European Media Spaces – Stockholm Study Visits

On a beautiful morning, in April, a group of students from the European Media Spaces course gathered around the sculpture “A Chain of Events” by sculptor Tony Cragg. The sun shone and even though it was early morning spirits were good. The purpose of this gathering was to journey into Stockholm and visit some of the media institutions of the capital.

The Army Museum

After an hour on the train, some interesting discussions and laughs, the group arrived at The Army museum where they were welcomed by a tour guide that walked the curious group through the main exhibition of the museum, namely “War and Peace from 1500-1800”, a journey through 400 years of Swedish history. After a fascinating tour, the group got to roam the museum and enjoy the many interesting exhibitions on display.

(Image removed) European Media Studies students in front of The Army Museum. Photo by Bóas Hallgrímsson.

The Swedish Film Institute

From the Army Museum the group headed towards the Swedish Film Institute where another host greeted the group and provided an overview of the history and the purpose of the institution and the brutalist building. The students had the opportunity to ask about the institution and its operations and were exposed to the impressive library. At the end of the visit to the Swedish Film Institute the group called it a day, some decided to use the opportunity to explore Stockholm while others went home.

(Image removed) The Swedish Film Institute building. Photo by Bóas Hallgrímsson.

Stockholm Community Radio

The morning after the group gathered again, by the central station for another day in the big city. After some travelling the group arrived at the third destination, Stockholm Community Radio in Midsommarkransen where the students were greeted and welcomed by one of the Närradio organizational members who described the development of Swedish radio history, the emergence of community radio and the history of Stockholm Närradio. The visit was interesting and gave a valuable insight into the operations of the organization, its history and significance.

Mall of Scandinavia

For the final visit the group headed out towards the Mall of Scandinavia, in Solna. The students walked around the mall taking notes on consumerist’s behaviour and took field notes about the interior and design of the mall.

These two days spent in Stockholm were then to be the fuel for assignments where students were to critically analyse media products or media-related activities based on their empirical findings, field notes and interviews conducted.

The student group was accompanied by Bóas Hallgrímsson, teacher at the European Media Spaces course.