Barents Scholarship for Cultural Cooperation 2025 Awarded to Inspiring Northern Artists and Cultural Initiatives

The scholarship supports projects that foster regional identity, build cross-border relationships, and create opportunities for artists and cultural professionals to collaborate and bring new ideas to life.

This year, three recipients—representing Sweden, Norway, and Finland—have been selected for their outstanding contributions to cultural cooperation in the North.

Swedish Recipients: Inga-Wiktoria Påve and Fredrik Prost

The Swedish scholarship has been awarded to the artistic duo Inga-Wiktoria Påve and Fredrik Prost for their project Sámirái. The project is an artistic installation aimed at strengthening the self-esteem of Sámi youth by celebrating cultural heritage through a unique blend of influences.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese samurai culture as a symbol of strength and resilience, Sámirái combines traditional Sámi elements with contemporary artistic expression. Påve creates a Sámi-inspired samurai armor based on the traditional gákti, while Prost contributes a handcrafted mask made from wood and horn. The project also features musical interpretations by Sámi joik singer and rap artist Ailu Valle.

The installation will be exhibited at the Oulu Art Museum as part of the European Capital of Culture year in 2026. With strong ties across the Barents Region—including collaborations in Finnmark, Västerbotten, Utsjoki, Indre Troms, Oulu, and Rovaniemi—the duo’s work reflects a shared Sámi cultural identity that transcends national borders.

Norwegian Recipient: Kirsi Máret Paltto

The Norwegian scholarship has been awarded to Sámi artist and author Kirsi Máret Paltto, recognized for her multidisciplinary work that combines visual art, duodji (traditional Sámi handicrafts), and literature.

Originally from the Tana River Valley, Paltto has an extensive background in cross-border collaboration, with artistic roots spanning Sweden, Finland, and Norway. She is also a co-founder of ABC-Company Eskuvla AS and a recipient of the Nordic Sámi Language Prize Gollegiella.

Through the scholarship, Paltto will collaborate with Finnish-Sámi artist Jouni S. Laiti to create a series of exhibitions in Inari, Varangerbotn, and Karasjok. The works will explore themes of human emotion, spirituality in nature, and the need for compassion and openness in modern society. Combining traditional materials such as reindeer horn and wool with industrial elements, her work bridges past and present while offering powerful, poetic reflections.

In addition to the exhibitions, public art talks will engage local communities in dialogue around the themes of the works. The jury highlighted Paltto’s artistic quality, innovative techniques, and commitment to cross-border collaboration as key reasons for her selection.

Finnish Recipient: Art Organisation Silence

From Finland, the scholarship has been awarded to Art Organisation Silence, represented by Joonas Martikainen and Jonna Lehtonen, for their long-standing commitment to fostering artistic collaboration in Northern Finland and across the Barents Region.

Since 2017, Silence has served as a vital platform connecting artists, audiences, and cultural professionals across disciplines. The organisation established the Northern Network for Performing Arts in 2018, addressing the challenges posed by long distances in the region by actively facilitating collaboration, residencies, and joint projects.

Over the years, Silence has also built strong Arctic partnerships beyond the Barents Region, contributing to major initiatives such as the Arctic Arts Summit. Their work has positioned them as a key driver of cultural cooperation in the North.

Through initiatives like the annual Silence Festival in Kaukonen, Kittilä, the organisation brings site-specific art experiences to rural communities, ensuring access to culture beyond urban centers.

The Barents Scholarship for Cultural Cooperation continues to play a vital role in supporting artistic innovation and strengthening connections across the region. The recipients exemplify the diversity, creativity, and collaborative spirit that define the cultural landscape of the Barents Region.

By supporting projects that bridge borders and traditions, the scholarship contributes to a vibrant and interconnected cultural future in the North.