Photo: Leonard Stenberg. Pictured: Emily Dahl, Jahwanna Berglund, Josef Forselius, Nanna Olasdotter Hallberg, Mattias Hjelm, Adam Arvidsson, Sara Jangfeldt, Valerie Kyeyune Backström.

On Thursday February 26, the first edition of Middagsbordet (“The Dinner Table”) takes place at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern. The format is the result of a new collaboration between Kulturhuset, the Center for Philosophies of Markets at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) and Art Initiative. Over the next year, a number of events will bring researchers, cultural practitioners and the public together around pressing societal questions.

Each evening is carefully tailored to its theme. The theater transforms the room with scenography, and actors and musicians contribute artistic elements that frame the discussions. Around dinner tables, guests take part in moderated conversations inspired by current research.

The first event, Stil & Klass(amhället) (”Style and class(society)”), explores how style, fashion and consumption shape – and signal – social class. The panel includes Mattias Hjelm, researcher at the Center for Philosophies of Markets at SSE, whose doctoral thesis examined cynicism in consumer culture, and Adam Arvidsson, professor at the University of Naples and affiliated with the Center, known for his research on so-called “neo-plebeians” and the consumption of counterfeit luxury goods. They are joined by cultural voices from the fashion and media industries.

Research as part of democratic life

The format blends panel talks with small-group discussions led by conversation hosts from SSE. Cultural performances – from theatre excerpts to fashion commentary and film – create new entry points into the research. The ambition is not to simplify complex issues, but to open them up.

The initiative is rooted in a belief that research should serve society broadly. In a time when public debate is often polarized, creating spaces for thoughtful, informed conversation is increasingly important – not least in an election year.

The events are generously funded by Handelsbankens Forskningsstiftelser. Please note that the events are in Swedish.

For questions about the events, please contact:

kundtjanst@kulturhusetstadsteatern.se