The Relate North Symposium & Exhibitions will be held at The University of Lapland, Faculty of Art and Design, in Rovaniemi, Finland. The ASAD network invites applicants to submit papers, workshops, panels or art works. The exhibition call is open to artists and designers in any media in traditional and contemporary art and design, in addition to presentations of community-based work, environmental art, or art education projects.
Every year, the Relate North Symposium & Exhibition attracts leading scholars and artists from around the circumpolar North to present research and debate issues of concern and interest for the Arctic and Subarctic regions through the lens of art and design. ASAD investigates questions such as: How might design practices respond to some of the challenges faced by those living in northern and Arctic areas today? What role might art play in chronicling and communicating issues that are important to people in the North? How might the visual arts represent a northern sense of place? See the full call here |
31.1.2024
Shifting Ground -exhibition in the Rovaniemi Art Museum
Shifting Ground -exhibition in the Rovaniemi Art Museum, Korundi, features aesthetic expressions that reflect the landscapes, lived experiences, and future visions of climate change and changing ecologies in the North. The exhibition features artworks by Canadian artists and Finnish artists from Lapland. The exhibition communicates the artists’ unique experience and their relationship with location. The works highlight themes related to climate change, resource extraction and the changing ecologies and future challenges in the North. NACER-team members, artists of the exhibition, are Lola Cervant, Maria Huhmarniemi, Timo Jokela, Marjo Pernu, Simi Ruotsalainen & Johanna Ruotsalainen, and Antti Stöckell.
The exhibition is based on the “Shifting Ground: Mapping Energy, Geography and Communities and in the North” research project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and led by Ruth Beer. The project is carried out as part of the research collaboration in the Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD) network. Timo Jokela, head of the NACER research team, from the University of Lapland has participated the research.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the Shifting Ground research project, Rovaniemi Art Museum and the Artists’ Association of Lapland. Funders include the Finnish Heritage Agency, the Canadian Embassy in Finland, and the Kone Foundation. The exhibition is curated by Ruth Beer and Ulla Viitanen.
All artists of the exhibition: Ruth Beer, Lola Cervant, Maureen Gruben, Maria Huhmarniemi, Tsema Igharas, Timo Jokela, Eemil Karila, Miia Kettunen, Elina Länsman, Lindsay Mclntyre, Mari Mäkiranta, Jeneen Frei Njootli, Marjo Pernu, Marjo Pitko, Simi Ruotsalainen & Johanna Ruotsalainen, Antti Stöckell and Seija Ulkuniemi.
The exhibition presented in the Korundi
The exhibition is based on the “Shifting Ground: Mapping Energy, Geography and Communities and in the North” research project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and led by Ruth Beer. The project is carried out as part of the research collaboration in the Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD) network. Timo Jokela, head of the NACER research team, from the University of Lapland has participated the research.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the Shifting Ground research project, Rovaniemi Art Museum and the Artists’ Association of Lapland. Funders include the Finnish Heritage Agency, the Canadian Embassy in Finland, and the Kone Foundation. The exhibition is curated by Ruth Beer and Ulla Viitanen.
All artists of the exhibition: Ruth Beer, Lola Cervant, Maureen Gruben, Maria Huhmarniemi, Tsema Igharas, Timo Jokela, Eemil Karila, Miia Kettunen, Elina Länsman, Lindsay Mclntyre, Mari Mäkiranta, Jeneen Frei Njootli, Marjo Pernu, Marjo Pitko, Simi Ruotsalainen & Johanna Ruotsalainen, Antti Stöckell and Seija Ulkuniemi.
The exhibition presented in the Korundi
18.1.2024
New Publication of Finnish Art Education ResearchThe articles in the publication support the implementation of criteria-based learning assessment in everyday basic education and provide information on various aspects related to the equality of assessment. The publication has been compiled to respond specifically to the research needs identified by teacher educators and teachers in the field and to highlight diverse approaches to the assessment of art and skill subjects.
The authors of the publication include both long-time teacher educators and researchers in art education, as well as experts from various art and skill subjects who have joined in the field for development and research. Many NACER-members have contribute the the publication. Read online, in Finnish |
The Embroidered Stances exhibition breathes new life into the tradition of blanket embroidery, placing it within a contemporary societal context. The exhibition will be shown in the Craft Museum of Finland from the 13th of January to the 7th of April in 2024.
