Circumpolar Art as Icebreaker: Platform for Arctic Voices

Description ᕿᓐᓂᕋᔮᑦᑐᖅ Qinnirajaattuq / Ripples: Making Waves in Inuit Art Symposium will invite artists, curators, museum professionals, scholars, students, Elders and others invested in Inuit art from across Inuit Nunaat to come together and reflect on where we've come from, assess the state of the arts, and plan for the future. Together we will share knowledge and highlight innovative practices happening within Inuit regions, across Canada, and throughout the circumpolar world. Over the three day period, events hosted by the Montreal Museum of Fine Art, Avataq Cultural Institute, Concordia University, La Guilde, FOFA Gallery, and throughout Montreal will include panels, discussions, exhibition openings, curatorial talks, a gallery crawl, performances, vendors, workshops, and more!

Place Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Date 6 - 8 November 2024

Project Type Symposium

Link https://www.inuitfutures.ca/qinnirajaattuq-ripples

Description In 2024, Art Toronto celebrates its 25th edition. Canada's oldest and largest international art fair will host over 100 national and international galleries, installations, project spaces, and so much more! The MCCA will participate in a panel discussion on 'The Rise of the Circumpolar Art Scene'.

Date Sunday, 27 October 2024 at 2:30 pm EDT

Place Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building, Toronto, Canada

Project Type Panel discussion

Partner Art Toronto

Link https://arttoronto.ca/home/

Description From Trauma to Transformation. A transdisciplinary Workshop: For decades, Indigenous communities in Canada have been fighting for political recognition and reparations after land theft, disenfranchisement, cultural genocide and structural discrimination. What strategies have they been using? What role does Switzerland play in the violence against First Nations, Inuit & Métis? (How) Can the experiences and strategies of First Nations, Inuit & Métis from Canada be related to coming to terms with the forced assimilation of Yenish, Sinti and Roma in Swiss history? How can transnational relationships and forms of collaboration and solidarity emerge? ‍This transdisciplinary community gathering opens up an experimental space for explore transnational processes of remembering, reparation and healing.‍ With: Mike Metatawabin (Poet and Deputy Grad Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation), ‍ Ursula Waser (witness „Kinder der Landstrasse“, Stiftung Naschet-Jenische), Mo Diener (performance artist, researcher and activist for Roma rights, Zurich),‍ Manuel Menrath (Historian and Curator, PH Luzern). Moderation: Rohit Jain and Jana Lamatsch (Institut für Sozialanthropologie der Universität Bern)

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date Tuesday, 22 October 2024 at 18:00

Registration Due to limited space, we encourage you to register to secure your spot, though registration is optional: https://forms.gle/UsvQZ57VQJ58PmDq8

Project Type Workshop

Partners Arctic Voices, Institute of Social Anthropology of the University of Bern

Links www.arcticvoices.ch https://www.anthro.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/public_anthro_lab/was_ist_das_public_anthropology_lab/index_ger.html

Description Concert: Joik and Natural Flute from Sápmi: Berit Alette Mienna is a Joik teacher and artist from Jergul in Finnmark (Norway). Joik is a centuries-old singing tradition of the Sámi people in northern Europe, reminiscent of the natural yodel from Switzerland. Øistein Hanssen from Nordkjosbotn (Norway) has immersed himself in the sounds of natural flutes and has researched traditional Sámi and Kven music in music archives. Together, they invite us to an evening of Sámi culture, where Joik and natural flute harmonize.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date Saturday, 12 October 2024 at 19:00

Project Type Concert

Partner "Arctic Voices" Project

Link www.arcticvoices.ch

Description JPresentation on Sámi Drums: Clues to Ancient Routes: Øistein Hanssen from Nordkjosbotn (Norway) has Sámi, Kven, and Norwegian roots. After retiring as an engineer from the University of Tromsø, he devoted himself to his musical passion. He delves into the sounds of natural flutes, researches traditional music of the Sámi and Kven in music archives, reconstructs instruments, and explores the connection between Sámi shaman drums and the night sky. In his presentation, he examines the link between astrological mythology and the symbols on Sámi drums. With the help of star maps, these symbols provide clues to ancient routes of Sámi population groups.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date Saturday, 12 October 2024 at 17:00

Project Type Presentation

Partner "Arctic Voices" Project

Link www.arcticvoices.ch

Description The interdisciplinary artist-researcher Devora Neumark talks about her work and what living in Iqaluit (in the Eastern Arctic) means to her as an artist.

