalised gifts created by one of many talented artisans across Sweden.You will be surprised that many of these one-of-akind gifts cost less than your standard ‘high street’ mass produced product. Swedish designer and illustrator Anna Tiles at Form-Re-Form creates QR Code wall art containing your own personalized message.

These coded messages are readable by smart phones and mobile computing devices and are now highly recognizable with the extensive use in advertising. With up to 250 characters, the possibilities are limited only by imagination. Holiday wishes, marriage proposals, and other secret messages create a graphic black and white piece of art that is not only personalized, but will certainly be a conversation starter in any home or office. It’s the perfect gift for that special someone, tech-savvy teenagers, or that hard-tobuy-for relative or friend. This unique art message is only 295 SEK, including shipping. Special dates, motivational quotes, or names and memorable places are only a few ideas that can be stamped on this polished aluminium serpentine bracelet by MiNiMi. Each piece has space for a uniquely personalized message,

creating jewellery with meaning that the recipient is sure to treasure each time they wear the bracelet. The impact of this personalized gift is far greater than the affordable price of 239 SEK, which includes shipping. MiNiMi also offers a serpentine ring that is perfectly personalized with children’s names, special event dates, or motivational words. And at only 210 SEK including shipping, these rings are the perfect gift for girlfriends, bridesmaids, mothers and daughters. One of Hanna Zetterlund’s most popular products is her graphic art piece personalised with the names of your family members. Available as either A4 prints or a 50x70 handstamped canvas, these price friendly gifts ranging from 220 – 450 SEK will be a hit with families everywhere. Art does not always have to hang on a wall. Sometimes it can be wrapped around the neck, like these one-ofa-kind Merino wool scarves from Artwool. It is one of the few original pieces of art that can be purchased for 750 SEK.

Among indie artisans there is a growing trend of consciousness for green and sustainable design. The music enthusiast on your gift list will appreciate this uber-cool lamp made from recycled LPs. Joakim Thedin designed the lamp to hang, but recently added a plexiglass stand so that it can also be used as a table lamp. The lamp design was nominated for Designtorget’s product of the year in 2010, each piece is signed, and retails for 1495 SEK including shipping. Finally, for the person that has everything and enjoys the finer things in life, send a box of Emanuel André luxury chocolate truffles. These hand designed truffle collections feature unique taste combinations unmatched in the world of chocolate. Try the Monte Enebro infused with the Spanish goat’s cheese, raspberry, red and green peppers, chilli and tobasco marmalade. Or linger over a robust truffle laced with Zino Platinum Cigar, dark rum, tobasco and a hint of salt. These truffles are meant to be savoured, and at $329 U.S. dollars per box the recipient will have a gift to remember. Make gift giving special this year. Buy handmade from Swedish artisans.

Artisan sources Form-Re-Form formreform.bigcartel.com MiNiMi Design www.minimidesign.se Hanna Zetterlund Färg & Form fargoformideer.dinstudio.se Artwool lu.dinstudio.se Joakim Thedin www.joakimthedin.se Emanual Andrén www.emanuelandren.com

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Select the best... ”

What the Dickens?

English theatre brings Christmas spirit to Stockholm

Swap excess shopping and spending in December to take stock and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas with a time-honoured tale. Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ makes its return to the Stockholm stage in English from December 8 – 23. TEXT: CHRISTINE DEMSTEADER

or Pernilla Isedal, director of the play for the third year running, it means pouring over the pages of this seasonal classic during the summer months. “I can’t recall how many times I’ve read the book,” she says. “But I delve into it every year, sitting in the sun, thinking about Christmas and how we can bring more life into the performance.” “Christmas has become somewhat stressful,” she adds. “So the audience really get into the spirit when they see the play with live music and carols. Everyone likes traditions,” she adds. And the play itself has quite a heritage in the Swedish capital. First performed in English in 1988 by the English Theatre Company, the story of tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation into a benevolent businessman became an annual fixture until the theatre group disbanded in 2003. Isedal was part of the original set up and took to the stage as an actress in the early days. She was enthused when talks of bringing back the play emerged and has taken the role of director since ‘A Christmas Carol’ made it’s 2009 comeback to the Maxim theatre in Östermalm. The cast is British, with the exception of Swedish child actors, and for Isedal the play would get lost in translation in any other language. “We have a mixed audience of Swedes and other nationalities and they want to see it in the original language,” she says. “Dickens wrote it as a story for everyone and I think it should be performed in English.” With auditions starting in October, the build-up can be hectic for Isedal. “As soon as we are up and running, then I can relax,” she adds. “Since I enjoy it so much I’m always excited about the play, even though I’ve done it for years, and I still love the essence of Christmas time.” For more information and ticket bookings: www.blixten.se

