Folk- och Världsmusikgalan (The Folk and World Music Gala) is a collaboration project between several institutions and organisations in the folk and world music field in Sweden. The intention is to raise the interest and status of folk and world music and help musicians with marketing and promotion both in Sweden and abroad. Sweden is a rich country musically and the gala want to emphasise the folk and world music part of the Swedish music scene.

The gala concert is broadcasted live on Swedish national radio.

The first gala was arranged in Stockholm in April 2010 and was a big success. A sold out concert hall and happy artists and winners. The second gala was arranged in Gothenburg April 16 2011 and attracted 1100 listeners. The second gala also organized seminars, exhibitions, lunch concerts etc that made the gala a meeting place for artists, agents, organisations and institutions within the genre.

The third gala (Malmo March 30-31 2012) will present Open Folk, a three day long event that will include seminars, debates, a big exhibition area and several more concert venues. Open Folk will be a long sought after chance to meet with everyone involved in the folk and world music genre in Sweden today.

The gala selects winners in eight categories - Best Group, Best Artist, Best Newcomer, Best Collaboration, Best Concert Organizer, Best CD/DVD/Book, Best Traditionalist and a final Lifetime Achievment Award. A jury nominates 3-4 finalists and the winner will be presented during the gala. The public can also suggest nominees on the website.

Winners in 2010 were New Tango Orquesta (Best Group), Sofia Karlsson (Best Artist), Maher & Sousou Cissoko (Best Newcomer), Nordic (Best Collaboration), Selam (Best Concert Organizer), Esbjörn Hazelius/Passion (Best CD/Best Book), Lena Willemark (Best Traditionalist) and Izzy Young (Lifetime Achievment Award).

Winners in 2011: Nordic (best group), Haci tekbilek (Best Artist), Punsch (Best Newcomer), Ale Moller (Best Collaboration), Urkult (Best Concert Organizer), Det Stora Uppdraget/Anno 2010 (Best Book/CD), Susanne Rosenberg (Best Traditionalist) and Märta Ramsten (Lifetime Achievement Award). Susanne Lind was awarded the special Future Prize for best artist for children and youth.

For more info please contact communication officer Peter Ahlbom, peter.ahlbom(at)gmail.com