Place Kornhausforum Bern, Switzerland

Date Wednesday, 9 October 2024 at 18:00

Project Type Presentation

Partner Kornhausforum, Bern

Link https://kornhausforum.ch/de/agenda/talk-devora-neumark/

Description Lewis Cardinal, a respected Woodland Cree communicator, educator, and story holder, from Sucker Creek Cree First Nation in Treaty No. 8 Territory in northern Alberta, Canada, will explore the intersections of Indigeneity and Indigenuity, offering unique perspectives on Indigenous knowledge systems, creativity, and innovation. The event will begin with a "Smudging Ceremony" led by Cardinal, followed by sharing his insights into how Indigenous traditions and contemporary practices shape and inspire one another while sharing his profound expertise on understanding the lasting impact of colonialism and fostering cross-cultural cooperation and relationships. The event will conclude with a Q&A session.Lewis Cardinal has dedicated his life to fostering cross-cultural connections through public service. His roles include Chair of Global Indigenous Dialogue, Co-Chair of Initiatives of Change-Canada, and Trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Lewis has received numerous accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals, the IndSpire Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from St. Stephen’s College. He leads Cardinal Strategic Communications, specializing in Indigenous education and media, and serves as Senior Advisor for “kihcihkaw askî–Sacred Land” in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.The event will be held in English language.

Place Museum of Contemporary Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date Friday, 04 October 2024 at 18:30

Project Type Discussion

Partner "Arctic Voices" Project

Link www.arcticvoices.ch

Description Join us for a special guided tour of the "Arctic Voices" exhibition with Sámi artist Jo Morten Kåven, whose works are prominently featured in the exhibition. The event will begin with a screening of Jo’s short film, «Máhccan/Homecoming: Songs from Karasjok/Kárášjohka», which offers a powerful introduction to the themes of the exhibition and Jo’s artistic vision. Following the film, Jo will lead a tour through the exhibition, providing unique insights into the Sámi perspectives, his personal journey, and the connection between art, culture, and environment.‍ The event will be held in English language.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date Saturday, 28 September 2024 at 11:00

Project Type Film Screening & Guided Exhibition Tour

Partner "Arctic Voices" Project

Link www.arcticvoices.ch

Description Join Jo Morten Kåven, Sami artist from Karasjok, Norway, and Martha Cerny, curator to experience the Sami culture with the "Polwärts" exhibition as backdrop to the conversation (in English).

Place Kornhausforum, Stadtsaal, 1. OG, Bern

Date Tuesday, 17 September 2024 at 18:00

Project Type Discussion

Partner Schweizerischer Werkbund Bern (SWB)

Link https://kornhausforum.ch/de/agenda/film-talk-mit-jo-morten-kaven-en/

Image Rátkkagárdi ja lávvu / Reindeer Enclosure by Sami artist, Jo Morten Kåven

Description 'Mannerheim - Through the Marshal's Photographic Lens: Documenting Central Asia and China': Between 1906 and 1908, Marshal C. G. E. Mannerheim, disguised explorer, covered a distance of over 14,000 km with his small team. The photo exhibition offers a wealth of information and forms a unique travel report about Central Asia and China, which tells of Peoples and cultures that are now largely extinct or at least greatly changed.

Place Museum Cerny.contemporary circumpolar art, Bern, Switzerland

Date 3 May - 4 August 2024, prolonged until 17 August

Project Type Exhibition

Partner Embassy of Finland to Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Description Presentation on the report 'The Power to Protect': Climate Change, Intersectional Environmentalism and the Leadership of Indigenous Women': Come journey with us as we dive deep into the nexus between gender, climate change and contentious sites of conflict and insecurity beyond traditional armed conflicts. Our epic journey across Turtle Island and into Sápmi over the last year has found us immersed in many waters, making relations and showing up in community to be in a place of learning through ceremony, storytelling, conversation, and sitting together in circle, grounded in many Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing. We are honoured to share what has been shared with us by powerful Indigenous and non-Indigenous women and girls who are leading significant changes in their communities. The teachings we have received came through as teachings of the waters. Water has memory. Water connects us. Water is life. Water is confluence.

