Sara samplings live on in the soil of Skellefteå

When Sara kulturhus opened its doors in 2021, it became an exciting new public space for the residents of Skellefteå to enjoy. The building was immediately filled with eager footsteps on stairs and on the wooden floors, which have acquired a beautiful patina during the first year.

Visitors have experienced exhibitions, concerts, and lectures, borrowed books, enjoyed good food, slept well, observed, and "spaatted." Now, as the wooden building stands there, overlooking the surroundings from its 20 floors and nearly 80 meters in height, it also serves as an environmentally friendly structure. The trees used were harvested within a radius of 6 miles around Skellefteå and contain large amounts of stored carbon dioxide—equivalent to approximately 13,500 people's flights from Stockholm to New York.

As a symbol of the trees used, a pine, a spruce, and an oak were planted during the inauguration by the CEO of Samhällsbyggnadsbolaget, Ilija Batljan, the municipal councilor Evelina Fahlesson, and the governor Helene Hellmark Knutsson.

Here, they recall the day and share their expectations for Sara kulturhus in the future:

Helene Hellmark Knutsson:
"What I remember from the inauguration day was that it was windy, full of people, and filled with optimism. And a lot of pride. Pride in Skellefteå, in the building, and in the cultural heritage, especially that of Sara Lidman. Finally being able to showcase to the world what had been accomplished together through generations, collaborations, and a shared vision.

Sara kulturhus has delivered every day since that day: a successful premiere performance with Musikanternas uttåg, a meeting place for old and new Skellefteå residents, lots of attention in national and international press. It truly put Skellefteå on the map as a sought-after destination and place to live. I am convinced that Sara Cultural Center will continue to deliver at this high level in the future. And that it will occasionally surprise us with new experiences far beyond our expectations."


Ilija Batljan:
"It was a fantastic day for Skellefteå and Sweden, with a building that will forever symbolize that collaboration between the private sector and the public sector can create both industrial history and societal development. Sara kulturhus was and is a central piece of the puzzle in putting Skellefteå on the map as both Europe's most sustainable building and the building that contributed to the fantastic development the city is undergoing, where Skellefteå continues to grow like the trees we planted."


Evelina Fahlesson:
"Unfortunately, there were still some pandemic restrictions, so I remember missing the fact that we couldn't invite all residents to this day. I would have loved to see and hear their reactions. But we had a digital broadcast that, from what I understand, was appreciated by many. And we all know that the building will remain for many, many years to come. Visitors have now experienced the feeling in the building, perhaps the art gallery, the city library, and other experiences like theater or a concert. I also remember the smell of wood in the building, and it was a wonderful atmosphere. Many of us felt proud of what had been accomplished so far.

I don't think we fully understand Sara's true greatness yet. Of course, we have read what several media outlets have written about the building and its contents, and it has been a fantastic year. But I believe there is so much more to come, and the possibilities are endless. And there, of course, we welcome all residents' thoughts and ideas!"


The idea behind the planting was that after a year, the trees would be replanted somewhere in the Skellefteå soil to grow lush and majestic throughout their lifespan. Through a nomination process, Skellefteå residents suggested where the trees would fit best, and the final destinations for the trees were Missenträsk, Solvik, and Hjoggböle.

There, the seedlings have been received with a mix of pride and joy. In Hjoggböle, the pine was placed on the prayer house site, just a few meters from where the village's greatest writer, Per Olov Enquist, grew up in the green house.

Another obvious planting location was Missenträsk, where the one-year-old spruce seedling was planted near Sara Lidman's childhood home.

The third plant will continue to thrive at Solvik Folk High School, about 1.5 miles north of Skellefteå. Plans are underway for a cultural park near the school's landmark, and Sara's oak is also now there.