For the Italian partner, Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo and the local promoters involved in the SPARSE Plus project, the trip to Sweden that took place in February 2026, was an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the cultural context of Riksteatern Värmland and of the activities coordinated by Anna Skoglund in the rural areas of Värmland County, particularly in the city of Karlstad and the village of Borgvik.
Anna Skoglund invited the Italian group to visit several places across Värmland County which, during the summer season, become true cultural hubs hosting music festivals and theatre activities that engage both local communities and numerous tourists from across Sweden.
It was particularly interesting to observe how, in these areas, due to their geographical characteristics, culture and territory naturally intertwine at certain times of the year, giving rise to shared and participatory experiences.
Throughout these three days, there were many opportunities to exchange experiences and expertise. It proved to be a fruitful and stimulating professional networking experience, both for Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo as a theatre circuit and for the local promoters, who also had the chance to engage in discussions on more technical aspects related to promotion and audience engagement.
In Karlstad, the group visited the headquarters of Riksteatern Värmland and the Värmland Museum, gaining insight into the historical and cultural roots of the region.
In Borgvik, a typical rural village in Värmland County, the group visited Borgviks Gård, a cultural centre that hosts various activities, including the Borgviks Hamnfest, a summer classical music festival that will reach its fifth edition in July 2026. The visit concluded with a meeting and dinner with Sara, an experienced circus artist who worked in London for many years and now operates as a promoter in the rural area of Borgvik, focusing on the training of young cultural promoters.
Back in Karlstad, Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo conducted a webinar with project partners, focusing on the touring experiences from the latest edition of the SPARSE Plus project (2025).
The group concluded their training experience in Sweden at Alstrum Mansion, a farm just outside Karlstad that is fully energy self-sufficient, managed by the third generation of the Nisser family, historically active in supporting and promoting the Värmland region. They invited guests to attend a concert performed by students from the Karlstad music school.
