Liberation Day 2025 is a historical milestone. It is also a date where the word ‘preparedness’ is relevant. We need to be prepared – as individuals, but first and foremost as a community. What is a community, and how can we develop robust, generous, strategic and innovative communities? At this conference, Jazzfest and NTNU Music will thematize the concept of “Cultural preparedness”, and elaborate on the importance of music and music education for the development of robust communities. Cultural participation strengthens public health and cohesion, and music can both strengthen and weaken individuals’ commitment and belonging to a common 'us'.

The history of jazz is closely linked to liberation, resistance and cultural identity, and to creating unity in challenging contexts. At NTNU, music education is an important part of the interdisciplinary efforts to meet various societal challenges. Through lectures and panel discussions, we explore the importance of music in the context of emergency preparedness and thematize how NTNU and Jazzfest together can contribute to a broader understanding of the role of culture in society's resilience.

The conference is held in Norwegian only.