Last September weekend I tried something new. I went for a conference I knew nothing about. It got to me through one of many newsletters and I decided; why not.
Music Cities Forum! It said cities and the music adds a multidisciplinary touch. So, I went, planned to spend the weekend on my own, hoping for any socializing.
As usually; it went better than expected.
Day 1
Train travels are somehow always exiting, even the short ones. I arrived and immediately felt like I must have left Sweden. To be honest, I have not seen much of Sweden apart from Stockholm, so what do I know.
I took a walk along the river Motala. Amazing what architects and planners can do with water. When I think of it, it was one of the most impressive revitalisation of industrial area. Norrköping used to be called Swedish Manchester, known for its fabric industry. And the old brick industrial buildings raise proudly above the river with waterfalls and smaller branches cutting through a new park.
Looking around Museum of work, an installed wheel of fortune told me I should be working in social sciences. Kind of, we can say.
Researched local restaurants to find out they have three kinds of mushrooms pizza just next door. It was decided. Pizza was really good, so much I did not take a picture (I rarely do anyway), but I drew a view from my table.
I did not only socialize with my pizza in the end. I met a local who works with cooling systems for people suffering with phantom pain, anxiety and self-harm.
Things you learn when going out on your own!
Day 2
The day of the conference I needed a confidence boost! The topic was very new for me and the people too. I chose my Marimekko large polka dots dress to help me.
I received warm welcome from the organizers since as I realized we were quite small crowd, and I was one of the few outsiders.
The lectures started with Kath Davies talking about the role of music in development of town Kirklees. The topic of music and festivals bringing people together for good continued in a talk by Joppe Pilgren. The morining topic was rounded up by Grace McCallum focusing on how collaboration brings all the good in everything together for the best possible result.
After lunch we had a workshop discussing the links and possibilities of music as a catalyst of social change.
I will use this blog post as a collection of notes for the future reminder. The workshop was amazing way to put ideas together and realize we actually can agree so many points.
The discussion of all the tables resulted in this selection of key words:
After workshop started with inspirations from Groningen Night Mayor, explaining how important a night life is for city life and culture and how we should not overlook it. Last two lectures again strengthen the idea of music and culture playing big role in creating a city. If it was Reykjavik with network of small music interventions or Roskilde with its world famous music festival that created the identity of the city as a result.
Life before the city. Music for everyone. Music together.
Using music to feel safe and connected (music recognition) - these are the last notes I had from the day.
The after party went from amazing discussion over drinks with the Night Mayor, young musicians, and people working in festival and event industry to actually going for a party to do some research on Norrköping night life. Backstage party at a club finished with a 3AM hot dog at a local stand sums it up and I think that we all agreed this is what most nights out around the world look like :)
Day 3
Late start, brunch and chai latte. I continued exploring Norrköping and its galleries, art shops, flea markets, and open art studios. I took it very slow, stopping for a sketch pause here and tea stop there.
The second night was in a calmer spirit, jazz jam session in brewery Knäppingen with new friends I made the night before. Calm and slow unwind before leaving Norrköping the next morning.
I will remember Norrköping as…
