From Sápmi to the world metropolis: A new era for Sámi Arts
With the launch of NANU – Sámi Arts International, a historic milestone has been reached for Sámi arts. Together, Dáiddadállu and the Indigenous festival Riddu Riđđu have established a new export office and agency to promote Sámi art internationally.
Sámi artists often face major challenges when entering international arenas, where there is little knowledge about Sámi art and culture. Encounters with large institutions and the commercial art market can feel both lonely and overwhelming.
Through NANU, Sámi artists will have access to a professional apparatus that can support their international efforts. The goal is for Sámi artists themselves to set the terms for how their art is presented and communicated to the world.
We are experiencing enormous interest in Sámi arts internationally, but we see a great need to build expertise and tools to ensure that Sámi artists have the best possible conditions when engaging with international players and markets, says Dine Arnannguaq Fenger Lynge, Director of Dáiddadállu.
Sámi arts need a Sámi-Led international platform
– For generations, Sami artists have paved the way for their artistry. The artists have worked hard to make their work visible, but a lack of resources, infrastructure and frameworks has meant that the road to international markets has been very long, says Dine Arnannguaq Fenger Lynge, general manager of Dáiddadállu.
Dáiddadállu and Riddu Riđđu have, over many years, each built solid platforms for Sámi arts and culture. Together, they are taking a historic step with the establishment of NANU – Sámi Arts International, an export office and agency that gives Sámi artists a strong voice on the international stage.
This initiative is not only about meeting the enormous global interest in Sámi arts; it is also about protecting and strengthening Sámi artists, building the necessary infrastructure for international activity, and ensuring that value creation and expertise remain in Sápmi.
- With NANU we are building a professional platform that elevates Sámi arts, provides artists with sustainable frameworks, and creates knowledge that allows Sámi art to grow and influence internationally. This is a direct response to the great need expressed by artists and institutions in the Sámi arts field for many years. Now the art is given the security it needs to grow and take its place, on its own terms, says Sajje Solbakk, Festival Director at Riddu Riđđu.
Launch in London, 16 October
The launch will be marked with a Sámi takeover of the Corner Bar at Tate Modern in London on 16 October, featuring performances by prominent Sámi artists Ella Marie, Mari Boine, and Niilas.
Interest in Sámi arts is steadily increasing, and the historic presentation of Máret Ánne Sara’s work in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern reinforces this further. Sara will be the first Indigenous artist ever – and the first artist from Norway and Sápmi– to exhibit in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern, perhaps the world’s most famous and sought-after exhibition space.
NANU – Sámi Arts International will be launched at the same time as Sara’s solo exhibition opens at Tate Modern. This is therefore a historic moment for Sámi and Indigenous art globally, and precisely why London – the international art metropolis – is the chosen venue.
Strong Sámi Logo
NANU – Sámi Arts International has a logo that symbolizes the strength of the work now beginning. The word “nanu/nanus” in Northern Sámi means “strong” and “solid,” and the pattern elements reflect Sámi design language. The design is created by CJ Utsi and Josefin Öberg.
Riddu Riđđu and Dáiddadállu wish to especially thank the Sámi Parliament in Norway and the Ministry of Culture and Equality for their support in establishing NANU – Sámi Arts International.