Young Artist of The Year 2025
ElleMina Kuoljok Baer (25) from Jokkmokk has been named “Young Artist of the Year” by Riddu Riđđu. Kuoljok Baer is a Sámi duojár (Sámi handcrafter) and artist who is concerned with uplifting Sámi culture and history, as well as questions regarding the role of duodji (Sámi handcrafts) in the future and in a changing climate and world. While she is committed to preserving the traditional, she explores new forms and techniques that are relevant for us today.
Duodji has been a part of Kuoljok Baer’s upbringing where she has acquired knowledge through her family and family members. Kuoljok Baer has also studied at the Samernas Utbildingscentrum’s leather- and textile line. She is currently doing her second year in the duodji bachelor program in Kautokeino, where she can further develop her knowledge in both duodji and art. Kuoljok Baer works broadly with everything within duodji, but has worked mostly with dibmáduodji (duodji with soft materials), but also a lot with gárraduodji (duodji with hard materials).
ElleMina is looking forward to the year that awaits her:
-I am very grateful for the award and am really looking forward to the coming year!
Already during this year’s Riddu Riđđu the audience will get the opportunity to get to know the young artist of the year better. Kuoljok Baer will bring along a taste of her duodji and art to the Riddu plain and through an artist talk the audience will get a deep dive into her visions for duodji and art.
Sajje Solbakk, festival director, is delighted by the new appointment:
-ElleMina is an exciting and innovative artistic voice in Sápmi. As a duojár, she brings unique reflections on sustainability and develops innovative solutions in a time when climate change is reducing the availability of materials. With a solid education from the Sámij Åhpadusguovdátjis, her future career in duodji is very promising. We look forward to following her artistic development in the coming year.
Excerpt from the jury’s reasoning:
“As a powerful Lule Sámi voice, ElleMina plays an important role in communicating and passing on Sami art and tradition to new generations. Her work with recycling and sustainability, as well as her exploration of how climate change affects access to materials, demonstrates a conscious and innovative artistry. ElleMina is also committed to the transfer of knowledge between generations, a long tradition that the jury values in light of Kuoljok Baer’s commitment. The jury sees her work as both a tribute to Sami craftsmanship and an important commentary on contemporary challenges.”
The Young Artist of the Year is Riddu Riđđu’s talent program, which annually selects a young Sami artist to present their artistry through Riddu Riđđu’s festival program and other events throughout the year that Riddu Riđđu co-organizes. In addition to receiving a scholarship of 25.000 kroner, the appointment also includes a stay at Lásságámmi, the artist residence of Nils-Aslak Valkeapää. ElleMina Kuoljok Baer will start her year as Young Artist of the Year at this year's Riddu Riđđu festival, taking over from Kai Mikkel Balto.
Young Artist of the Year/Riddu sessions is supported by Talent Norway, Samfunnsløftet and the Sami Parliament.