English theatre in Sweden Try your hand at treading the boards or keep up to date with the latest performances from a selection of English-language theatre companies in Sweden. Gothenburg English Speaking Theatre GEST is an award-winning English speaking theatre located in Gothenburg, Sweden and is the only professional English Speaking Theatre in western Sweden. Founded in 2005, GEST has produced eight plays that have all met both critical and public acclaim. www.gest.se Scandinavian International Theatre School An English-speaking theatre school, with venues in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo, offering training in the performing arts to children between the ages of 6 and 16. All classes take place on Saturday mornings during term-time.

www.sits-kids.com

The Stockholm Players An amateur dramatic society that aims to stimulate and support interest in drama in the English language. With roots in the 1920’s, the Stockholm Players is by far the oldest English-language theatre group in Sweden. www.

stockholmplayers.se

Stockholm English Speaking Theatre SEST was founded in 2010 by actors who have trained and worked professionally in Italy and the United Kingdom for over 10 years. Their vision is a company based on joint dedication, a willingness to explore language, vastly contrasting themes and a determination to take risks beyond what might be expected. www.sestcompany.com

We hire people for their technical skills, however we fire them for their behavioural faults ” Financial Times

...find out how! Free trial. Test yourself ThomasPPA provides an insight into how people behave at work and helps individuals to become more aware of their own work style and that of others. Thomas PPA is avaliable in 56 languages. Read more on www.thomasinternational.net. For a free PPA trial, please contact us with the reference Swedish Bulletin

SLG Thomas International AB +46 (0)8 505 340 00 hq@slgint.com

M a i n V i s u a l i z a t i o n o f t h e Po z n a n S t a d i u m b e i n g b u i l t f o r 2 0 1 2 Fo o t b a l l C h a m p i o n s h i p

C ULTU R E & F O C U S

N a t i o n a l S t a d i u m i n W a r s a w - T h e B i g L i g h t S h o w.

Football champions will meet in Poland during

UEFA EURO 2012 TEXT AND PHOTOS : POLISH TOURIST ORGANISATION

or the first time in history, between June 8 and July 1 2012, the European Football Championship will be organised in two countries in Central and Eastern Europe – in Poland and in Ukraine. In Poland the group stage matches will be played in four cities: Gdansk, Poznan, Wroclaw and Warsaw. The Polish cities boast state-of-the-art stadiums built especially for the Euro, comfortable hotels and an attractive entertainment package. The city centres will feature Fan Zones – international areas for fans, and ‘street stadiums’ with giant video screens showing the Euro matches. It is estimated that 670 thousand spectators will watch the Euro 2012 matches in Poland, including 420 thousand supporters from abroad, while 1.5 million will visit the Fan Zones.

Poznan the city of business

Wrocław the city of meetings

Poznan is one of the oldest and richest cities in Poland. It is an international centre of fairs, industry (the Poznan Industrial Region) and academies. It organises international congresses, conferences and sports events such as European and World Championships in a range of disciplines. Respected rating agencies give Poznan second place, after Warsaw, among the most favourable for business cities in Poland.

Wroclaw is one of the largest industrial, cultural, academic, and science and research centres in Poland. Students make up almost 20% of the city’s population. The largest European leasing fund conducts its activities in Wroclaw, as do reputable companies from the home appliances, IT, transport, and chemistry sectors. The Wroclaw Technology Park features high-tech companies; the IT service centre of IBM is being developed here. Wonderful art festivals, opera, theatrical performances, concerts of classical and popular music, and pop star appearances fill the annual cultural program of the city.

Poznan residents love sports. Football supporters fill the stadiums to the brim every time their teams are playing. In city parks and forests you can see many people of all ages jogging. It is no wonder, as Poznan hosts the largest city marathon in Poland – The Poznan Marathon.

Gdansk the city of freedom

The Old Town

A thousand-year history, a location at the crossroads of important commercial and communication routes, an extensive port and mercantile traditions - all this makes Gdansk a meeting place of many cultures, nationalities and denominations.

