Program 2025
Nordic Folk Alliance presents an inspiring conference program that brings together artists, organizers, and industry professionals from across the Nordics and around the world. Over the course of two days, panels, workshops, and discussions will explore current topics within folk and world music. It is a unique platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and inspiration – a gathering at the heart of Nordic music. Theme for NFA and the Conference Program: Networks and Communities
Thursday, April 3
18:00 – Welcome! Kickoff NFA
19:30 – Fränder & Vänner Folk Music Festival (link)
Friday, April 4
09:00 –Understanding Folk and Traditional Music Audiences and Music Scenes Across Borders
Keynote presentation by Dr. Esbjörn Wettermark.
09:00 –
Nordic Music – The Next Step
A follow-up on efforts to unify Nordic folk music under one label/trademark and the benefits of this initiative.
Panel discussion moderated by Tom Sherlock.
10:45 –
Folk Dance in Transition: Tradition, Innovation, and Social Impact
A panel discussion exploring how folk dance traditions are evolving through new perspectives and interdisciplinary collaborations, focusing on their role in contemporary societies.
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Folk Dance in Transition: Tradition, Innovation, and Social Impact
Moderator: Dr. Esbjörn Wettemark
Position: Research Associate, Department of Music, University of Sheffield
Esbjörn is a musician, educator, and researcher specialising in folk and traditional music. His current research focus on participation and inclusion in the English folk scene.
A Riksspelman since 2005, he is an experienced dance musician as well as a keen morris dancer.
Panelists
Andreas Berchtold
Position: Doctoral Candidate in Performative and media-based practices with specialization
Choreography, Assistant Professor in Danspedagogy.
Institution: Stockholm University of the Arts, Department of Dance and Dance Pedagogy
Andreas research explores how embodied cultural constitution shapes the understanding of folk dance in contemporary contexts, emphasizing its role in advancing the field through intersecting perspectives and interest in different ways of knowing in Dance.
Stine Lindahl Jacobsen
Position: Associate Professor, Head of Art, Aesthetics & Health & Arts. Health & Humanities.
Institution: Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University
Stine specializes in how music and art can enhance health for individuals and groups across society. Her work focuses on advancing both foundational and applied research in the growing field of arts and health with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity, ethics and mechanism of change.
13:00 –
Block Booking – A Sustainable Approach to Touring in the Music Industry
A proven method for organizing sustainable tours, particularly in Canada, with parallels to the Nordic region.
Keynote by Laia Canals.
15:00 – 19:15 – Showcase Concerts
Saturday, April 5
09:00 –
Mentorship for Agents in the Nordics
A conversation with experienced Canadian agent Noémie Azoulay. Participants can ask questions and receive feedback on their ideas.
09:00 –
Block Booking Workshop
Following the keynote, participants meet delegates involved in block booking networks. Learn how to create and utilize such networks as artists or agents while discussing potential challenges.
10:45 – Breakout Groups: Nordic Music – The Next Step
10:45 –
Speed Meetings
Organized by Export Music Sweden, these short, back-to-back meetings provide opportunities for artists and organizers to connect with representatives from the Nordic and international music industries.
13:00 –
Nordic Goes to Hollywood
A conversation with Erik Rydvall and Olav Mjelva about their experiences working with the film and gaming industries.
Moderator: Tom Sherlock.
14:00 – Wrap-Up of NFA 2025
14:30 – 18:00 – Showcase Concerts
19:00 – The Folk & World Music Gala (link)