What Teatercentrum does

Teatercentrum is the Swedish trade and employer organization for independent professional performing arts, operating as an ideell förening (non-profit association) headquartered at Hornsgatan 103 in Stockholm. It represents nearly 100 member theaters that collectively deliver more than 10,000 performances to over 700,000 audience members annually, supported by four regional offices in Stockholm (Östra), Göteborg (Västra), Malmö (Södra), and Luleå (Norra). The organization is one of 13 nationally funded centrumbildningar (resource organizations) that strengthen free professional cultural life in Sweden, and it is the recognized referral body for collective bargaining with Teaterförbundet för scen och film.

Its core product offering is built around three interconnected assets: (1) Aktuellt Utbud, a national digital catalog where each member theater lists productions with seven-minute video presentations, technical specifications, and curriculum links; (2) Stjärnkalaset, four annual regional showcase events (Östra, Västra, Södra, Norra) at which arrangörer attend full performances and meet producers; and (3) Bibu, a biennial performing arts festival for children and youth held every other year in Helsingborg, co-owned with Svenska Assitej through Bibu AB since 2006. Supporting products include FriVux (a national platform for member theaters producing adult theater), SAFT (a 3.5-year integration project launched in autumn 2024 in partnership with SFI schools in Skåne), the Verktygslåda för mångfald diversity toolkit, and the 'Förväntat eller överraskande' norm-critical analysis tool. Media extensions include the 2022 documentary series 'Hela tiden överallt' (Vimeo) and the podcast 'Teatern och pandemin' (Spotify, Acast). The underlying technology stack is non-proprietary — a WordPress-based website, Vimeo/Spotify/Acast for media, Google Maps for office locations, and a password-protected catalog section for arrangörer access.

Teatercentrum's business model is a hybrid of public funding and membership economics. Revenue comes from Statens Kulturråd (Swedish Arts Council), nine named regional authorities (Västra Götalandsregionen, Kultur Skåne, Region Norrbotten, Region Västerbotten, Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Region Västernorrland, Region Östergötland, Region Stockholm, Region Västmanland), and various municipal and project grants (including Svenska Postkodstiftelsen for SAFT). Recurring membership fees from nearly 100 theaters supplement this, while transaction-level economics flow to member theaters via the Skapande Skola program and ticket sales booked through Aktuellt Utbud and Stjärnkalaset. Pricing is set by individual member theaters within the catalog, with the Stjärnkalaset attendee fee at 700 SEK per person covering full programming, meals, and networking. The organization does not have venture, private equity, or public ownership; it is governed by a board elected at its triennial congress, currently chaired by Theodor Ryan.

Name

Teatercentrum

Legal name

Teatercentrum

Website

https://teatercentrum.se

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Teatercentrum is a Swedish non-profit trade and employer organization that represents nearly 100 independent professional theaters, connecting them with arrangörer through a national digital catalog, four annual regional showcase events, and the Bibu biennial. It is funded by Statens Kulturråd, nine regional authorities, and member fees, and serves as the collective bargaining body for the sector.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Trade Organization

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Professional & Association Conferences (MPAGAGAB)

Keywords

• Performing arts association
• Independent theater network
• Theater booking marketplace
• Cultural policy advocacy
• Showcase event services

Headquarters

HQ city

Stockholm

HQ country

Sweden

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Funding: Teatercentrum receives support from Statens Kulturråd (Swedish Arts Council) and regional funding from Västra Götalandsregionen, Kultur Skåne, Region Norrbotten, Region Västerbotten, Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Region Västernorrland, Region Östergötland, Region Stockholm, and Region Västmanland. Additional funding comes from regional and municipal project grants.
2. Membership Fees: Member theaters pay annual membership fees to Teatercentrum. Members must report annually and pay fees to maintain access to Teatercentrum's services.
3. Performance Revenue: Member theaters generate revenue through ticket sales and bookings. Teatercentrum facilitates connections but the revenue flows to member theaters. Skapande Skola (arts in school) funding is a significant revenue stream for member productions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Teatercentrum is a trade and employer organization for independent professional theaters in Sweden, representing nearly 100 member theaters that collectively deliver 10,000+ performances to 700,000+ audience members annually. Its core offerings include the Aktuellt Utbud digital catalog for booking performances, four annual regional Stjärnkalaset showcase events, the Bibu performing arts biennial for children and youth (co-owned with Svenska Assitej), the SAFT integration project with SFI schools, the FriVux platform for adult theater, and member services including collective bargaining, employer support, and professional development.