The Market Square, where twelve streets find their beginning, is surrounded by buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Some of the central ones have arcades which once housed merchant’s stalls. The buildings around the square contain art galleries, museums, jeweller’s shops, brewery owned bars (with superb regional beers), restaurants (Polish and international cuisine) and cafés.

In the 20th century Gdansk went into the history books. In Gdansk – on the 1st of September 1939, World War II broke out. Fourty years later, in 1980, in the Lenin Shipyard a social movement was born. Its name was Solidarity and in 1989 it led both Poland and other Central European countries to freedom from communist domination. The division of Europe into the free West and captive East, that began in Gdansk also found its conclusion here – a real and final ending.

CALENDAR: 8 June 2012, the National Stadium in Warsaw – the opening match featuring the Polish team Group stage matches: Gdansk, Poznan, Warsaw, Wroclaw The quarter-finals: Warsaw, 21 June Gdansk – 22 June Semi-final: Warsaw – 28 June

The Renaissance Town Hall is the Market Square’s ‘decorative’ feature – it is among the pearls of the architecture of its time. It is decorated with a beautiful facade and three levels of arcade loggias. On a small platform over the Town Hall Clock at 12 o’clock the figures of two billy goats appear – they are the city’s symbol.

Warsaw – the capital Warsaw’s dynamic development reached its peak over the last few years. The city attracts intellectual and artistic energy, develops science and research centres, and invests in high-tech industry. Twelve out of a thousand residents work in scientific institutions. There are 65 high schools, including the highly reputed University of Warsaw, the Warsaw University of Technology, the Warsaw School of Economics, the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music, and the Academy of Fine Arts. Warsaw is also a green town, stretching along the banks of the longest Polish river – the Vistula. It is full of parks, city gardens, and nature reserves, and there is plenty of space to rest from the metropolitan hustle and bustle.

Facts: The National Stadium in Warsaw The stadium building has eight levels. The bottom part of the roof is a membrane which intensifies the acoustics during matches and concerts. There are two levels containing restaurants,VIP clubs and a Sports Museum. PEG Arena Gdansk, a UEFA EURO Stadium This multi functional stadium is one of the most advanced sport facilities in Europe, and is included in the elite category. With its shape and the golden colour of the roofing, it resembles an amber crystal and with its supporting structure it evokes shipyard cranes, one of the symbols of Gdansk. The Municipal Stadium in Poznan Thoroughly modernised especially for the UEFA EURO 2012, the Municipal Stadium has been included as part of the elite class. The designers decided to build the largest video screens in Poland, 116 m² each, composed of 120 LED displays. The UEFA EURO 2012 Stadium in Wroclaw The new stadium is a sports arena, concert auditorium and a conference centre. The clear fiberglass covering gives the construction a feeling of lightness and transparency. Information on the tournament can be found at: http:// www.polen.travel/sv/euro-2012/.

C ULTU R E & F O C U S

Wellness in Poland – for body and wallet TEXT: POLISH TOURIST ORGANISATION

he oldest spa centres in Poland date back to the 13th century. Nowadays Poland boasts modern spa hotels located in traditional spa villages and towns all over the country, with the biggest concentration along the Baltic Sea beaches. The balsamic air of the Baltic Sea coast combined with wonderful landscapes, modern therapies and affordable prices have been attracting Scandinavians for several years now. Looking for something extraordinary? Wieliczka Salt Mine has a treatment centre 135 metres underground.

a direct ferry connection to Ystad in Sweden, they are the most popular destinations for Swedes, Germans, Danes and Norwegians longing for relaxation and a good life style. The specialty of Arka Medical Spa in Kolobrzeg are white clay baths, Ayurveda, shiatsu and hot stone massages, but also a wide range of medical and dental treatments with a price that is very pleasant for a foreign wallet.

Sopot – luxurious relaxation

Tired after a hard day in the city? Every metropolis in Poland nowadays offers a wide range of day spas under well-known international brands.Visiting a day spa ends up on the travel itinerary of many foreign tourists to Poland. Interested in Polish brands providing treatments and cosmetics of the absolute highest quality? Visit Skin Care Institutes of Dr Irena Eris situated in most big cities in Poland. Irena Eris is the owner of this extremely successful cosmetic company whose product can be found in every Polish bathroom and are associated with quality and prices ranging from budget to exclusive.

