Johanna Ruotsalainen
The historical colonialist approach has stigmatized the exchange of thoughts and artistic and aesthetic practices between the Central-European and the peripheral regions of Europe. In recent years, cultural operators and decision-making have identified and recognized this tradition of exotification and cultural appropriation in the Arctic. A discussion on the definition of Arctic art is needed to differentiate the concept from, for example, Northern art, which only refers to context to orientation or location. Arctic art as a term should illustrate the methods and the goals of art and art-related practices specific to Arctic areas, the actions aimed at increasing well-being and competitiveness in Arctic areas, and the international character of practices defining it across national borders, to connect the phenomenon with Arctic discourse in other fields. This article examines the possible frameworks for Arctic art by reviewing the scientific discourse around the theme. The research exposed six most significant discourses on the concept of Arctic art in the peer-reviewed articles from the past two decades. They were further analyzed around ten arguments, that embody various meanings and are partly interlinked and overlapping. This article aims to stimulate the discussion on whether art should be reviewed more in relation to the context where it was created, when for example assessed in cultural politics or for curatorial and art critical processes. The concept of Arctic art does not have an established and unambiguous meaning, and various cultural communities and interest groups define the term differently. In geographical, political, and environmental discourse, some of the terms are well enough defined, but when transferred into cultural or ecosocial discourse without further research, terms reveal an overlap of definitions that both intersect themselves with and distinguish themselves from each other and are sometimes used without discernment.
Benedikte Brincker
This paper applies Karl Wieck’s notion of sense-making to an Indigenous setting — the Indigenous Inuit population of East Greenland. The paper explores Indigenous sense-making of nature by analyzing Indigenous traditions of hunting and harvesting polar bears. The paper identifies three principles that guide this practice: one relating to governance, another to rewards, and finally one that pertains to insurance. The paper considers these three principles and evaluates their ability to contribute to our understanding of sustainability and a post-growth economy.
Pouya Dabiran-Zohoory, Anastasiya Henk, Sterre Koops, Shannon E. Moore, Ugo Nanni, Leah Palmer, Sophie Roher, Conor Savage, Polina Smirnova & Haliehana Stepetin
As the Arctic undergoes unprecedented environmental and climate transformations, an urgent call for inclusive governance and intergenerational leadership echoes across the circumpolar region. In January 2024, 29 Emerging Leaders from the Circumpolar Arctic and Subarctic gathered in Northern Norway ahead of the 2024 Arctic Frontiers Conference. This diverse group, with global identities and multi-disciplinary backgrounds spanning science, policy, business, geopolitics, and law, brought together experiences that inspired this paper. We highlight the unique perspectives offered by younger generations and leaders to advocate for changes across a spectrum of critical Arctic issues. Our voices must be present in the decision-making which shapes our future, yet we observe some politicians, diplomats, legal, and business officials engaging in protracted discourse overlooking the urgent realities faced by those most directly impacted.
We address the concept of “youthwashing” and offer a critique, as well as actionable recommendations, for fostering inclusive decision-making. We explore the role of youth leadership in Arctic governance across various disciplines and how diverse perspectives are required to better shape Arctic futures. Our concerns encompass the sustainable management of the Arctic’s natural resources, respect and protection of Indigenous rights and Traditional Knowledge, and developing solutions rooted in sustainability, survivance, and justice. As Emerging Leaders, we aspire to create liveable futures for generations to come, challenging the present trajectory set by current senior leadership. In turn, we ensure that while the Arctic is undergoing significant change, it develops in a framework respectful of all generations, ultimately rooted in justice for all Arctic peoples.
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