Creative Helsingborg Report
The Creative Helsingborg Report explores the current realities of working in Helsingborg’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs). Based on interviews, surveys, and local policy review, the study captures the voices of artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and cultural practitioners navigating the city’s creative landscape.
The findings reveal a sector shaped by ambition, talent, and grassroots initiative — but also by fragmented networks, limited public support, and a lack of affordable space and visibility. Many respondents live and work in Helsingborg for personal reasons, not because of career opportunities, pointing to a need for stronger infrastructure and strategic investment.
The report identifies key challenges around precarious work conditions, skills gaps, and inclusivity, and presents seven areas of intervention to support a more resilient, connected, and inclusive creative ecosystem.
Whether you’re a policymaker, creative, or simply curious about the future of Helsingborg’s cultural life — this report offers grounded insights and practical pathways forward.
Why we did this
As a studio working closely with cultural practitioners and public actors, we saw a disconnect between policy ambitions and the lived experience of creatives in Helsingborg. This self-initiated study originated from our internal research lab as a means to gain a deeper understanding of the sector's conditions, needs, and aspirations from the ground up. We wanted to move beyond assumptions and hear directly from those shaping the city’s cultural life.
How we will use this
The report will serve as a foundation for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and practical experimentation. It informs how we at Creative Insights Studio design strategies, facilitate partnerships, and advise public and civic actors on cultural development. We also hope the insights inspire others — from institutions to independent practitioners — to build a more sustainable and inclusive creative environment in Helsingborg and beyond.
Seven Pathways to Support Helsingborg’s Creative Sector
—> Affordable Mixed-use Creative Spaces
—> Stronger Local Networks
—> Flexible Learning and Incubation Models
—> Funding Accessibility
—> Improved City-Creative Relations and Institutional Support
—> Stronger Audience Development and Market Presence
—> Tackling Inclusivity and Diversity in the Creative Scene
Our First Action:
Introducing Kulturrummet
One of the clearest insights from the Creative Helsingborg Report was the need for more visible, inclusive, and affordable cultural spaces — places where artists and creatives can meet, collaborate, and grow.
Kulturrummet is our first step toward answering that call.
Founded by Creative Insights Studio, Kulturrummet is a new non-profit cultural hub based in Söder, Helsingborg. It offers a locally rooted, self-organised space for art, dialogue, and collective learning shaped in direct response to what we heard from the creative community.
Over the next three years, Kulturrummet will serve as a platform for:
Embedded curatorial practice
Artist-led programming
Cross-sector collaboration
Neighborhood engagement
Located at Södergatan 101, Helsingborg
Visit kulturrummet.se for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
