“Trust your dreams and your past experiences”
There is still time to apply for Rubus Arcticus – one of Sweden's largest cultural scholarships. One of those who took the chance last year was the stage poet Josefin Şîlan Karlsson, who had a year filled with performances, projects and exciting collaborations.
– I had thought that I would really use this money to take time to create a little freely, but there hasn't been time for that yet. On the other hand, it's still there, waiting for other times, and that's very nice, she says.
Josefin Şîlan Karlsson lists the activities that have filled the calendar since the scholarship ceremony in November: events with Norrscen, the Swedish Poetry Slam Championship in Luleå. Poetry interpretations at events around the country. Workshops and Voices/Roots, a solo performance at Norrbottensteatern. Collaboration and exhibition with textile artist Ida Isak Westerberg, also a Rubus scholarship holder. Skáddje in Storforsen this summer, produced by Liv Aira – another former Rubus Arcticus scholarship holder.
– There aren't that many of us cultural workers up here, so you get to know each other.
Autumn is approaching and perhaps those other times will come when Josefin will have time to enter a calmer creative process.
– The choir project Skog will have its premiere in Piteå this autumn. In the spring I only have Skog and not much else. Then I will be able to work a little more in peace and quiet, and then the scholarship will come in handy, says Josefin.
But even before that, in November, it could be useful.
– I'm going on an unpaid residency in Trondheim. The scholarship can then serve as working time funding during that time there. It will be fun to be in a completely different environment and meet other people.
This year's scholarships have a deadline of September 1. Josefin's tip is not to give up if you have applied before without success, but to apply a few more times.
– Dare to trust both your dreams for the future, what you want to do. Trust what you have done and your previous experiences and qualifications. Be concise in your application, pick out what is really important and trust that it will be enough, says Josefin Şîlan Karlsson.
Curious about Josefin? Read her specially written poem for the Rubus Arcticus ceremony.
Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa
Read more about who can apply and how to apply for Rubus Arcticus
Last year's press release about the scholarship recipients
The Honorary and Merit Scholarship