23–26 April 2026 | Umeå, Sweden
NordSync Forum #4 brings together musicians, educators, and cultural actors from Norway, Sweden, and Finland for a four-day programme focused on cross-border collaboration, artistic development, and interdisciplinary practice.
The Forum is part of NordSync’s ongoing work to build sustainable networks in the Nordic region, with a particular focus on collaboration along the Blå Vegen (NO–SE–FI).
Theme
The Nordic Region as a Shared Cultural Space – developing cross-border and interdisciplinary collaboration along the Blå Vegen (NO–SE–FI)
How can we contribute to making the Nordic region the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by 2030 (cf. the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030)?
The Forum takes the Blå Vegen (Blue Road) as a concrete cultural and geographical axis connecting Norway, Sweden, and Finland, and explores how artistic collaboration can strengthen mobility, knowledge exchange, and long-term partnerships across borders.
A central focus is the development of interdisciplinary artistic practices, where music, performing arts, visual arts, and technology intersect to create new forms of expression and engage broader audiences.
Programme
The programme combines strategy meetings, seminars, workshops, artistic labs, and live showcases.
Highlights include:
- Cross-border strategy meeting with partners from Norway, Sweden, and Finland
- Lecture and workshop with composer Bodvar Drotninghaug Moe
- NordSync Lab #4 – collaborative artistic production
- Participation in Umeå Musikbranschdagar (ÅC Live)
- Showcase presentation of project Nordisk Suite
Cooperation – Umeå Musikbranschdagar & ÅC Live
NordSync Forum #4 is developed in cooperation with Umeå Musikbranschdagar, organised by ÅC Live in Västerbotten.
Umeå Musikbranschdagar is a new regional platform for the music sector, bringing together artists, organisers, and cultural stakeholders for seminars, networking, and live showcases. The programme includes topics such as artist development, booking, stage performance, and promotion.
Through this collaboration, NordSync participants become part of a larger professional context, while contributing with international and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Featured Artist & Lecturer
Bodvar Drotninghaug Moe
Composer, arranger, and musician
Bodvar Drotninghaug Moe is a Norwegian composer with a broad and versatile artistic profile. His work spans classical and contemporary music, often engaging with folk traditions and interdisciplinary formats.
He has composed numerous works for chamber ensembles, orchestras, and stage productions, and has collaborated with professional musicians and institutions across the Nordic region. In addition to his artistic work, he is an experienced educator and workshop leader, with a strong focus on composition, creative processes, and artistic development.
Lecture
Writing music across genres – 50 years of ideas, craft and artistic choices
In this lecture, Bodvar Drotninghaug Moe shares insights from a long artistic career spanning multiple genres. Through concrete examples, he explores how musical ideas emerge, develop, and are shaped into finished works.
The lecture is open to musicians, composers, and anyone interested in artistic creation across genres.
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Time: 10:00–11:00
Location: Folkets Hus, Umeå
Workshop
From idea to music – composition and creative practice
This practical workshop focuses on how to develop musical ideas into artistic material. Participants explore the relationship between creativity and craftsmanship, and gain tools for their own compositional work.
The workshop is open to participants of all levels.
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Time: 11:15–12:15
Location: Folkets Hus, Umeå
Cross-border Strategy Meeting (NO–SE–FI)
A dedicated meeting bringing together cultural actors from Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
- Presentation of partner organisations
- Mapping of ongoing initiatives and regional needs
- Discussion of mobility, collaboration models, and funding opportunities
- Planning of joint projects for 2026–2028
The meeting aims to strengthen long-term cooperation structures and initiate new cross-border collaborations.
Date: Friday 24 April 2026
Time: 10:00–12:00
Location: Clarion Hotel Umeå – Conference Room
NordSync Lab #4
As part of the Forum, participants are invited to join NordSync Lab #4, a practical artistic workshop centered around the new work Nordisk Suite.
In the Lab, classical string players and folk musicians collaborate in an ensemble setting, exploring shared musical language and new forms of expression.
Read more about NordSync Lab #4 HERE
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Time: 13:00–16:30
Location: Labbet, Skolgatan 52, Umeå
NordSync Showcase
Blå Vegen kultursamarbeid: Nordisk Suite – Work in Progress
Presentation of the results from NordSync Lab #4, including live performance excerpts and introduction to the artistic concept and process.
Date: 25 April 2026
Time: 18:30– 19:00
Location: Folkets Hus – Stage, Umeå
Participation in Umeå Musikbranschdagar (ÅC Live)
As part of the Forum, participants take part in Umeå Musikbranschdagar, including:
- Musikpolitisk aftermiddag
(Friday 24 April, 14:00–17:00) - Industry mingle & showcase concerts
(Friday & Saturday evenings, 17:00–22:00)
The programme provides opportunities for networking, learning, and exchange with artists, organisers, and cultural professionals from across the region.
Date: 24–25 April 2026
Locations: Folkets Hus & Stage, Umeå
Practical Information
Arrival: 23 April 2026
Departure: 26 April 2026
Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Umeå
👉 See full program (Invitation) and schedule:
See you in Umeå!
NordSync Project 