In the southern outskirts of Stockholm, in a repurposed industrial facility once devoted to generating heat, something entirely different is now being produced—culture, community, and creative opportunity. Värmeverket, founded as a response to the increasingly precarious conditions for artists and cultural workers, has quickly established itself as one of Sweden’s most important hubs for underrepresented creators.
Värmeverket is not just a space—it is an evolving ecosystem designed to support long-term artistic and social sustainability. By combining studio spaces, residencies, education programs, and open cultural events under one roof, the organization has become a rare model for inclusive cultural infrastructure. “We often talk about Värmeverket as a prototype,” says Founder Leo Razzak. “It’s a living system that adapts based on the needs of the people within it, rather than enforcing a rigid institutional structure.”
At its core, Värmeverket prioritizes access. Over 70% of its members identify as women or non-binary, and more than half have backgrounds underrepresented in the Swedish cultural sector. These numbers are not accidental. Through transparent application processes, local partnerships, and curated outreach, the organization is intentionally shaping a more representative creative community. “It’s not enough to simply open the doors—we work to actively invite those who’ve historically been left out,” explains Fares Zerezghi, Director of Creative Services.
Värmeverket runs several in-house programs, including Unmute, a multidisciplinary residency platform for emerging artists, and Re:Work Camp, an intensive educational program focused on sustainable practices in fashion—equipping participants with the tools to rethink production, materials, and circular design models. The organization also produces large-scale public events, such as the Underverket Festival, which in 2024 featured performances by Victony, Mura Masa, as well as community-driven formats like BawdyYawdy Ball. Across formats, the emphasis remains on both excellence and accessibility.
Värmeverket’s strength lies in its hybrid identity—equal parts cultural center, innovation lab, and social enterprise. Rather than functioning solely as a venue or gallery, it sees itself as cultural infrastructure: a scaffold that enables new forms of cultural production to take shape. This infrastructure-first approach also resonates with cities and partners facing similar challenges in other parts of Europe. In 2025, Värmeverket launched pilot projects for modular creative clusters in collaboration with property owners and public institutions.
Behind its programs is a small team of cultural workers and producers, many of whom are artists themselves. This shared experience lends the organization a distinct credibility and relatability among its community. “We understand firsthand what it means to create under pressure—financially, socially, and emotionally,” says Fares. “That’s why care and trust are embedded into everything we do.”
The future of Värmeverket lies not only in the physical building it inhabits but in the methodologies it continues to develop. With increasing interest from both municipalities and international partners, the organization aims to scale its model in ways that remain community-driven, experimental, and grounded in equity.
In an era when cultural funding is shrinking and creative labor is increasingly undervalued, Värmeverket stands out as a hopeful counter example—proof that when artists are given space, resources, and trust, they don’t just create—they build worlds.