A collective of 14 artists, crafters, activists, and artist-researchers uses wool fabric and naturally hand-dyed wool yarn. The exhibition delves into the aesthetics of traditional materials like botanically dyed yarn. Additionally, it reshapes the visual language of blanket embroidery, enabling personal and political themes to find expression through patterns and designs. Gathering and embroideries by the collective serve as a form of activism. Members of the collective use embroidery to engage in societal dialogues. Topics encompass issues like queer rights, biodiversity loss, land use conflicts, and the very essence of craftsmanship itself. While each of the 14 participants met in Rovaniemi, they hail from diverse cultural backgrounds, encompassing Finland, Russia, Eastern and Southern Europe, and Latin America, thus their stances are various. Most of the collective members are educated at the University of Lapland. Many are alums and current staff members; some are alums, and some are Master's students or doctoral candidates in the NACER team. Artists of the exhibition are Lola Cervantes, Maria Huhmarniemi, Elina Härkönen, Tenka Issakainen, Tanya Kravtsov, Alina Korotovskaia, Minna Kovero, Elina Luiro, Miia Mäkinen, Niina Oinas, Petra Raudaskoski, Misia Siennicka, Ezgi Tanriverdi and Sannu Vaarala. More information in VillaInno and Embroidered Stances Instagram |
12.1.2024
Embroidered Stances in the Craft Museum of Finland |
8.1.2024The Relate North Book |
The UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD) has published a book "Relate North: Possible Futures", edited by Glen Coutts and Timo Jokela.
Although concerned mainly with research and knowledge exchange in art and design education in the north and the Arctic, the contributors touch on issues and topics that will have wider interest. For example, the sociocultural and geopolitical dimensions of living in rural and urban settings in northern, remote and peripheral regions. In each essay, the notion of possible futures is about more than postulation, embracing art-infused praxis and inquiry with Indigenous and nonindigenous groups in the north and the Arctic. The book will interest a wide constituency including, for example, anthropologists, cultural geographers, sociologists, artists, designers, art educators and practice-based researchers. In addition, the chapters will be relevant to students in the arts or education and policymakers concerned with Arctic and northern issues on contemporary art, craft, design, and education. Download the publication Read more about the ASAD |
20.12.2024
Thematic number in the Research in Arts and Education journal
The final issue of this year in the Research in Arts and Education journal has been published. Mirja Hiltunen and Maria Huhmarniemi are the editors of this thematic issue. A splendid group of researchers in the field of art education have contributed to this issue. It also includes two articles by our doctoral candidates: articles by Raisa Kilpeläinen and Katri Kauppala.
The Research in Arts and Education journal publishes peer-reviewed research publications, such as articles and visual essays. Anonymous peer review is one of the ways through which we consistently get research internationally evaluated and ensure its high quality. Doctoral candidates in our research team present their research in peer-reviewed publications or conferences during their postgraduate studies. We express our gratitude to all the authors of this thematic issue for their work as researchers in art education. The social, cultural, economic, ecological, and political significance of art and art education is expanding through critical reflections, discussions, and research evidence. Read the number of the journal |
15.12.2024
Research available
New international research publications in the field of arts and sustainability have recently been launched, featuring significant contributions from the University of Lapland.
