This is Riksteatern
We are here. For you.
Over 90 years ago, the first Riksteatern associations were founded, local repertoires were curated, and our touring began. Even in the smallest communities, you can experience something extraordinary – close to home, no matter who you are or where you live. Every year, dedicated volunteers contribute hundreds of thousands of hours to bring theatre, dance, music, circus, and other performing arts to nearly half a million people. As an audience member, you experience it. As a member, you make it possible.
Sören Vilks
The stage for all of Sweden.
The people of Sweden are our audience – and can become members of their local Riksteatern association. Nearly 40,000 members in over 200 associations together form Riksteatern. Since 1933, our organisation has been built on commitment and community. We are present in your area and travel across the country. We create our own productions and present performing arts by others. We work together – professionals and volunteers alike.
Photo:
A grassroots movement with commitment.
Every four years, hundreds of delegates from across the country gather for Riksteatern’s congress to decide on the way forward. In Helsingborg 2023, a new board was elected and decisions were made. The shared direction for this period is: A sustainable Riksteatern – a grassroots movement with commitment and the organisation of performing arts events at our core.The next congress will take place in Kiruna in 2027.
Photo: Sara P Borgström
An infrastructure for the performing arts
We connect presenters with producers, create our own productions, and present the work of others. We produce, present, and promote dance, music, theatre, circus, and performing arts for children and young people. Riksteatern Crea works with performing arts in Swedish Sign Language and the dance company Cullberg is also part of Riksteatern. We are passionate individuals who continue to burn for the mission of spreading performing arts – for everyone, everywhere.
Photo:
Våroffer
Photo: Markus Gårder
Our Audience.
Total visits to performances either produced or presented by Riksteatern, with duplicates removed:
AUDIENCE AS PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION BY REGION
RIKSTEATERN AS PRODUCER
Visits to productions produced by Riksteatern nationally – irrespective of organiser
RIKSTEATERN AS PRESENTER
Visits to performances presented by Riksteatern – nationally, regionally, and locally – regardless of producer.
2024 2022 2023 2024 2022 2023 TOTAL AUDIENCE
These figures exclude streamed views. The 2022 and 2024 numbers for productions are influenced by the LÄNK project, which occurs every other year. In 2024, it added 20,107 attendees.
Dalarna
Photo: Carl Thorborg
Cullberg is part of Riksteatern.
”Dance is constantly evolving, because it is rooted in the time we live in.”
Birgit Cullberg
Cullberg is a dance company with a strong international reputation, continuously working to bring contemporary dance to wide audiences in Sweden and abroad. Together with choreographers and artistic teams, Cullberg explores new ideas about how dance can be defined, created, and presented. Always in motion, Cullberg is at the heart of the international dance scene. Kristine Slettevold is the company’s Artistic Director.
The stage for all of Sweden.
The general public in Sweden is our audience. The audience can choose to become members – members who make up the more than 200 local associations that together form Riksteatern.
THE MEMBERS
Nearly 40,000 people with a passion for the performing arts are members of Riksteatern. In each local association, members help shape the work – for example, by voting on the annual plan and electing the local board.
THE CONGRESS
Riksteatern’s highest decision-making body meets every four years. Delegates from local associations gather to set goals and guidelines for the coming period and elect the national board.
GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES
As a non-profit organisation, Riksteatern receives funding from the Swedish government. This support comes with a mission – a set of guidelines outlining what the government expects Riksteatern to achieve with these funds. The government also appoints the Chair and one member of Riksteatern’s board.
REGIONAL AND LOCAL AGREEMENTS
In addition to national support, Riksteatern may have agreements with regional or municipal authorities. These agreements contiributes to shape the work at local and regional levels, much like the government’s guidelines for the national level.
RIKSTEATERN IS MADE UP OF Riksteatern nationally, Riksteatern regionally, the local Riksteatern associations, and other affiliated organisations.
Photo: