It will likely be a few years before the doors open to the finished “Demokratiska” – an international center for knowledge and experiences that brings together research, expertise, education, debate, and culture. A great deal will happen along the way.

-Given the current state of the world, we want to launch parts of the operation as early as this autumn, says Anna Lundmark Lundbergh, the project manager for the initiative. The first step is setting up a media and democracy lab in Erna Gruppen’s premises at the NWT building in Strand. We aim to begin testing this autumn so that we are ready to welcome groups such as school classes, starting at the turn of the year.

To pave the way for the next phase, the team is expanding with two new hires: Mattias Walan becomes the project manager for educational activities, with responsibility for the upcoming media and democracy lab, while Josefin Björn takes on the role of communications strategist and operational lead for communications.

-It will be an exciting development phase, our strategy is to deliver high-quality work in the lab while simultaneously testing and learning in order to refine the content of Demokratiska, notes Anna Lundmark Lundbergh.

Josefin Björn shares this enthusiasm.

-Being part of building an initiative that strengthens knowledge about democracy and people’s ability to participate feels both meaningful and incredibly rewarding. Above all, I want to help reach out and engage more people.

Mattias Walan agrees.

– Erna Gruppen’s initiative and vision for Demokratiska feel so right in these times, when democracy and freedom of speech are under threat, I want to be involved and make a difference! Democracy must not become something static. Democracy should be a verb. Something we do together, every day.

Victoria Svanberg, CEO of Erna Gruppen, the company behind Demokratiska adds:

-We have both the ability and the desire to take responsibility for strengthening democracy and freedom of speech for future generations. It feels great to see the initiative taking shape.

As a resident of Karlstad and Värmland, one is naturally interested in where Demokratiska will be built. -The site hasn’t been decided yet. The plan is to settle that matter within the next six months so that the building can be in place by 2031, concludes Anna Lundmark Lundbergh.

Demokratiska – is an initiative by Erna Gruppen to safeguard open, democratic society and freedom of speech. The goal is to create a physical space in Karlstad with an international reputation, a hub for knowledge, dialogue, and inspiration. Demokratiska will host a wide range of activities, from exhibitions and democracy labs to research initiatives and a café. The vision is to strengthen the importance of democracy and freedom of expression for future generations.