Sápmi Triennial

The first-ever Sápmi Triennial presents a spectacular array of Sámi contemporary art and duodji, traditional Sámi handicrafts. The exhibition showcases the abundance and vitality of Sámi cultural heritage. The works highlight themes which are deeply rooted in tradition and identity, as well as the challenges of contemporary life. Included in Sápmi Triennial are both rising stars as well as artists with lengthy careers. The works are engaged in a conversation between different countries and generations, and displays what is happening right now in Sámi contemporary art.

An open call for artists and artworks for the exhibition was launched in autumn 2023. Almost 100 applications came in from Finland, Sweden and Norway. In the end, 27 artists’ works were chosen for the exhibition: duodji handicrafts, dáiddaduodji art, video, sound and installation art, photograph, painting, textiles, ceramics and literature.

Exhibition artists: Anna-Stina Svakko, Charlotte Nielsen, Christin Løkke, Eiril Linge, Elina Waage Mikelsen, Eva Kitok, Geir Tore Holm & Søssa Jørgensen, Gjert Rognli, Gunvor Guttorm, Hanne Grieg Hermansen, Hans Ragnar Mathisen, Helena Lagerqvist Kuoljok, Helmi Aletta Hagelin, Inga-Wiktoria Påve, Inger Blix Kvammen, Jorunn Løkvold, Jouni S. Laiti, Kirsi Paltto, Katarina Spik Skum, Maarit Magga, Matti Aikio, Monica Edmundson, Odd Marakatt Sivertsen, Reetta Tornensis, Susanne Ewerlöf and Tilde-Ristin Kuoljok.

The jury included three artist members from the Sámi Dáiddaguovddáš SDG (Sámi Center for Contemporary Art) board, the Director of Kin Museum of Contemporary Art Maria Lind, and Curator Ulla Viitanen from Rovaniemi Art Museum.

The exhibition was produced in collaboration with Rovaniemi Art Museum, Sámi Center for Contemporary Art (Karasjok), Nordlandsmuseet & Bodø2024, Kin Museum of Contemporary Art (Kiruna) as well as Oulu Art Museum & Oulu2026. The inaugural opening of the Triennial was in Bodø Norway in August 2024, after which the exhibition is on show at Karasjok 6.2–30.3.2025, Rovaniemi Art Museum 14.6.–23.11.2025, Oulu spring of 2026, and Kiruna summer of 2026.