On October 19 & 20 2023, Borealis organises Šuvva – a workshop in Tromsø together with Elina Waage Mikalsen.

This is a platform for Sámi artists and musicians interested in sound and music from the in-between spaces. The participants come together to get to know each other, present their practices, listen to music and discuss their relationship to sound through presentations, listening sessions, conversations and shared meals.

Amongst other topics, the talks revolved around quesitons such as:
What is a Sámi way of listening? How can we 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 days acted as a platform and meeting point to empower Sámi artists who continue this work in various ways.

Participants: Ánndaris Rimpi (Sámi/Swedish, Sweden), Ellen Marie Bråthen Steen (Sámi/Norwegian, Norway), Elina Waage Mikalsen (Sámi/Norwegian, Norway), Herborg Rundberg (Sámi/Norwegian, Norway), Margrete Petersen (Sámi/Norwegian, Norway), Johan Sara Jr. (Sámi/Norwegian, Norway)