The small town of Sopot, squeezed between the historic city of Gdansk and a modern metropolis Gdynia, offers several hundred years of wellness traditions. Luxurious hotels like the famous Grand Hotel or a stylish Hotel Haffner, offer a wide range of treatments in an upper-class environment. In the heart of five stars Sheraton Hotel in Sopot, an ancient tradition has been incorporated while creating a thermal bath resembling a Turkish hamam. In all kinds of treatments, Sopot’s unique mineral salt waters are used with great success. Kolobrzeg and Swinoujscie – tradition meets modernity Kołobrzeg, situated on the western part of the Polish Baltic coast, has been for many years associated with traditional sanatoriums, curing numerous diseases and providing rehabilitation. Nowadays most of its hotels have been modernized and several new ones have been built, combining a soothing location at the seaside with modern treatments. Together with Swinoujscie, a small town situated on hundreds of small islands on the Polish-German border with

Day spas for busy weekend tourists

Medical underground? It’s not what you think If you are longing for a spa experience out of ordinary, though, Wieliczka Salt Mine outside the city of Krakow is the place to go. This UNESCO World Heritage List salt mine offers a heart and respiratory system treatment package, including stays 135m below ground level in the unique scenery of the Wessel Lake and Stable of East Mining Hills Chambers, catering for modern treatments of respiratory problems and allergies.

F A S HION

Designer Amelia Ursache models an elegant outfit from her new “Tribal Deluxe” collection.

L ET YOU R FU TU RE GROW W I T H

Westinghouse W E S T I N G H O U S E E L E C T R I C C O M PA N Y L L C

Passionate fashion by Ursache TEXT: DAVID BARTAL PHOTO: MADALINA VASILE

omania-born fashion designer Amelia Ursache is probably better known in London and Paris than in Sweden, where she resides. That might be changing now that Amelia has opened up a mini-boutique in Stockholm featuring her dramatic, feminine creations. Her workplace and showroom is located at Regeringsgatan 89, a few blocks from Nalen, the famous Stockholm music nightspot. Her S/S 2012 collection called “Tribal Deluxe” is partly inspired by the tattoos and graphic styles of the Masai tribe of Africa. Since 2004 Amelia has created two collections per year, which she shows during Stockholm Fashion Week and from 2009 in Paris at the “Pret-aPorter” Fair. Each Ursache collection is based upon an entirely new concept. A previous collection, for example was called “Metro Nomad,” and explored the idea of the active, cosmopolitan woman. Those designs were exhibited at a runway show held in February 2010 at Stockholm’s prestigious Cafe Opera, witnessed by an audience of nearly 500, including eight ambassadors.

“The red thread running through all of my collections is an elegant, feminine style and the use of exclusive materials,” she explains.

Since she was a teenager, Ursache has done things her own way. At age 19, as a student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bucharest, Amelia was already running her own clothing manufacturing company. Based in Stockholm since 1998, Ursache worked for Sweden’s couture king Lars Wallin and fashion giant H&M. She was named designer of the year that same year by the UK edition of Elle. One of her special accomplishments was the launch during London Fashion Week of a special collection for disabled women, called “Wheelchair chic.” CNN and the BBC reported about Ursache’s groundbreaking collection.

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In 2003, Amelia took part in an international design competition produced by Sweden’s TV3 called “Fashion House.” This allowed her to show off her talent for legends like Donatella Versace, Antonio Berardi, D-Squared and Italian designer Valentino. It was in fact Valentino who advised Amelia to start her own label. Amelia says that she doesn’t understand why some designers keep the same look season after season: “I’m not interested in following what other designers are doing. I want to follow my own ideas and concepts. Every collection has to be a surprise.”

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GOU R M ET

The Sweetest Town in Sweden TEXT AND PHOTOS: MICHAEL HELANDER

estled between Sweden’s 2nd largest lake Vättern and a mountainous cliff jutting upwards from the lowlands lies the sweet little town of Gränna, home of the polkagris. Whether you know it as polkagris, candy cane, or seaside rock, this characteristic red and white swirled candy stick is unmistakeably one of the world’s most recognized sweets. In some cultures these peppermint flavoured candy sticks are reserved for the Christmas holiday, but not so in Sweden, where you’ll find polkagris available all year round. The history of the polkagris dates back to 1849 when Gränna local Amalia Eriksson suddenly found herself widowed at age 25 with no means to support herself or her young daughter. Armed with an enterprising spirit not common for women of that time, Amalia began making small pillow-shaped “polkagrisar” for wedding and funeral gatherings. It wasn’t until 10 years later that she applied to the city council’s office and was officially approved to run her own business. Amalia’s daughter Ida eventually grew to take over her mother’s candy legacy when Amalia died at age 99. And as the years passed, more and more housewives in the 1950’s and 60’s began producing polkagris in their kitchens, most often with their children sitting roadside around Gränna peddling the sweets. Men eventually joined the ranks and the currentday “baker man” was born. Gränna local Olle Mattias was the

