1 mill towards international delegate program

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants Riddu Riđđu 1 million NOK a year over the next three years to create an international delegate program. The news were recently announced in the High North white papers, published by the Norwegian Government. Riddu Riđđu's delegate program aims to ensure that international organisers learn about the Sami art field, and help more Sami artists gain international professional experience. 

Riddu Riđđu has promoted Sami art and culture for many years. The festival in Kåfjord is already an arena where organizers can get in touch with artists and cultural workers in a wide range of genres. Through the funds from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Riddu Riđđu will have the opportunity to invite international organizers to a separate delegate program.

Sandra Márjá West, festival director at Riddu Riđđu, has the following to say about the earmarked funds from the Government:

"We are very pleased about the opportunity to create an international delegate program. I think this will contribute to more Sami artists being internationally recognised for their work. Additionally, organisers will have an improved knowledge base when curating Sami art. This knowledge is important in order for Sami artists to present their art on their own terms".

Interest in indigenous art continues to grow among international cultural actors, and Norwegian cultural institutions still have a job to do when it comes to showcasing more Sami art.