About us
Stiftelsen Kulturcentrum Järna is a public-benefit foundation in Ytterjärna. We carry forward what began with the Rudolf Steiner Seminary: the idea that education is something that concerns the whole human being.
An idea rooted in the place
When the foundation was established in 1965, the aim was to create a place where people, above all young people, could study freely. Here people would be able to study anthroposophy’s ideas about the human being and the world in depth, and try them out in practice.
In the decades that followed, many people built on it. A seminary grew up with training for teachers, preschool teachers, artists, social therapists and growers. A park took shape around Bruno Liljefors’ old studio villa, which came to be called Vita huset, and buildings went up there that have received Sweden’s most respected architecture prize.
Today the foundation is called Kulturcentrum Järna. Its purpose is the same as when it was established, and according to the statutes it may never be changed. What we do with it, on the other hand, has grown over time.
We believe that people grow by being allowed to do something real, in an environment made with care.
How we work
Built by many
The place has grown through generations of teachers, students, artists, growers and staff. We carry forward what they have built up.
Knowledge with the whole human being
We learn by thinking, but also by painting, singing, moving and working with our hands. Art is not decoration. It is a path to understanding.
The place supports the work
The buildings, the park and the garden are shaped to support what happens in them. The environment is part of the pedagogy.
Together with others
We seek collaboration with organisations, schools and associations on and around the site. No one carries a living idea alone.
A foundation, not a company
A foundation has no owner. It exists for its purpose and is managed by a board under the supervision of the County Administrative Board. That makes us think long-term: what we build should last longer than a term of office or a financial year.
