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 program 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. Swedish companies have since visited more than 40 countries, following invitations received during and after each edition of Swedstage. Colleagues and friends from around the world have gathered in Stockholm for three days each November, not only to watch performances and meet Swedish artists and arts professionals, but also to explore venues throughout Stockholm and the surrounding region, and to visit museums and restaurants. Our goal has always been to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

In the wake of the pandemic, the Swedish Performing Arts Coalition and ASSITEJ decided to split Swedstage into two separate events. ASSITEJ now organizes an edition focused on productions for children and young audiences, held during Bibu in Helsingborg in the spring, while the Swedish Performing Arts Coalition organizes an edition for young adult and adult audiences in Stockholm in the fall. 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.