first to let customers watch his polkagris production through the shop window, a fun tradition that continues today with several of the polkagris shops dotting the landscape of Gränna. Gränna’s polkagris continue to be crafted by hand according to Amalia’s 150 year old recipe. And although the ingredients remain the same – sugar, water, vinegar and peppermint oil – the amount of each varies according to the weather and humidity. Once the polkagris dough has been infused with air through kneading and pulling for mere minutes, the baker has an additional 10 minutes to hurriedly finish his work of rolling, forming and cutting the polkagris dough before it hardens and can no longer be shaped. Becoming a true polkagris artisan can take years and continues to be a proud tradition even today. New ways of promoting the polkagris industry in Gränna continue to emerge including day trips for school children, where they can visit and make their own polkagris. Classes are also offered for adults, and on the day that we visited there was a group of eight friends creating their own polkagris candy under the guidance of a gifted polkagris baker. Much to the dismay of the polkagris purists, and causing quite a scandal at the time, new flavours and colours were added to the candy sticks in the 1970s, and today as you walk into a Gränna polkagris shop you’ll be engulfed by a multitude of aromas and colours. But the most prominent,

and sought after, is still the smell of peppermint and the swirl of red and white – the most famous polkagris of all. Two other “can’t miss” sites during your Gränna visit include the Hotel Gyllene Uttern (The Golden Otter Hotel) and Brahehus castle. Built cliff side in 1937 to resemble a castle, Hotel Gyllene Uttern’s restaurant offers the best in regional specialties, coupled with one of the most spectacular views through a wall of windows overlooking Lake Vättern. We stopped for lunch with our family of four, and while my husband and I enjoyed our lunch specials prepared to perfection, our kids were equally pleased with their child-friendly meals. If you are settling in the area for the night, consider staying at this richly designed hotel filled with gilt-framed art and medieval suits of armour. Or if nuptials are in your future, enjoy a small and intimate ceremony in the hotel’s baroque wedding chapel located on site. On the other side of Gränna and situated on a cliff with equally spectacular views are the ruins of Brahehus, a small castle built by Count Per Brahe and intended as a future dower house for his wife. Unfortunately she died before the castle was completed and as such Brahehus never fully realized the promise of its perfectly situated location. Finished in the 1650’s, the castle and surrounding wooden buildings burned in 1708 and were never rebuilt, leaving the remaining stone walls to decay into ruins for centuries to come. This

impressive archaeological site is now sadly displaced as the main highway runs right beside the land. But once you pass under the highway to enter the remains of this grand structure and look through the window openings out over Lake Vättern, you’ll understand the unrequited promise of a life never fully evolved. And one bit of advice, do not forget your camera. Located just outside of Jönköping and a twohour drive from Göteborg or three hours from Stockholm, the picturesque and historical village of Gränna should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Sweden this year.

GOU R M ET & F O C U S

10 countries

Polish Christmas table just like years ago TEXT: POLISH TOURIST ORGANISATION

n Christmas Eve, the most important day of Christmas celebrations in Poland, families gather together, leaving one free seat for an unexpected guest, while kids peek through the windows to look for the first star and endure through 12 traditional dishes before they actually get to meet Santa. Times change, politicians come and go and Poland is not what it was 50 years ago but Polish Christmas traditions remain unchanged. Christmas still is and probably always will be the most important holiday for Polish families in the country and abroad. Polish Christmas celebration combines international traditions of decorating Christmas trees and a visit from Santa Claus, with originally Polish ones, like oplatek, meatless menu on the table and a husk of the Christmas carp in the wallet for next year’s well being and prosperity. Even though many aspects of life in Poland become more and more secular, a prayer or a passage from the Bible about Jesus’ birth is still an important beginning of the Christmas Eve dinner in many families, as well as handfuls of hay symbolizing his birth in the stable under the white, carefully ironed holiday table cloth. The family break oplatek, the Christmas wafers symbolizing holy bread as a sign of reconciliation, love and best wishes.

