English: Non-Violence Project and Tim Bergling Foundation in collaboration – with a new iconic sculpture

On Non-Violence Day, October 2, a new sculpture will be unveiled at Smedhagsskolan in Hässelby in Stockholm. The sculpture has been developed in collaboration between Tim Bergling Foundation and The Non-Violence Project and is a reinterpretation of the iconic symbol The Knotted Gun, created by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd. In connection with this, a digital and international educational program for schools on mental health – The Inner Compass – will also be launched.

“That we are doing this together with the Tim Bergling Foundation creates a perfect synergy effect since they are experts in mental health while we have more than thirty years of experience in education,” says Rolf Skjöldebrand, co-founder of The Non-Violence Project.

Already in 2015, a dialogue was initiated between The Non-Violence Project and Avicii’s team about appointing Tim “Avicii” Bergling as an ambassador for Non-Violence, and in connection with this, developing an Avicii interpretation of The Knotted Gun.

Now the idea is brought to life in a broader context.

In addition to the sculpture, the collaboration includes an educational program where the Non-Violence Project’s pedagogical model for schools and young people is combined with Tim Bergling Foundation’s expertise in mental health. The digital and international educational program will be launched on a broad scale starting in January 2026. In addition, Tim Bergling becomes the first ever to be appointed as an ambassador for the Non-Violence Project posthumously.

According to WHO, violence can cause long-term mental health problems and increase the risk of young people ending up in violent situations themselves. Research also shows that unsafe environments negatively affect young people’s health, and that tools for conflict management and mental well-being are crucial in breaking the pattern where violence and poor mental health reinforce each other.

“We are proud to begin this collaboration with The Non-Violence Project. By combining their long-standing work to resolve conflicts without violence with our work for young people’s mental health and belief in the future, we will ensure that our collaboration is both meaningful and makes a difference,” says Klas Bergling, founder of The Tim Bergling Foundation.

The Non-Violence Project will run the educational program within the framework of its activities, and the Tim Bergling Foundation will support with both knowledge and funding. All proceeds from the sculpture go back to the educational program and other activities within The Non-Violence Project, whose educational philosophy is based on the conviction that knowledge is the best weapon against all violence. The starting point for their educational programs is to offer training that inspires, motivates, and engages people to change attitudes.

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