2_9_ScanMag_72_Jan_2015_Text_Q10_Scan Magazine 1 09/01/2015 22:45 Page 43
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Festivals in Norway
tural world, this is far from good news. We wish to keep these channels open, and keep co-operations intact; because where all else fails, culture is often the one point where we can still work together.” She explains that the focus on interactions between eastern and western countries, illustrated by recent relations between Norway and Russia, has also manifested itself in an emphasis on Sami culture – geographically found in and between these two countries. Sami-Norwegian musician, composer and producer Georg Buljo has just been announced as the very fitting profile of the Arts Festival of North Norway 2015, something that thrills Winje. “He is not just a fabulous musician, but one of the most exciting innovators and interpreters of Sami culture. He has a solid 20 years of experience, and has worked with other notable musicians such as Mari Boine and Lars Bremnes, of whom the former is also a famous Sami singer who will grace the festival with her presence.” Together with Buljo, music aficionados will be able to indulge in works from Niko Valkeapää, Mikkel Gaup, Ulla Pirttijärvi, Marja Helena Fjellheim Mortensson and more. The Festival also presents a broad ‘fan’ of genres, including young talents like Sondre Justad and Monica Heldal, along with artists in jazz and classical music.
Artists and children in happy dance on the quay. Photo: Roger Hennum
Astounding collaborations She describes the festival as a wellcomposed meal, offering a perfect circle of cultural nutrition. However, she says, the circle is never complete without the characteristic involvement of young talent that has made The Arts Festival stand out in the crowd of Norwegian culture festivals. “Children and young people symbolise much of what we’re all about: free creation, without locking ourselves in set genres. We also work with disabled children, who add to our ultimate goal of giving everyone the right to culture. All in all, different talents, skills, ages and abilities come together to express themselves – and the results are nothing short of astounding,” says Winje. Add to this the extraordinary setting of Harstad town, an Arctic Circle coastal
pearl, and the cultural meal of the Arts Festival of North Norway is flawlessly garnished. What is Winje herself most excited about come June 2015? “The entirety of the week,” she says warmly. “Seeing everything come together, and being able to offer some truly extraordinary experiences to those who venture north. I’m excited to see how the programme will be received – I’m very proud of the meal we have composed this time around!” The Arts Festival of North Norway will take place on 20-27 June in Harstad.
For more information, please visit: www.festspillnn.no
The top shelf of talents Beyond musical performances, the wide-ranging programme of the Arts Festival of North Norway can offer visual art experiences in the shapes of installations and video contributions, as well as gallery art pieces. The festival has enlisted the help of renowned curator Joakim Borda to create intriguing exhibitions that have attracted interest both regionally, nationally and internationally. “I feel very lucky to be working with this festival, because we can really pick from the top shelf of talents,” says Winje, underlining the importance of Borda’s talent. She adds: “That manifests our profile as a very modern one in the cultural world, which attracts more talent.”
Sondre Justad – a young Norwegian sing & songwriter from the north. Photo: Bjørnar Øvrebø
Issue 72 | January 2015 | 43