KulturSápmi – an important meeting place
For three days, Sámi cultural workers and institutions gathered in Guovdageaidnu for KulturSápmi events.
«I have learned that I work as Outi Pieski's assistant, bookkeeper and accountant. And then sometimes I get a little angry and tell Outi Pieski that now she must prioritize her artistic work »
The biggest part of this year's program for Dáiddadállu was on the second day of KulturSápmi.
CEO Dine A. Fenger Lynge and Riddu Riđđu festival director Sajje Solbakk told about the establishment of a new export and agency office. This is a collaboration that started earlier this year, although it has been talked about for many years prior.
This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by ISFI Director Anne Lajla Utsi.
Artists Katarina Barruk, Joar Nango and Outi Pieski told how their working conditions are, as there is no Sámi institution that represents them. They have worked internationally for many years now, and were of the same opinion that there is a need to establish an office that works for the benefit and help of sami artists.
«When I started working in architecture, there were some who were surprised that I was talking about Sámi architecture; Is there really something called Sámi architecture?»
These three artists have for many years felt that there is a need for some kind of sámi institution that takes responsibility for sales, information management and financial matters.
They also had some concerns related to geography and cultural sectors. Among other things, they asked if the new office would be able to accommodate everyone.
Afterwards, the audience had the opportunity to participate in a digital workshop. They answered and commented on their thoughts on bringing sámi art and music under one institution.
Now the establishment work continues, and in the autumn the new sámi export and agency office is scheduled to be launched.
«I like to teach my team about sámi culture, so they know what they are working with. And I see that knowledge about the sámi is still insufficient»
In addition to this section, there was a session about the work of the exhibition curator, where Elle Márjá Eira told about her experience with Dáiddadállu´s anniversary exhibition «Half a century artist: 50 years - 50 artpieces».
Elle Márjá has experienced many times that when she begins with one project, she is often offered additional work. It was the same this time. When she was filming a documentary about artist Hans Ragnar Mathisen, she was offered a job as a curator for Dáiddadállu.
She has never worked as a curator before, and said that this was a fun job that sámi young people should most certainly try, and thus also get an education in this art field.
The performance «Guoddi» was also shown to the audience in connection with KulturSápmi. Ann-Sofie Kallok, Anthoni Hætta, Anna-Kátri Helander and Sebastian Björkman have worked on this performance, and now they are traveling abroad with it.
The upcoming fall, the play will be screened at the Bonavista Festival, which takes place in Canada from August to September.