"Arts-Based Interventions and Social Change in Europe," edited by A. Kárpáti, presents a diverse range of arts-based initiatives addressing social challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. explores diverse initiatives combatting social challenges in disadvantaged communities through the arts. Discover how the arts fight discrimination, marginalization, and poverty while offering adaptable, research-backed solutions. The following chapters showcase research at the University of Lapland:
- A. Qureshi: "Engaging Youth through Visuals"
- M. Huhmarniemi, S. Miettinen, and M. Sarantou: "SoftPowerArt: Tackling Environmental and Societal Conflicts"
- M. Hiltunen: "AMASS-AMAS-WEIRD: Community-based art education project in the Sámi area, Finland"
- M. Sarantou and N. Karvinen: "Is Money a Dirty Word? The entrepreneurial worlds of art and sculpting"
"Community Arts Education: Transversal Global Perspectives," edited by C.-C. Lin, A. Sinner, and R. L. Irwin, offers a comprehensive exploration of community arts education with 'transversality' as its overarching theoretical framework. The book features contributions from 55 authors, including esteemed professors and scholars from the University of Lapland. Noteworthy chapters include:
- T. Jokela and M. Hiltunen: "Community-Based Art Education: Promoting Revitalization and Eco-Cultural Resilience for Cultural Sustainability"
- M. Huhmarniemi and K. Juhola: "International Art Symposia as a Space of Knowledge Creation and Creative Engagement"
"Art, Sustainability and Learning Communities: Call to Action," edited by Raphael Vella and Victoria Pavlou, champions active citizenship for sustainability. Learn about the power of socially engaged art pedagogies and how coordinated action can shape a more sustainable future. Don't miss the chapter "Participatory Art With Trees" by M. Huhmarniemi.
"Arts-Based Interventions and Social Change in Europe," edited by A. Kárpáti, presents a diverse range of arts-based initiatives addressing social challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. explores diverse initiatives combatting social challenges in disadvantaged communities through the arts. Discover how the arts fight discrimination, marginalization, and poverty while offering adaptable, research-backed solutions. The following chapters showcase research at the University of Lapland:
- A. Qureshi: "Engaging Youth through Visuals"
- M. Huhmarniemi, S. Miettinen, and M. Sarantou: "SoftPowerArt: Tackling Environmental and Societal Conflicts"
- M. Hiltunen: "AMASS-AMAS-WEIRD: Community-based art education project in the Sámi area, Finland"
- M. Sarantou and N. Karvinen: "Is Money a Dirty Word? The entrepreneurial worlds of art and sculpting"
"Community Arts Education: Transversal Global Perspectives," edited by C.-C. Lin, A. Sinner, and R. L. Irwin, offers a comprehensive exploration of community arts education with 'transversality' as its overarching theoretical framework. The book features contributions from 55 authors, including esteemed professors and scholars from the University of Lapland. Noteworthy chapters include:
- T. Jokela and M. Hiltunen: "Community-Based Art Education: Promoting Revitalization and Eco-Cultural Resilience for Cultural Sustainability"
- M. Huhmarniemi and K. Juhola: "International Art Symposia as a Space of Knowledge Creation and Creative Engagement"
"Art, Sustainability and Learning Communities: Call to Action," edited by Raphael Vella and Victoria Pavlou, champions active citizenship for sustainability. Learn about the power of socially engaged art pedagogies and how coordinated action can shape a more sustainable future. Don't miss the chapter "Participatory Art With Trees" by M. Huhmarniemi.
4.12.2023Public DefenceThe use of the features of art and culture is increasingly recognised as a crucial element in shaping our relationship with the environment. This recognition can be found in both general discussions and official publications by ministries. Also, a shift towards embracing playfulness is gaining momentum in cultural discourse. These developments are gaining greater societal importance to the extent that the so-called ludic turn has emerged in the research literature.
Doctoral dissertation by Nina Luostarinen aims to integrate play into our experience of places and enhance our understanding of them. Simultaneously, she intends to make play accessible to adults. To achieve these goals, she has set out to design and develop art-based intervention tools by using playful art interventions. The outcome is the development of these intervention tools and deeper understanding of how to facilitate them effectively. The public defence is arranged in Finnish language in Rovaniemi. Please welcome with following information: Kulttuurituottaja (YAMK) Nina Luostarisen väitöskirja Paikkaleikkejä ja leikin paikkoja – leikillisillä taideinterventioilla kohti paikkaempatiaa tarkastetaan Lapin yliopiston taiteiden tiedekunnassa perjantaina 8. joulukuuta 2023 klo 12.00 alkaen Castrén-salissa |
20.11.2023
Relate North News
The Relate North Symposium and Exhibition Beyond Borders in Umeå, Sweden, attracted leading scholars and artists from around the circumpolar north to present research and debate issues of concern to arctic and subarctic regions through the lens of art and design. The event was a collaboration between the University of the Arctic’s Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design thematic network (ASAD), the Department of Creative Studies, Umeå University, and the University of Lapland. NACER-team members contributed to the organising committee, presentations, panel discussions and the exhibition.