What comes next is a matter of family tradition and regional influences but one remains unchanged: the Christmas Eve dinner is always meat-free. Beetroot soup called barszcz with mushroom filled dumplings called ‘little ears- uszka’ in some homes, and a mushroom soup in others precede a selection of fish dishes and… even more dumplings – filled with sauerkraut and mushrooms, for a change.

And after all this, when the grown ups mercifully put the cutlery down, it is finally time for presents. Wesołych Swiat!

10 cultures

One law firm

Magnusson Private Legal Magnusson offers seamless legal advice to private clients on a wide range of matters, in particular cases with a cross-border angle. Our competence in international private law and private client affairs is enrooted in experience of the whole firm and in particular draws from such areas of expertise as family law, inheritance, tax, employment, dispute resolution, contract law, real estate, banking and finance. We have significant expertise in advising on various aspects of moving and living abroad.

Fish are probably the crucial part of the menu, with carp on the top of the list, usually fried in butter and accompanied by other sweet water fellows like pike or trout. Herring is welcome too, in acid and with onion, according to each family’s preferences. Dry fruit compote and kutia, a sweet grain pudding deriving from Lithuanian cuisine are also popular on the Christmas table. Meat may not be a part of the menu on December 24 in Poland, but cakes and candy surely are. A roll cake filled with poppy seed and delicacies is called makowiec and is a must on every Christmas table, accompanied by small, glazed ginger breads, which decorate both the table and… the Christmas tree.

10 languages

Do you have questions or need assistance? You are welcome to contact us: Tove Sjövall Partner/Head of Magnusson Private Legal Email: tove.sjovall@magnussonlaw.com Tel: +46 40 45 66 60 Mobil: +46 708 33 03 21

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Peter Bennyson puts a personal touch on his Old Town neighbourhood restaurant that has become renowned for its wine, winning this year’s prestigious Gold Dragon award from Dagens Nyheter. TEXT AND PHOTO: ERIC PAGLIA

odern life demands an exhausting array of decisions, but once you decide to dine at 19 Glas in Stockholm’s Old Town, you can take comfort in knowing that a five-course dinner has already been selected on your behalf with great care and creativity. Proprietor Peter Bennyson jests that his award-winning restaurant and bar, without an à la carte menu, is an “oasis in a world of constant choice” where his unmistakable mustachioed presence animates the intimate surroundings that fuse the modern with the rustic. While most of the ingredients are grown ecologically and locally, much of the inspiration for the dishes on the daily 19 Glas menu come from Bennyson’s extensive travels across Sweden and abroad. He established 19 Glas as the kind of neighbourhood restaurant that he was always attracted to himself, a perfect meeting place where anyone can feel at home. His prior experiences as a restaurateur have also had a strong influence on the culinary concept and ambiance of 19 Glas. Before starting 19 Glas in 2008, Bennyson ran a restaurant in the French countryside, and in the 1990’s managed the legendary Hannas Krog, which was one of the first restaurants in Stockholm to strongly emphasize personalised customer service. 76

Bennyson’s personal touch is most evident in his selection of fine wine, for which 19 Glas – named after the 19 wine glasses of the original table setting - has received much acclaim. Here customers are, alas, confronted with choice: a selection of over 300 wines, all hand-poured and, remarkably, even the most exclusive wines can be ordered by the glass. In assisting diners to select the right wine for the occasion, Bennyson does not simply match wine to food; his long experience of interacting with customers has helped him develop a sensitivity to mood and social contexts in dining milieu. “Every situation is unique,” says Bennyson, who strives to personalise each experience by observing nuances at the table before recommending a wine, whether it be a business gathering, a romantic dinner, or a celebration among friends, and so forth. “I can recommend five wines for one course, or one wine for all five courses, it all depends,” he says. And for those wishing to further surround themselves with wine, the 19 Glas food and wine cellar is available for events, special dining arrangements and wine tastings. Compared to the many establishments catering to tourists in the Old Town, 19 Glas stands out for its ambition to be a genuine neighbourhood restaurant for everyone in Stockholm as well as all its visitors. The choice is yours.

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GOU R M ET

19 Glas

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2011 We are conducting different methods of dialogue that empowers our citizens to involve themselves in ongoing development projects.

