New magazine champions northern Sweden's regional culture

A new cultural magazine, Lavskrikan, is emerging in northern Sweden, seeking to fill a perceived void in regional cultural journalism and champion local artistic expression.

The magazine's inception follows a debate sparked last year when Norrbottens-Kuriren phased out its dedicated cultural editor position. This move raised concerns about the future of cultural reporting in Norrbotten, a region stretching far north. Sara Meidell of Västerbottens-Kuriren highlighted the diminishing coverage, questioning what would happen to reporting on art, literature, and music in the area.

Lavskrikan, which translates to "Siberian Jay" and nests in Norrbotten, can be seen as both a response to these concerns and a call for support. The publication aims to demonstrate how locally rooted cultural journalism can thrive, although its quarterly format means it cannot cover every event. The magazine's founding principle includes a critique of the underfunding of culture, positioning itself as an "oppositional cultural journalism."

The magazine's content is described as "stubborn in the best sense," transforming complaints into inspired ideas. Its first issues have been praised for being uplifting, humorous, and challenging. Recent features include an interview with Luleå Municipality regarding a farewell concert for a 20-year-old man facing deportation, questioning the political neutrality of denying a venue for such an event. Other pieces include an interview with the new head of Norrbotten's Museum, reviews of local graphic novels, and a report from a dance band festival. One notable piece is humorously titled, "Who hasn't lied to avoid visiting Umeå?"