Place Museum Cerny.contemporary circumpolar art, Bern, Switzerland

Date 9 June 2024

Project Type Presentation

Partners Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer & Ms. Lorelei Higgins Parker

Link https://ottawadialogue.ca/news-events/resource/the-power-to-protect-climate-change-intersectional-environmentalism-and-the-leadership-of-indigenous-women/

Description The Arctic Congress Bodø 2024 is a unique event that combines the International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences (ICASS) XI, UArctic Congress 2024, and High North Dialogue 2024. The congress includes high-level plenary sessions, several parallel sessions, network activities, and social and cultural events. This brings excellent opportunities for researchers, policymakers, businesses, and students to increase their connectivity and knowledge exchange on Arctic issues.

Place Bodø, Norway

Date 29 May - 3 June 2024

Project Type Congress presentation & participation

Link https://www.arcticcongress.com/

Description 20 years ago, the sea goddess Sedna first appeared in NONAM. Now she is back – as the main character of the anniversary exhibition on art, culture and climate change in the Arctic. Together with the Museum Cerny contemporary circumpolar art, NONAM celebrates 20 years in Seefeld and 60 years of the museum.

Place North American Native Museum (NONAM), Zurich, Switzerland

Date 1 February 2023 - 17 March 2024

Project Type Exhibition

Partner North American Native Museum (NONAM)

Link https://arttv.ch/kunst/die-meeresgoettin-sedna-kehrt-ins-nonam-zurueck/

Description Accompanying the concert 'The Trout', exhibits on the legend of Sedna were on display in the St. Anna Chapel in Saanen. Provided by the Museum Cerny.contemporary circumpolar art.

Place St. Anna Chapel, Saanen, Switzerland

Date Thursday, 10 August 17:30-19:30 and after the concert.

Project Type Exhibition

Partner Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy

Link https://www.gstaadmenuhinfestival.ch/en/concerts-2017-2023/concerts-2023/10-08-2023-chamber-music

Description 'Healing the Wounds of the Past': After decades in which conflict has gradually reduced around the world, the tide has turned. Conflict is increasing. This forum focused on a fundamental cause of this trend: the broken relationships caused by unhealed wounds of the past – personal, national and international.

Place Caux Palace, Caux, Switzerland

Dates 17 - 26 July 2023

Project Type Exhibition

Partner Initiatives for Change International

Link https://www.iofc.org/en/caux-forum-2023-hwp

Description To kick off the three-year concert series 'Music for the Planet', the Gstaad Menuhin Festival investigates the responsibility of cultural organisers, musicians and the role of the performing arts in the face of climate change. Follow the exciting exchange between top-class artists and representatives from science and climate activism.

Place Greenhouse Blumen Stricker, Saanen, Switzerland

Dates Friday, 14 July 2023, 8am –12am & 1.30pm –6pm & during the opening ceremony Saturday, 15 July 2023, 8am –12am

Project Type Exhibition

Partner Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy

Link https://www.gstaadmenuhinfestival.ch/en/program-and-tickets/music-for-the-planet/sedna

Description Panel discussion with Billy Gauthier, Inga-Wiktoria Påve & Fredrik Prost.

Place Museum Cerny.contemporary circumpolar art, Bern, Switzerland

Date 16 June 2023

Project Type Panel discussion

Partner Canadian & Swedish Embassies in Bern, Switzerland

Links https://www.inuitartfoundation.org/profiles/artist/Billy-Gauthier https://www.ingawiktoriapave.com/about https://www.fredrikprost.com/the-company/?lang=en

Description Swiss Polar Class is a free learning program available to teachers, students, and anyone interested in exploring the polar regions. It is aimed at students aged 8 to 12 and older. Based on the scientific activities of the Swiss Polar Institute, the program develops learning content on topics related to the Arctic and Antarctic. Discover content adapted to Swiss curricula (in French and German) and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the polar regions.

Place Museum Cerny.contemporary circumpolar art, Bern, Switzerland

Date 6 - 7 June 2023

Project Type School activity

Partner Swiss Polar Class

Link https://polar-class.ch/de/german/

Description Presentation on "Decolonizing & Indigenizing Efforts at MCCA". VANDA aims to bring together scholars from various fields of anthropology, social sciences and humanities.

