International Culture Producer – Team 3
August 24 2026 – May 2028 | Fulltime | Online + On-site
Culture Producer in the North – A Role in Demand
From Umeå to Kirkenes, Northern Scandinavia is full of creative energy, but there is a shortage of qualified cultural producers who can lead and organize cultural projects. This is where you come in. The cultural sector in Norrbotten and the Barents region has expressed a strong demand for cultural producers with both an international and local focus, especially in light of Kiruna’s European Capital of Culture year in 2029 and the extensive work required in preparation for it.
Art and culture are becoming increasingly important as tools for navigating our times and driving sustainable social change, counteracting rural depopulation, and creating vibrant communities. The program places special emphasis on the challenges and opportunities that shape Sámi culture, history, and contemporary life, as well as the multicultural Euro-Arctic region.
Is this you?
In the role of an international cultural producer, you help put culture on the map and contribute to communicating and realizing cultural experiences through innovative methods that combine culture and societal development. From idea development, process management, and marketing to funding, anchoring, and collaboration, the program provides you with broad expertise to work as a cultural producer both nationally and internationally.
After completing the program, you will be able to:
Independently plan, lead, and complete cultural projects with a strong regional foundation. Create a sense of security and inspiration within the group. Solve problems and manage change.
Take responsibility for project financing and budgeting by identifying funding sources, writing applications, estimating ticket revenues, developing marketing plans, and finding other ways to secure the project’s income.
Be responsible for documentation, reporting, and quality assurance of the various parts of the project to ensure proper follow-up with funders and partners.
About the Program
The program equips you with the skills to work in the cultural sector from a sustainable and holistic perspective. During your studies, you will gain knowledge of cultural production, cultural consumption and audiences, cultural entrepreneurship, and the cultural and creative industries. You will develop understanding and skills in financial administration, budgeting, and funding within the cultural sector. At the same time, you will learn about communication processes as well as digital methods and tools for creative processes.
To fully benefit from the program, a good understanding of English is required. Due to its international focus, most of the teaching and guest lectures are conducted in English. Using correct terminology and English concepts is an important part of the professional role. The labor market requires the ability to express yourself in both spoken and written English in order to work in international projects and with international visitors. Therefore, many examinations and assignments will also be conducted in English. This is also essential for being able to engage with the English-language course literature.
Educational Format and Pace of Study
The program is equivalent to two years of full-time study (400 YH credits) and is delivered online/distance-based. It includes 6 physical meetups (1–2 per semester) held in conjunction with relevant cultural events in the North (Boden, Luleå, Kiruna, Kirkenes, Rovaniemi, Umeå, etc.).
During the two-year program, you will learn to independently navigate the cultural sector’s ecosystem, professional roles, and practices. Simultaneously, you will deepen your knowledge of Sámi culture, history, and contemporary life, as well as the multicultural Euro-Arctic region. The program also includes 25% internship/LIA (20 weeks) and the opportunity to develop your own cultural productions (13 weeks) during your studies.
Length: 400 YHP (approx. 2 years)
Format: Online with 6 on-site gatherings in the North of Sweden.
Start date: August 24, 2026
Student Grants: CSN eligible for 100% studies
Language: English and Swedish
Previous work experience required: Minimum 1 year of of relevant professional experience.
Specific Entry Requirements: A minimum grade of E/3/G in the following courses, or equivalent knowledge: English 6, Swedish 2, or Swedish as a Second Language 2.
Application deadline: May 4, 2026
Max number of students: 30
Kursmoment
- Arts and Culture, 2 weeks
- Project Methodology and Practical Project Management, 12 weeks
- The Cultural Sector, 4 weeks
- Finance and Budgeting, 8 weeks
- Digital Tools, 6 weeks
- The Role of Culture in Societal Transformation, 4 weeks
- The Euro-Arctic Society, 2 weeks
- Communicating Culture, 4 weeks
- Leadership and Workplace Culture, 6 weeks
- Degree Project / Thesis, 12 weeks
- LIA (Learning at Work / Internship), 20 weeks
Career Opportunities
The program prepares you for professional roles such as:
- International Cultural Producer
- Curator / Exhibition Manager
- Cultural Entrepreneur
- Cultural Project Manager
- Director of Cultural Centers and Art Galleries
In Close Collaboration with the Industry
The following stakeholders have been involved in the development of the program and support the specific skill requirements of the labor market:
Havremagasinet Länskonsthall (Boden), Danscentrum Norr (Piteå), BD Pop (Piteå), Sara Kulturhus (Skellefteå), Piteå Science Park, Näringslivskontoret Luleå kommun, Region Norrbotten, Kulturenheten, avdelningen för regional utveckling (Luleå), Tornedalsteatern (Pajala), Kiruna kommun, Kultur- och fritids-förvaltningen vid Luleå kommun, Giron Sámi Teáhter (Kiruna), Boden event, Kulturakademin (Göteborg/Helsingborg), Festspillene i Nord-Norge (Harstad), Pikene på broen (Kirkenes), Northern Sustainable Futures (Moskosel), Rovaniemi Art Museum
Roger Norén
Executive Director, Concert Hall, Studio Acusticum, Piteå.
”We see great value in this Higher Vocational Education (HVE) program with its focus on the Barents Region. Cultural producers are in short supply within the sector in the North, and recruiting individuals with the right expertise is a challenge. Knowledge of our culturally significant region needs to be strengthened in order to produce performances and execute projects that can highlight our unique regional identity.”
Apply or Ask a Question
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If you have any questions regarding admissions, logistics, or the content of the program, please feel free to reach out to Nathalie Wahlberg nathalie.wahlberg@almostthere.se