Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra has been the main organizer for the international music camp Side by Side El Sistema Sweden since 2016. As a flag ship for the Swedish National Orchestra´s Children and youth activities, the camp is an important international meeting place for children and youths!

The camp is supported by the City of Gothenburg and Region Västra Götaland. And operates in close collaboration with the foundation El Sistema Sweden as well as the Gothenburg Schools of the Arts, El Sistema is inspired by the unique model of social inclusion through music that was developed in Venezuela in 1975 and founded by J A Abreau. With the vision that all children in Sweden should be given the opportunity for positive development through musical practice in a choir or orchestra, the foundation works to spread and develop El Sistema in Sweden.

The Gothenburg Schools of the Arts are cultural meeting places for children and young people. Every week, thousands of young participants meet to create experiences together and lay the foundation for a meaningful future for the rest of their lives. Through education, The Gothenburg Schools of the Arts contribute to creative meetings with musical, social and human development in focus, to stimulate children and young people to claim their place in an equal and sustainable Gothenburg.