National Photo Exhibition in Umeå City Center Highlights Equal Value for All
In collaboration with Balticgruppen, Visit Umeå is participating in a nationwide initiative ahead of the film premiere of “Det kunde varit vi” (It Could Have Been Us) featuring the Glada Hudik Theater. The project aims to raise awareness about social exclusion and promote reflection on how we can collectively contribute to a more inclusive environment – in everyday life, workplaces, and society at large.
As part of this initiative, a unique photo exhibition will be inaugurated in Umeå city center on October 7th, showcasing nine local profiles.
Large-Scale Outdoor Exhibition
Photographer Karl Nordlund has portrayed local personalities from the 12 cities participating in the national campaign. The result is a large-scale outdoor exhibition highlighting the equal value of all individuals. In Umeå, nine profiles from the Hjälteföreningen (Hero Association) are featured, with their portraits displayed on the facade of the Utopia quarter facing Vasagatan from October 7th to October 31st.
Exhibition Inauguration
The exhibition will be inaugurated on October 7th at the indoor square in Utopia between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Visit Umeå and Balticgruppen invite visitors to an inspiring event featuring relevant discussions, exciting interviews, and a fun training session with Hjälteföreningen. The first 100 visitors will also receive an exclusive ticket to the film premiere of “Det kunde varit vi” on October 11th.
“We are incredibly proud to be able to use Umeå’s city center to spread important messages about Umeå being a city for everyone. The exhibition is a powerful way to demonstrate the importance of inclusion and respect for each individual’s value,”
says Elin Jonsson, center manager at Visit Umeå.
Highlighting Important Historical Lessons
“Det kunde varit vi takes us on a journey through our history, from the inauguration of the Institute for Racial Biology in 1922 to the tragic experiments at the Vipeholm institution. The film highlights dark chapters in Sweden’s history, but also carries a message of hope and faith in the future. By keeping the memory of history alive, we can prevent it from repeating itself,”
says Pär Johansson, founder of the Glada Hudik Theater.
Inauguration Event Highlights
- Training session with Hjälteföreningen
- Presentation of the local profiles portrayed in the exhibition
- Information about Hjälteloppet 2025
- Ume Flyers players discussing their preparations for the Special Olympics in Turin 2025
- Anja Pärson and Filippa Rådin sharing their involvement with Hjälteföreningen
Local businesses such as Z-profil and Hotel Winn will also be present at the event, supporting the initiative and sharing their efforts to make Umeå a more inclusive and welcoming city.
For more information, please contact:
Elin Jonsson, Center Manager, Visit Umeå
