Sture Carlsson appointed Honorary Doctor at the Artistic Faculty
Sture Carlsson has been appointed Honorary Doctor at the Artistic Faculty 2025. The distinction reflects his long-standing and significant contributions to Swedish cultural life, both nationally and in western Sweden. With a lifelong commitment to the performing arts, he has played a crucial role in developing and strengthening artistic institutions across the country.
The significance of Sture Carlsson’s impact on Swedish performing arts is difficult to overstate. He has led several prominent institutions in both Stockholm and western Sweden, including the Gothenburg Concert Hall, where he contributed to both the orchestra’s international breakthrough and its local identity as Sweden’s national orchestra.
“There was a time when the area around Götaplatsen in Gothenburg was jokingly referred to as “Stureplan,” a nod to his influence,” says Kerstin Alnebratt, Head of the Department of the Cultural Administration in Region Västra Götaland, external member of the faculty board, and one of those who nominated Carlsson for the honorary doctorate.
Sture Carlsson has moved across genres and contexts, often with a long-term perspective in times of change. He has also played an important role in higher education, serving as chair of the board at both the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm and the Stockholm University of the Arts.
“Sture Carlsson’s impact on the development of music and the performing arts has been decisive, not only in western Sweden but throughout the country. It feels truly meaningful to highlight his work with an honorary doctorate,” says Henric Benesch, Dean of the Artistic Faculty.
In recent years, Sture Carlsson has remained a strong force in the cultural life of western Sweden, serving as chair of Vara Concert Hall, advisor to Folkteatern, and a key figure in shaping the cultural strategy for Masthuggskajen. He has also made his mark on a smaller scale, not least through music events in the southern archipelago.
"That’s a real strength we have in Gothenburg"
“I was both surprised and deeply honored, this was truly unexpected,” says Sture Carlsson.
During his time as director of the Gothenburg Concert Hall, he placed great emphasis on deepening collaboration between the symphony orchestra and what is now the Academy of Music and Drama.
“It was a partnership that permeated all levels. Our leading musicians were also involved as teachers. At the time, the institution was led by Jan Ling, before he later became Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gothenburg. He too was strongly committed to ensuring the collaboration worked well.”
“In other parts of the country, you don’t see the same kind of synergy between education and cultural institutions. That’s a real strength we have in Gothenburg, and I’m proud to have been part of building it.”