Place University of Vienna, Department of Social & Cultural Anthropology

Date 23 - 25 September 2024

Project Type Conference presentation & participation

Link https://vanda.univie.ac.at/home/

Description In the exhibition, the strategic board game, chess, is used to show the complex interrelationships of the changes in the Earth.Opposite Natturalik, the ruler of the air and the land, is Sedna, the ruler of the sea. In order to maintain the balance with nature, every move of the game must be carefully considered, as a change on one side also triggers one on the other. The shaman, Mir-Susne-Hum, is at the centre as a mediator. At the same time, images from the Arctic show this change. In addition, there is the 50th figure, namely the human being.

Place Liechtenstein National Museum, Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Date 19 January - 7 May 2023

Project Type Exhibition

Partner Liechtenstein National Museum

Link https://www.landesmuseum.li/de/veranstaltungen-ausstellungen/50-shapes-of-prey-l6OnLRM

Description Qanga. Greenland over Time. Based on a graphic novel by Greenlandic artist Konrad Nuka Godtfredsen, this exhibition tells the story of Greenland: from the time of the first hunter-gatherers who immigrated from present-day Canada 4,500 years ago to the years of cohabitation with the first Danish missionaries and settlers.

Place Museum of Archaeology and History of the Canton of Vaud, Palais de Rumine, Lausanne, Switzerland

Date 13 May 2022 – 29 January 2023

Project Type Exhibition participation

Partner Museum of Archaeology and History of the Canton of Vaud

Link https://palaisderumine.ch/expositions/expositions-passees/qanga/

Description Exhibition 'ᓂᐲᑦ ᐅᑭᐅᖅᑕᖅᑐᒥᙵᖅᑐᑦ ' / 'Röster Från Arktis' / 'Voices from the Arctic'

Place Konstmuseet i Norr (Art Museum in the North), Kiruna, Sweden

Date 6 October 2022 - 22 January 2023

Project Type Exhibition

Partner Konstmuseet i Norr (Art Museum in the North)

Link https://konstmuseetinorr.se/utstallningar/roster-fran-arktis/

Description Play Bern 2022 hosted a vibrant panel discussion that focused on the role of video games in bridging cultures and engaging diverse audiences. Among others, the two video games "INUA" and "Never Alone" about the Arctic were presented. The esteemed panelists, including Inuk artist Billy Gauthier, explored the effectiveness of using video games as tools for cultural mediation and their impact within the cultural context. The event provided valuable insights into the potential of video games in fostering cross-cultural understanding and enhancing cultural interactions.

Place Play Bern, PROGR, Bern, Switzerland

Date 2 - 4 September 2022

Project Type Panel discussion

Partner Play Bern

Link https://playbern.ch/

Description 'The Cryosphere in a Changing Climate – A Scientific Symposium in the Memory of Koni Steffen'

Place Davos Congress Centre

Date 23 - 24 June 2022

Project Type Exhibition

Partner Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL

Link https://www.wsl.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/WSL/Veranstaltungen/2021_Veranstaltungen/Symposium_Koni/20220623_24_Programme_final.pdf

Description Exhibition 'ᓂᐲᑦ ᐅᑭᐅᖅᑕᖅᑐᒥᙵᖅᑐᑦ' / 'Voices from the Arctic'

Place Winckelmann-Museum, Stendal, Germany

Date 16 April - 28 August 2022

Project Type Exhibition

Partner Winckelmann-Museum, Stendal, Germany

Link https://www.winckelmann-gesellschaft.com/

Description

Place Museum Cerny.contemporary circumpolar art, Bern, Switzerland

Date 11 March – 29 September 2022

Project Type Exhibition

Partner Tomas Colbengston & Stina Folkebrant (Sápmi / Sweden)

Link https://colbengtson.com/ https://www.stinafolkebrant.com/

Description Boxfish & Co. Artist Book. The phenomenal submarine world of coral reefs displayed on hundreds of pages, distinctively drawn and printed by the hand of the artist in a limited edition.

Place Museum Cerny.contemporary circumpolar art, Bern, Switzerland

Date 3 - 6 March 2022

Project Type

Partner Myrtha Steiner

Link http://www.myrthasteiner.com/boxfish.html