The Soap Factory is excited to partner with Kutilvera to bring four emerging and mid-career Minnesota-based artists to Tranås, Sweden, to participate in a month-long residency at their organization. This residency is about time and place, an opportunity to reflect and cultivate ideas through experience and exchange. Artists will be given opportunities to learn about their host city, meet other artists, and space to work independently or collaboratively in their studios.

Sweden is known as the largest Scandinavian country and its climate and location are largely responsible for the development of its cuisine. In the olden days, the Swedes stocked their food supplies as a preparatory step before the long cold winters by preserving meats, fishes, fruits and vegetables. [...] During our study, as part of the International Exchange Programme of Parvatibai Chowgule College, I came across several traditional and modern techniques of food preservation practices that have been passed on from generation to generation.

The first initiative for a summer democracy festival on a remote Baltic island dates back to legendary Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme. Fifty years and a social media revolution later, assembly democracy is great again – at least for a few days in summer across Scandinavia.

On the second day of the UN Ocean Conference, side events focused on the ocean economy; global cooperation on ocean science; and environmentally sound waste management. [...] Representing the shipping industry, Carl Carlsson, described PPP collaboration method and project platform for safer, more energy-efficient maritime transport. A presentation ceremony appreciated The Seychelles, for innovative financing; Norway, for promoting professional involvement in ocean science; UN Environment to reduce plastic in the ocean, etc. 

The United States is resisting plans to highlight how climate change is disrupting life in the oceans at a U.N. conference of almost 200 nations next week, Sweden's deputy prime minister, who will co-chair the talks, said on Tuesday.President Donald Trump doubts that global warming has a human cause. [...] He tweeted after a Group of Seven summit in Italy on Saturday, "I will make my final decision on the Paris Accord next week!" All other G7 leaders reaffirmed strong commitment to the global deal.

Protecting and promoting human rights is a cornerstone of Swedish foreign policy. Sweden strives to be a strong voice and a global leader that stands up for and defends human rights, democracy and the principles of rule of law through foreign policy. This is also central to our engagement in Myanmar. I will meet with representatives from the government, civil society and international organizations to get a good understanding of the situation.

Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has for the first time opened a diplomatic office in Sweden. Dr. Saad Ali Shire, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that "The new diplomatic office will play an important role in connecting Somaliland Diaspora in Sweden and our quest for recognition. It will also shall provide assistance for Somaliland people and information to attract Swedish investors." [...] The opening ceremony also attracted friends of Somaliland, members of Swedish media and Somaliland Diaspora in Sweden.