Svenskt visarkiv
Centre for Swedish Folk Music and Jazz Research

The mission of Svenskt visarkiv is to collect, preserve and publish material concerning instrumental folk music, folk songs and traditional music in general, from the end of the 16th century up to the present. The archive is also responsible for material on the history of jazz in Sweden, and since 2005, we have the added responsibility for music of ethnic minorities in Sweden.

At Svenskt visarkiv we are proud to work in close cooperation with different kinds of music customers, both active musicians, researchers and the general public. The archive has, during its almost 60 years, gradually expanded its responsibilities. Beginning with a focus on song texts and ballads, and later instrumental folk music and eventually Swedish jazz, we now include multicultural musical expressions found in Sweden. Today the collections are quite extensive - recordings, manuscripts, sheet music, interviews and photographs. And they are growing day by day.

Music is an important part of our history and a key to knowledge about people's lives. This is a knowledge everyone should have access to. Ensuring this access is an essential task for Svenskt visarkiv.

Svenskt visarkiv is part of The Swedish National Collections of Music

Visitors are welcome to the archive. At their disposal is a reference library and a listening room with tape recorders and stereo equipment. Copies of the material may be made for a small fee.