The first edition of the Småland Triennial took place between May 27 and October 1, 2023, as a unique collaboration between art institutions, art actors, and smaller associations. With an ear to the ground and eyes focused on a complex contemporary reality of growing divides, declining trust in democracy, climate alerts, and global states of war, the Småland Triennale aims to be a catalyst for meetings between people through art and culture.

Små Land served as a thematic starting point that acted as a trigger to explore the geography of the landscape and its challenges today and in the future. It was interpreted freely by the various actors, and the sum of the whole only became clear once the first edition of the triennial concluded. Based on the theme, exhibitions, workshops, and projects were arranged at around twenty locations throughout Småland. Through an exploratory approach, which spanned educational efforts and artistic projects, artists and the public interacted with global and local issues surrounding designed living environments, nature, climate, and biodiversity, and how these relate to the conditions of Småland.