Product overview

Teatercentrum is a trade and employer organization for independent professional performing arts in Sweden, representing nearly 100 member theaters that deliver over 10,000 performances to approximately 700,000 audience members annually. Its core product offering consists of: (1) Aktuellt Utbud — a national catalog of performances and workshops from member theaters accessible to arrangers and schools; (2) Stjärnkalaset — four annual regional showcase events where full performances are presented to arrangers and purchasers; (3) Bibu — a biennial performing arts biennial for children and youth co-owned with Svenska Assitej; (4) SAFT — a long-term integration project pairing SFI schools with performances and books; and (5) FriVux — a national platform for member theaters producing adult theater. Supporting resources include a diversity toolbox, the 'Expected or Surprising' analysis tool, a document database, and a member-only section with collective agreement support, professional development, and organizational tools. Teatercentrum also produces media including the documentary series 'Hela tiden överallt' and the podcast 'Teatern och pandemin.' Individual performances featured on the platform include Rassel Prassel, 1,2,3, Trumgodis, Sagan om det röda äpplet, Pappan Pogromen och Parallellen, FORES(T)EMPEST, Bobbos Ballonger, and SAGAN SOM FÖRSVANN, among many others listed in the Aktuellt Utbud catalog.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bibu: Sweden's most important meeting place, a public performing arts biennial and industry meeting for, with and about professional performing arts for children and young people. Co-owned by Teatercentrum and Svenska Assitej.
• FriVux
• Stjärnkalaset
• Aktuellt Utbud
• SAFT: Samhället – Familjen – Teatern

Products and services

• Aktuellt Utbud (National Theater Catalog) A national digital catalog of performances and workshops offered by nearly 100 member theaters across Sweden. Each listing includes a seven-minute video presentation, descriptions, technical requirements, and curriculum connections. Password-protected access is available for arrangörer (buyers), schools, and municipalities to browse and make booking inquiries.
• Stjärnkalaset (Regional Showcase Events) Teatercentrum's own showcase events for children's and youth theater, held four times per year in different regions (Östra/Stockholm, Västra/Gothenburg, Södra/Malmö, Norra/Northern Sweden). Arrangörer and purchasers can attend full performances presented by member theaters, supplemented by panel discussions and networking. Each event has distinct programming and may include dance and circus alongside theater.
• Bibu – Scenkonstbiennal för barn och unga Sweden's most important national meeting place and a biennial performing arts event for children and youth, owned jointly by Teatercentrum and Svenska Assitej. Held every other year in Helsingborg, gathering over 1,000 children and youth alongside industry professionals for four days of performances, panels, and networking.
• SAFT: Samhället – Familjen – Teatern A long-term integration project running from autumn 2024 for 3.5 years, partnering with SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) schools and libraries across seven municipalities in Skåne. Each participating municipality receives one performance and one book as study material per season for language learning, cultural experiences, and broadened cultural access.
• FriVux (Adult Theater Platform) A national platform for Teatercentrum member theaters that regularly produce theater for adult audiences. FriVux offers meeting places to increase community and create conditions for new collaborations between theaters producing adult theater, aiming to artistically develop and make visible independent theater for adults in Sweden and internationally.
• Membership Services (Medlemskap) Membership in Teatercentrum provides administrative support including advice on employment issues, collective agreement negotiations with Teaterförbundet för scen och film, employer role support, professional development courses, seminars, organizational tools, and a document database. Teatercentrum represents nearly 100 member theaters performing 10,000+ shows annually for 700,000 audience members.
• Hela tiden överallt (Documentary Series) A documentary series co-produced with Filmbruket, consisting of 20 short episodes following four independent theaters in different parts of Sweden, giving audiences a unique insight into the daily life of Swedish independent professional theater. Hosted on Vimeo.
• Teatern och pandemin (Podcast Series) A six-episode podcast series produced by Teatercentrum in 2022, documenting the stories of theaters affected during the pandemic. Created by Carina Ehrenholm and Anders Lorentzon. Distributed via Spotify and Acast.
• Aktuellt Utbud Live (Digital Showcase Events) Digital showcase events organized by Teatercentrum regional offices (e.g., Norra) where member theaters present their current repertoire via short presentations, with separate blocks for children/youth and adult audiences. Includes Q&A sessions in separate meeting rooms. Available for both live attendance and recorded playback.

