The Assembly of Nordic Music Academies unites higher music education institutions across the Nordic and Baltic region. While our institutions differ in their legislative, cultural, and educational contexts, we share a common commitment to music, music education, and the broader role of the arts in society.

To strengthen this cooperation, ANMA has adopted a Nordic Values Framework. These values express the principles we aim to uphold together. They do not impose uniformity but articulate a shared Nordic approach rooted in democracy, human dignity, and sustainability.

The Three Value Dimensions

Relational Values – How we collaborate
• Building trust across people, institutions, and borders
• Upholding equality, integrity, and ethical responsibility
• Practicing dialogue, exchange, and collaboration

Educational Values – How we teach and learn
• Promoting sustainable musicianship through artistic excellence
• Creating knowledge through artistic practice and research
• Empowering creative agency, mobility, and adaptability

Societal Values – Our responsibility to the world
• Strengthening democracy, inclusion, and social cohesion through music
• Defending freedom of thought, speech, and artistic expression
• Acting with responsibility, transparency, and sustainability

Background

The framework was developed by the ANMA Working Group for Advocacy and Communication following ANMA’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Lithuania. It was subsequently reviewed and adopted by the ANMA Steering Group as a reference point for strategic work, quality development, and communication.

The Nordic Values Framework is a tool for institutions, staff, and students to support international cooperation, enhance mobility, and strengthen ANMA’s collective identity in the world of higher music education.