The first Swedstage took place in 2012, with the aim of showcasing the very best of Swedish performing arts for children, young people, and adults. Every other year, we have presented a carefully selected programme of Swedish productions available for touring and open to international audiences.

Over the years, we have presented 45 full-length performances and 14 pitch presentations to 192 international guests representing 59 different countries. More than 40 countries have since been visited by Swedish companies, following invitations received during and after each edition of Swedstage. Colleagues and friends from around the world have come together in Stockholm for three days each November, not only to see performances and meet Swedish artists and arts professionals, but also to explore venues across Stockholm and the surrounding region, and to visit museums and restaurants. Our ambition has always been to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Following the pandemic, Swedish Performing Arts Coalition and ASSITEJ decided to divide Swedstage into two separate events. ASSITEJ now organizes an edition focused on work for children and young audiences, held during Bibu in Helsingborg in the spring, while Swedish Performing Arts Coalition organizes an edition for young adult and adult audiences in Stockholm in the autumn. Both editions are aimed at a curated group of international festival directors and touring bookers, who over the course of a few days get to experience the best that Sweden has to offer in terms of bookable productions.