Firestorm Talks: Driving Change – Meet the Women Leading Sweden's Foremost Art Institutions
How are some of Sweden’s most influential leaders guiding the country’s leading art institutions through change, and how are they using their leadership and vision to shape tomorrow’s art scene?
This autumn, Firestorm Foundation returns to the Stockholm School of Economics with a new series of Firestorm Talks. This time, we turn our attention to women in leadership across the art world. In conversation with Michael Storåkers, they share their experiences, perspectives and what has shaped the way they lead.
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Lunch will be served at all talks. Please note that all talks will be held in Swedish.
Tone Hansen – 13 October, 12.15 – 1 PM
On September 1, 2026, Tone Hansen was appointed director of the newly merged Moderna Museet, which also includes ArkDes and Statens Konstråd, a position that puts her at the forefront of advancing Nordic art and culture. Hansen has previously led Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, Norway's first private museum, and MUNCH in Oslo, home to the world's largest collection of Edvard Munch's work.
Joanna Sandell Wright – 16 November, 12.15 – 1 PM
Joanna Sandell Wright leads Liljevalchs, Stockholm's oldest Art Centre, which is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. As the institution continues to evolve, including through the 2,400-square-metre Liljevalchs+ extension, Sandell Wright leads Liljevalchs with a progressive and dynamic exhibition programme spanning both the historic original building and the new extension. She has previously led Botkyrka Konsthall and Kalmar Konstmuseum, and later Södertälje Konsthall.
Sara Arrhenius – 9 December, 12.15 – 1 PM
Since January 2023, Arrhenius has been director of the Institut suédois in Paris and, as tradition dictates, cultural advisor to the Swedish Embassy, a position that places her at the heart of Sweden's cultural presence in one of Europe's leading art capitals. Under her leadership, the institute has sharpened its focus on its own collection and strengthened its standing as a Swedish cultural landmark in the city. Before then, Arrhenius was rector of the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm. She has also led Bonniers Konsthall and headed IASPIS, a programme of cultural exchange between Swedish and international artists.
About Firestorm Talks
Since 2025, Firestorm Foundation has partnered with the Stockholm School of Economics to bring greater visibility to women and non-binary artists through research, education and art. The collaboration includes research scholarships, donations to the SSE Permanent Collection and Firestorm Talks, a series of conversations bringing artists and leading voices from the art world to the school.
We look forward to welcoming you!