CONTACTOR

2011 This autumn a new center for knowledge and culture, called Messingen, opened in central Väsby. The building includes one of Sweden’s most modern high schools.

www.upplandsvasby.se

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S WEDI S H DIA R Y

Some things you might not know about the Nobel Prize and its laureates.

Our Vision & Values

We have all heard of the Nobel Prize but we are not

“To be the best stepping stone for future global citizens. We want to prepare our youth for a global start in life.”

always familiar with its history or the scenes behind the scene. Founded by its benefactor and namesake, Alfred Nobel, it’s been awarded since 1901 guided by the provisions spelled out in Mr. Nobel’s last will and testament. Its prestige and influence in the fields of medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, economics and peace is unparalleled by any other prize awarded. This year (2011) the Nobel Prize experienced a slight bit more excitement than normal. It started off with breath held and rounded off with delighted exhales. The former came after winners of the Nobel Prize in Medicine was announced but within a few hours it became known that one of the laureates, Dr. Ralph Steinman, had died three days prior. The latter was jubilation over the announcement that Sweden’s own, the perennial nominee and most beloved Swedish poet, Tomas Tranströmer was recognised at long last and awarded the prize. The death of Ralph Steinman sent the Nobel Committee to consult the statutes of the Nobel Prize. Alfred Nobel’s original will gave no specifications regarding posthumous awards of the prize. However, in 1974 the Nobel committee included the requirement that laureates should be alive when selected. Prior to 1974, two prizes were awarded posthumously, Dag Hammarskjöld for the Nobel Peace prize in 1961 and Erik Axel Karlfeldt for the Nobel prize in literature in 1931.

men between 1901 and 2010. A small number of Nobel Laureates have been honoured more than once, which makes a total of 40 females and 773 males who have received the Nobel Prize. Age and experience is also a critical characteristic. To date, the youngest Nobel Laureate is Lawrence Bragg who was the tender age of 25 when he received the Nobel Prize in Physics with his father in 1915.

At Futuraskolan International School of Stockholm our culture is defined primarily by

And while the prize is an annual event, since the start in 1901, there

our core values:

are some years when the Nobel Prizes have not been awarded. with the upheaval of Europe during World War I (1914-1918) and II (1939-1945). And during some years, the committees determined that no nominations were worthy of a specific prize and it was left

We are proactive, continuously evolving and keep abreast of the latest developments in

unawarded.

education. We are creative, open-minded, engaged, tolerant, respectful and take

There are many who believe that Winston Churchill was awarded

Very quickly the committee confirmed that Dr. Steinman

the Nobel Peace Prize, but he was actually awarded the 1953 Nobel

would keep his prize. The foundation issued the

Prize in Literature. While he was never awarded the Peace prize, he

following statement, “The decision to award the Nobel

was in fact nominated.

Prize to Ralph Steinman was made in good faith, based on the assumption that the Nobel Laureate was alive.”

PROGRESSIVENESS, ENERGY, RESPECT

50 prizes in total have not been awarded. Most of them coincided

initiative. Our Goals

Finally the people who are awarded a Nobel Prize are formally and correctly known as “laureates.” The Greek based word refers

And once we begin to poke into the rules and

to being signified by the laurel wreath. In ancient Greece laurel

guidelines of what is entailed to be awarded a prize,

wreaths were awarded to victors as a sign of honour - both in athletic

we find a number of interesting factual tidbits often

competitions and in poetic meets. The honour born by a laureate

overlooked or unknown.

upon receiving the Nobel Prize is one coveted the world over.

Prior to the announcements of the 2011 laureates, 817

And while most people are aware that the Nobel Prize for Peace

Laureates and 23 organizations have been awarded

is both chosen and awarded in Norway and not in Sweden, it’s

the Nobel Prize between 1901 and 2010. If you are

something worth remembering. Too often I hear people exclaim, “What

hoping to be awarded the Nobel prize it helps to

were the Swedes were thinking when they picked…” I think a lot of

be a man. 41 Nobel Prizes and Prizes in Economic

Swedes would agree that they’re never sure what the Norwegians

Sciences have been awarded to women and 776 to

were thinking.

By Elizabeth Dacey-Fondelius

Students Accepted Year Round- Easy to Apply Online! Location: Telephone:

Erik Dahlbergsgatan 58 115 82 Stockholm +46 767 24 26 27

info@futuraskolan.se chris.mockrish@futuraskolan.se www.futuraskolaninternational.se 81

A high-speed train for the Nordic climate

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