Offentellerfärden

Offentellerfärden is a Swedish term used to describe a traveling public storytelling initiative aimed at collecting and sharing local narratives through live performances, workshops, and community dialogue. The name blends offent- public, teller, and färd- journey, signaling a portable, participatory approach to storytelling.

Origins and concept: The term emerged in Swedish cultural policy discussions in the 2010s as municipalities sought ways to strengthen democratic engagement and cultural inclusion. It is used by libraries, museums, schools, and cultural foundations as a flexible framework rather than a single fixed program.

Format and activities: Teams of storytellers, researchers, and educators travel to towns and neighborhoods, staging events in libraries, schools, and public squares. Activities typically include live storytelling, facilitated discussions, local history workshops, and the creation of digital archives of contributed memories.

Impact and reception: Proponents cite benefits for civic participation, intergenerational dialogue, and memory preservation. Reported outcomes include increased library attendance, strengthened community ties, and accessible local histories. Challenges include funding constraints and logistics of travel, as well as ensuring inclusion across language and accessibility barriers.

Variants and legacy: Routes and themes vary by organizer but commonly focus on migration, labor history, or regional folklore. The concept has influenced similar public-history initiatives in Sweden and abroad.

See also: oral history, public history, community engagement, cultural policy.