mid-term conference in Akebäck – inspiration and exchange of experiences
On September 9, 2026, a mid-term conference was organized within ”Together for our village” at Akebäck heritage center. It included both inspirational elements and exchange of experiences between the participating areas.
Among the 31 participants were representatives from both the project's steering group and all participating areas.
The meeting began with a lovely late summer buffet and a humorous essay by Carina Tellström, Cinema Ciceron. She humorously and accurately highlighted characteristics of the Gotland countryside and how meetings between Gotlanders and visitors can be.
Afterwards, there was a summary of what had happened so far within Together for our village. Ellen Lundqvist and Jörgen Hallström, Leader Gute and Anders Ahlin, Companion Gotland provided an overarching perspective. Representatives from the five areas that have been completed or are underway reflected on the project in their villages. The sixth area, which has not yet started its work, participated to gather ideas for their project start.
Inspiration from Akebäck Heritage Association
In the next segment, there was an inspiring lecture on how Akebäck Heritage Association has successfully engaged a very large part of the parish's inhabitants in its activities and events. Bernt Petterssonand Ida Endrell from the association described how they have developed the community center with several mini-supports from Leader Gute and significant voluntary participation. For example, an outdoor area with a grill and playground has been established.
The main building has been equipped with a new kitchen and air heat pump, and in the side building, a small village school museum has been arranged as well as a meeting room – all in genuine old-fashioned style but meant to be used by both children and adults.
The association organizes a long series of well-attended activities, and parishioners gather to cook and eat together at the heritage center almost every week.
The annual meetings for the Heritage Association and the local fiber association are coordinated, and parallel to the meetings, disco for children is organized, making it easier for families to participate.
Exchange of experiences between the areas in the project
The evening concluded with coffee, dessert, and exchange of experiences between the different areas. The participants were divided into ”mixed” groups with people from various areas.
There were lively discussions, and many felt they left with both new ideas and new contacts for their continued work within the project and rural development in general.