The art exhibition I'm a Sámi Boy is an interdisciplinary project that explores Sámi masculinity through duodji (Sámi handicraft), queer art, performance, and film. 

The exhibition features works by several artists, with duojár and visual artist Kai Mikkel Balto as the lead artist. Balto was named Young Artist of the Year at Riddu Riđđu in 2024, and was therefore given the opportunity to curate this year’s art exhibition at the festival. 

I'm a Sámi Boy invites young Sámi artists to reflect on macho culture and gender roles in Sápmi. This is not just an exhibition – it is an invitation to an open conversation about gender, identity, and power in Sápmi. 

Riddu Sessions 2025: 

In 2024, Kai Mikkel Balto was named Young Artist of the Year by Riddu Riđđu Festivála and has since taken part in Riddu Sessions, the festival’s own program for emerging Sámi artists. 

This year’s Riddu Sessions takes the form of an art exhibition titled I'm a Sámi Boy by Kai Mikkel Balto, which also serves as the official festival exhibition at Riddu Riđđu Festivála 2025. 

Through Riddu Sessions, the audience is invited to explore the breadth of Balto’s artistic practice in both duodji (Sámi handicraft) and visual art. 

Contributors to I’m a Sámi Boy: 

• Kai Mikkel Balto 

• Agnes Konst Matheussen 

• Mihkkal Hætta 

• Ánde Somby 

• niilas helander 

• Ritni Ráste Pieski 

• Nils-Aslak Valkeapää

Mentor: Anna-Stina Svakko 

Kurator: Siri Maria Vitalis Larsen

The exhibition is open during the festival from Thursday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00, and Sunday, 10:00–14:00. It will also remain on display at the Center for Northern Peoples through September 2025.