The Royal Patriotic Society has awarded Tilde Björfors — founder of Cirkus Cirkör and a driving force behind Sweden’s contemporary circus movement — the Medal for the Preservation of Swedish Cultural Heritage for her pioneering contribution to establishing and evolving the art form in Sweden.
This prestigious medal, created in 2012, recognizes individuals and organizations whose work protects and strengthens Sweden’s cultural heritage. It is cast in 18-karat gold and features King Carl XVI Gustaf, with recipients nominated and selected by the Society’s members based on exceptional national impact.
Björfors began her career as a circus artist but is best known for her far-reaching achievements as a director, educator, and cultural leader. In 1995, she founded Cirkus Cirkör with a group of emerging performers — a bold step at a time when contemporary circus was largely unknown in Sweden.
Under her nearly 30 years of leadership, where she served as Artistic Director until early 2024, Cirkus Cirkör grew into the largest circus company in the Nordic region and one of the world’s leading exponents of new circus, touring globally with productions celebrated for their artistic courage, cross-disciplinary storytelling, and emotional resonance.
Cirkus Cirkör has also played a pivotal role in circus education in Sweden — offering classes and programs that have reached thousands of young people, creating the post-secondary training
“Cirkuspiloterna,” and developing a full high-school circus program that helped mainstream circus as a performing art. The professional training later transitioned to university level and is now part of Stockholm University of the Arts.
“It is wonderful to receive this award — and especially meaningful to share the moment with another circus colleague,” Björfors said, referencing fellow honoree Trolle Rhodin of Cirkus Brazil Jack. “We come from different traditions and expressions, and being recognized together shows the breadth of what circus can be. I feel both proud and grateful to help shape that story.”
As she looks toward the future, Björfors has taken a leap that reflects circus’ daring spirit: she has purchased a circus tent. “It was almost an impulse — a reaction to what I feel is a cultural downturn. When something seems impossible, circus teaches you to try anyway. The tent will be a symbol of that, and I can’t wait to fill it with magic.”
The medal was presented December 3 at the House of Nobility in Stockholm by Society Chair Christina von Arbin and member Karin Helander, who nominated Björfors. Awards were also presented to Rhodin, and to Gunilla and Marcus Storch for significant contributions to the arts and cultural sector.
Source: VIA.TT Main image: Cultural Heritage Medal recipient Tilde Björfors. Photo by Jonas Ekströmer (TT) / The Royal Patriotic Society.
This post was last modified on December 10, 2025 9:50 pm