Careers conference 2026 is a day for orientation, new perspectives and future possibilities. It is a conference for you who are studying art, design or craft, as well as for those who have recently taken their first steps into a professional artistic career.
The theme of 2026 "Navigating towards a sustainable artistic career" focuses on two main questions:
1. How the cultural sector works – and how you can find your place in it
How is the cultural sector actually structured? Which organisations, institutions and funders exist? What kinds of support can you apply for, and how do different actors within art, design and craft collaborate?
During the conference you will gain a clearer understanding of how the artistic field and creative industry works in Sweden: what opportunities exist, how the financial landscape looks, and which networks may be important for you. When you understand how the system works, it becomes easier to find your way into professional life – and to make a living from your practice.
2. Building a sustainable career as an artist
How do you build a career that works in the long term? How can you practise self-leadership and make thoughtful decisions about your time, energy and finances? What does it look like to build your own mix of income sources that create stability?
Here we will explore how different types of work and income can be combined to create stability - and how you can shape an artistic career that allows space for both creative development and personal sustainability.
-----------------
Where?
At Långedsverken in Dals Långed, near HDK-Valand Campus Steneby – a place with strong connections to art, craft and design.
If you study at HDK-Valand in Gothenburg, you will be able to sign up for a conference bus departing from HDK-Valand in the morning of 17 November and returning the same evening.
For whom?
The conference is for students studying art, design or craft – but also for those who have recently stepped into professional life and are still figuring out where to begin.
Whether you are in the middle of your studies or in the transition between education and professional practice, Careers Conference is a place where you can gain new perspectives, inspiration and practical tools for the future.
Programme
The full programme will be presented later, but you can expect conversations, lectures and meetings that offer both knowledge and inspiration.
Please note that the conference will be in English.
-----------------
Save the date – and give yourself a day to explore what your future career in art, design or craft could look like.
Careers Conference #3 is organised by The Cultural Administration of Västra Götaland, HDK-Valand, Konstkåren, Stenebyskolan and Mötesplats Steneby in collaboration with Bengtsfors Municipality.