Quantifiable outcome

• 700,000+ audience members reached annually through member theater performances
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Svenska AssitejcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Teatercentrum and Svenska Assitej co-own Bibu AB, which operates Bibu - Scenkonstbiennal for children and youth. The biennial is held every other year in Helsingborg and is Sweden's most important meeting place for professional performing arts for children and young people, gathering over 1000 children and adults for four days of performances.
• DanscentrumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2014, Teatercentrum, together with Danscentrum and Teaterförbundet för scen och film, have been promoting the 'Call for the Independent Performing Arts' to double public grants, defend artistic freedom, and improve conditions for professionals in the sector.
• Teaterförbundet för scen och filmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeatercentrum negotiates with Teaterförbundet för scen och film (The Swedish Union for Performing Arts and Film) and strikes collective agreements for employees at professional independent theaters in Sweden.
• FilmbruketminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeatercentrum together with Filmbruket produced the documentary series 'Hela tiden överallt' (All the Time Everywhere) giving audiences a unique insight into the daily life of independent professional theaters in Sweden.
• Statens KulturrådcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeatercentrum receives core funding from Statens Kulturråd (Swedish Arts Council), the national arts funding body.
• Regional and Municipal Funding BodiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeatercentrum receives regional funding from Västra Götalandsregionen, Kultur Skåne, Region Norrbotten, Region Västerbotten, Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Region Västernorrland, Region Östergötland, Region Stockholm, and Region Västmanland, plus various municipal project grants.
• Svenska PostkodstiftelsenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SAFT project (Samhället – Familjen – Teatern) builds on knowledge from projects supported by Svenska Postkodstiftelsen, among other funders, in collaboration with SFI schools and libraries.
• FriVux NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFriVux is a national platform for Teatercentrum members who regularly produce theater for adult audiences. Initiated by member theaters, it aims to artistically develop and make visible free theater for adults in Sweden and internationally.
• Danscentrum NorrminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeatercentrum Norra collaborates with Danscentrum Norr for Stjärnkalaset Norra events, combining performing arts and dance showcases.
• Riksteatern NorraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeatercentrum Norra collaborates with Riksteatern Norra for Stjärnkalaset Norra and Scenkonst i Norr LIVE events, offering joint booking with travel and accommodation packages.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• IETM (International network for contemporary performing arts): International network for contemporary performing arts. Comparable as a membership-based support organization for the independent performing arts sector across Europe.

Broad incumbents

• Riksteatern: Sweden's national touring theater with regional associations across all counties. Comparable in Swedish performing arts infrastructure and regional programming reach; broader scope as a publicly funded producer versus Teatercentrum's trade body mandate.
• Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP): U.S. membership organization for presenters, producers, and managers of performing arts. Comparable in advocacy, conference programming, and trade association structure for the live performance industry.
• ASSITEJ International: World association of performing arts for children and young people. Higher-level umbrella for national centers including Svenska Assitej; comparator on international advocacy and biennial programming models like Bibu.

Direct peers

• Svenska Assitej: Swedish center of ASSITEJ International for professional theater for children and young people. Direct peer as co-owner of Bibu AB and fellow nonprofit association serving the same membership demographic.
• Danscentrum: Swedish trade and service organization for independent professional dance companies. Direct comparable: similar structure, similar government funding model, co-advocates with Teatercentrum via the 2014 'Call for the Independent Performing Arts.'

Regional players

• Independent Theatre Council (ITC): UK membership body for independent producing theaters and performing arts organizations. Strong structural analog: provides collective bargaining, training, and advocacy similar to Teatercentrum's role in Sweden.
• Performing Arts NL (NAPK): Dutch trade association for performing arts producers and venues. Comparable European trade body for independent performing arts companies with similar collective labor and member support mandate.
• Kulturens Bildningsverksamhet: Swedish study association federation under the folkbildning framework providing cultural education access. Comparable in distributing public cultural funding to member organizations across Sweden.

Emerging players

• Teaterförbundet för scen och film: Swedish union for performing arts and film workers. Counterparty peer to Teatercentrum in collective bargaining; relevant comparator on employment services and sector advocacy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/teatercentrum
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages.teatercentrum
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/teatercentrum-stra-regionen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Teatercentrum