The Association of Swedish Jazz Musicians (Föreningen Sveriges Jazzmusiker, FSJ) is a professional body comprising jazz musicians whose work is primarily based in Sweden. The Association’s mission is to promote and safeguard the artistic and social interests of jazz musicians. We advocate for jazz and improvised music to have a permanent and recognised place within Swedish cultural life. FSJ assists in the organisation of concerts and similar events, and occasionally hosts such events independently. Membership is granted by the board upon application.
In addition to initiating and supporting various musical activities, FSJ has maintained a strong cultural policy presence, engaging in dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders—from national Ministers of Culture to local politicians and public officials. FSJ was a founding member of what is now known as the National Association Swedish Jazz (Riksförbundet Svensk Jazz), an umbrella organisation bringing together jazz stakeholders to collectively represent the genre in policy discussions and beyond.
FSJ has also undertaken numerous projects for its members, including seminars, commissioned works, information sessions, and workshops. If you are a member with ideas, do get in touch, let’s collaborate! Reach us at: kontakt@jazzmusiker.se
A Brief Historical Background In October 1963, a group of jazz musicians founded Emanon, named after a 1946 composition by Dizzy Gillespie (the word "no name" spelled backwards). Membership contributions formed the financial basis for a series of concerts held at Stockholm’s Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), with the objective of presenting music and musicians primarily to an attentive and engaged audience.
After a few years, Emanon evolved into the Association of Swedish Jazz Musicians (FSJ), which also aimed to establish itself as a national organisation. One of FSJ’s principal goals was to create a dedicated venue where musicians and audiences could meet. In 1977, with government support, FSJ acquired the premises of a former discotheque at Kungsgatan 63 in Stockholm—thus giving rise to Jazzclub Fasching.
Today, Fasching operates as a limited company with FSJ as the majority shareholder. FSJ, together with Friends of Fasching, appoints a board responsible for ensuring the artistic integrity of the club’s programming—without micromanaging operations—and for overseeing its financial sustainability.
Former Chairpersons Ivar Lindell Lennart Åberg Lasse Werner Svante Fürster Ulf Adåker (1989-2002) Lennart Åberg (2002-2007) John Högman (2007-2017) Lina Nyberg (2017-2021) Hans Olding (2021-2025)
