Šuvva was a workshop about Sámi experimental music, sonic practices and listening.

The workshop Šuvva brought together the Sámi field of performing artists with an interest in sound and music. The participants presented their practices, listened to music, and discussed how they relate to sound in different ways. What is a Sámi way of listening? How to work experimentally in a Sámi context? Are there similarities between how Sámi culture engages with sound and how other indigenous cultures do it? With a rich history of sound to look back on – from Aillohaš’ field recordings and music to Bongo-laika, Mari Boine’s vocal techniques, and Jon Persen’s compositions – the workshop acted as a platform and meeting point to empower Sámi artists.

Šuvva took place on 19 & 20 October 2023 at Borealis in Tromsø. The participants were Ánndaris Rimpi (Sámi/SE), Ellen Marie Bråthen Steen (Sámi/NO), Elina Waage Mikalsen (Sámi/NO, facilitator), Herborg Rundberg (Sámi/NO), Margrete Petersen (Sámi/NO), Johan Sara Jr. (Sámi/NO).

Elina Waage Mikalsen (Sámi/NO) is a multidisciplinary artist and musician from Tromsø. She works with sound, performance, textiles, installation and text. Her artistic work is strongly intertwined with her Sámi and Norwegian background.

Part of Re-Imagine Europe: New Perspectives for Action. Co-funded by the European Union.

For enquiries, contact: post@borealis.no

Photo by Tina Elina Kristensen.