The ASAD Network aims to identify and share innovative practices in learning, teaching, research and knowledge exchange in the fields of art, design and visual culture education. The network promotes cooperation and collaboration between academic institutions and communities with the purpose of working towards a shared understanding of critical issues relevant to people living in the North. ASAD network coordinators had an annual meeting in the event. One of the decisions made is to have the symposium next year at the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland. Professor Timo Jokela, the original initiator of the network, continues to serve as its head. He, along with Professor Glen Coutts, has been leading the network since its establishment. For 2024 the leadership role from Coutts was shifted to Maria Huhmarniemi who was appointed vice-lead for the network with a responsibility for the Special Interest Groups: Arctic Arts and Visual Culture Education. Jokela and Huhmarniemi, together with professor Mirja Hiltunen, are also leaders of the NACER team and thus NACER has a strong contribution in the ASAD. |
7.9.2023.
NACER plays a pivotal role in generating art education research
The Research Assessment Exercise was conducted at the University of Lapland by external evaluators. The final report highlights that we have much to be proud of: the University has demonstrated a significant commitment to research development in recent years. The evaluation covers the years 2015-2021.
One of the targets of this evaluation was the NACER research unit. The report underscores that NACER plays a pivotal role in generating art education research and promoting its growth in Finland and beyond, particularly in the Arctic region. We are recognised as leaders in our field, actively participating in various research networks.
NACER's research primarily focuses on two areas: art education and applied visual arts. The goal is to advance art education research and explore contemporary visual art connected to social and community issues. These two domains converge in our commitment to addressing environmental and societal concerns, utilising art-based methods, and carrying out art-based action research.
Furthermore, we employ concepts to engage with communities beyond traditional art institutions. We have introduced the concept of "ecoculture" in art education research to emphasise the connection between communities and their surroundings.
In terms of societal impact, our activities, such as art exhibitions and publications, significantly contribute to art education, fine arts, applied visual art, collaboration, and activism. Our publications play a crucial role in disseminating research.
Overall, we are considered a vital force in advancing art education research and fostering connections between art and society.
One of the targets of this evaluation was the NACER research unit. The report underscores that NACER plays a pivotal role in generating art education research and promoting its growth in Finland and beyond, particularly in the Arctic region. We are recognised as leaders in our field, actively participating in various research networks.
NACER's research primarily focuses on two areas: art education and applied visual arts. The goal is to advance art education research and explore contemporary visual art connected to social and community issues. These two domains converge in our commitment to addressing environmental and societal concerns, utilising art-based methods, and carrying out art-based action research.
Furthermore, we employ concepts to engage with communities beyond traditional art institutions. We have introduced the concept of "ecoculture" in art education research to emphasise the connection between communities and their surroundings.
In terms of societal impact, our activities, such as art exhibitions and publications, significantly contribute to art education, fine arts, applied visual art, collaboration, and activism. Our publications play a crucial role in disseminating research.
Overall, we are considered a vital force in advancing art education research and fostering connections between art and society.
31th August 2023
Nordplus Horizontal funding for the development of New Genre Arctic Art Education
The New Genre Arctic Art Education initiative of NACER - team, coordinated by the University of Lapland received EUR 85,000 in funding from the Nordplus Horizontal program for the development of art education in 2023–2025.
