Region Värmland CULTURALITY #RuralEvent Roundup
Subtitle
Over 3,000 people visited the three-day rural event “Folkfrossa” at the Brunskog open-air museum in Värmland. The event focused on intangible cultural heritage and folk culture, with a particular emphasis on folk costumes and folk art. Region Värmland, in collaboration with Brunskog’s Heritage Farm, organized a comprehensive program featuring lectures, workshops, hands-on activities, an exhibition, and a craft fair.
Folkfrossa highlighted different perspectives on folk culture. During a performance, performer Fredy Clue explored the interplay between queer and traditional expressions through folk music and crafts. The event featured elements of Swedish, Norwegian, and Ukrainian traditions, and it raised questions about how tradition meets innovation when Swedes in the U.S. weave new identities into their costumes.
The program offered numerous courses on traditional craft techniques. Speaker Julie Mari Brevik from Norway delivered a lecture about Norwegian traditional costumes, while artisan Karin Edlund taught a class on making paper flowers. A panel discussion further explored the creativity and limitations within folk culture, examining how folk costumes can serve as vehicles for identity, a sense of belonging, and storytelling. Finally, to foster networking opportunities, a gathering was organized for exhibitors and participants to engage in conversation and music.
Julie Mari Brevik giving a presentation on Norwegian traditional costumes.
Artisan Karin Edlund teaching a class on paper flower-making.
CULTURALITY researcher Kajsa Stinnerbom moderating the panel discussion.
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