Relate North 2014: Art, Heritage and Identity

The symposium and exhibition is a collaboration between the University of the Arctic ASAD thematic network and the thematic network on Indigenous Arts and Crafts. 

Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD) is a thematic network that aims to identify and share contemporary practices in research, teaching, learning and knowledge exchange in the fields of arts, design and visual future education. In summary,  the network seeks to promote collaboration between academic institutions and communities; advance art education amongst members and share both traditional and contemporary practices in teaching learning and research. The focus of the thematic network on Indigenous Arts and Crafts is to exchange knowledge and research about traditional art (handicraft, craft) and contemporary arts and crafts and discussion of methodology in the field.

Symposium and exhibition theme: What role can art play in the representation of northern heritage and identity?  How can art stimulate debate about issues of indigenous and other northern and Arctic ways of living in harsh or challenging environments? What role can art play in narrating northern issues? How might art describe some of the challenges facing those living in northern areas today? What role can art have in chronicling issues important to places and people in the north? These questions are central to this long term project coordinated by ASAD. The call is open of any media in contemporary art and presentations of community-based art, environmental art or art education projects.

DATES
Symposium: 5-7 November 2014
Exhibition: 7 -27 November 2014

Venue:  Diehtosiida, Sami University College, Kautokeino, Norway
Selection criteria- artworks or abstracts are sought that:
explore northern or arctic issues through art
use traditional or contemporary aesthetic practices to offer new insights, understandings and representations of northern cultures
seek to develop and test new ways of engaging people in issues surrounding the North

Organising Committee
Timo Jokela, Professor of Art Education, Dean of the Faculty of Art& Design, University of Lapland. Chair of Thematic Network of Arctic Sustainable Arts & Design
Gunvor Guttorm, Chair of Thematic Network on Indigenous Arts and Crafts, Professor in Duodji at Sámi University College.
Seija Risten Somby, Assistant professor. Sámi University College.
Glen Coutts, Professor of Applied Visual Arts, Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland.

NOTE:

Registration will be open until 31st October.
For more information please visit ASAD Network website.