New Genre Arctic Art Education art- based action research, development and education project partners are University of Lapland, University of Greenland, Umeå University from Sweden and Nord University from Norway. Nordplus Horizontal funding is specifically aimed at practices that strengthen cooperation between universities and their external partners. Therefore, Nordplus funding also includes the Sami Contemporary Art Center from Karasjoki, Norway, the Cross-art Collective Piste from Rovaniemi, the Siunissag artist collective from Greenland, and the The Arctic Circle Outdoor Council from Bodö, Norway. As implementation of the project, the annual Nomadic Hub of Arctic Art Education event offers, in addition to contemporary art, workshops and seminars for students, teachers, artists, researchers and locals as well. “The goal is to develop art-based methods, new teaching methods, produce innovative learning materials and find ways to face the special conditions of the Arctic and Northern and especially face the people, and to utilize digital technology while respecting the ways of norther and Indigenous Knowledge, says Jokela.” The goal of the art-based action research project is to develop a collaborative New Genre Arctic Art Education - university course for the UArctic ASAD thematic network. Hybrid course integrates virtual teaching and field activities. New Genre Arctic Art Education was launched in May 2023 in Greenland, and the Nordplus project will start during the fall of 2023. |
“ It is important that organizations that are familiar with the special conditions of the Arctic region and carry out wide-ranging and inclusive art and art education strengthen their cooperation and share their expertise across the borders of countries as well across social and cultural sectors. Combining resources and developing activities offers community-based, inclusive and culturally sensitive art education new opportunities, says UArctic Chair, professor Timo Jokela, the responsibility researcher of the project from University of Lapland.”
More information: UArctic Chair, Professor Timo Jokela, University of Lapland timo.jokela(at)ulapland.fi +358 40 7396034 |
29th August 2023
Fourth Lila Summer school explored Forest landscapes
The Living in the Landscape Summer School series brings together MA/ PhD students and scholars from different disciplines and circumpolar higher education institutions to develop culture-sensitive and sustainable research on the sociocultural landscapes of the Arctic region. Another central aim is to create encounters and dialogue between traditional forms of culture and contemporary practices and discover how these could be presented through art.
NACER team in University of Lapland has established and coordinates LiLa annually. The fourth and ongoing school has participating students and scholars from the ASAD partner institutions: University of Lapland (Finland), Nord University of Norway, Umeå University (Sweden), University of West of Scotland, University of Highlands and Islands and Scholar from the Yukon School of Art and the University of Alaska Anchorage. Their academic disciplines were art education, general teacher education, fine arts, media and clothing design, creative media practice, architecture and nature sciences. Read more from the ASAD website |
21th August 2023
We congratulate our part-time professor of Glen Coutts
We congratulate our part-time professor of Applied Visual Arts Education Glen Coutts who has to been re-elected as President of the International Society for Education through Art (InSEA)!
Professor Coutts has had a long-term relationship with the University of Lapland stretching almost 20 years and has since 2013 been working as a part-time professor in the department about art education in the Faculty of Art and Design . The International Society for Education through Art is the largest worldwide organisation for education through visual arts. The Society has members in more than 80 countries and advises national and international bodies on policy in art education. A non-governmental organisation partner of UNESCO it is a powerful voice for education through art in its many forms. Professor Coutts is the 20th president of InSEA following in the illustrious footsteps of such luminaries as Edwin Ziegfeld and Elliot Eisner. The President of the society is elected by the entire membership; elections are held every two years and a President may serve a maximum of three two-year terms. This will be Professor Coutts’ third and final team. As President he has responsibility for leading an international team of world counsellors editors, designers and many volunteers across all of the countries and continents in which the society operates. It is a mark of esteem and a great honour that one of our professors is serving in this high-profile role. |
More information about InSEA: https://www.insea.org/
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1.8.20223Observation of Change |
Observation of Change is an art project based in Nordic collaboration with a nature restoration project "Observation - An observation of change" at the Junkerdal area in Saltdal municipality, Norway. The restoration aims to help nature and tackles issues of collaboration between humans and more-than-human elements of nature. The artistic approach brings artists into a dialogue with scientists and reflection on changes in nature in the Nordic Arctic region.
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13.6.2023
Professor Timo Jokela was awarded |
Professor Timo Jokela was awarded the J. V. Snellman Medal by the Finnish Cultural Foundation for his significant lifelong contribution to the northern region. "Jokela has consistently developed comprehensive environmental and participatory art education programs and collaborated with businesses and organizations in Lapland," says Ilari Hovila, Chairman of the Lapland Fund's Board. Jokela has built international cooperation in the Arctic region and made a substantial contribution to the development of participatory art education, particularly in the field of visual arts, both in Lapland and more broadly in the Arctic region. "I dedicate this recognition to all the students, collaborators, and above all, my colleagues in the field of visual arts education with whom I have had the privilege to work on developmental projects over the years," Jokela said upon receiving the medal. Congratulations, Timo!
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10.6.2023
VillaInno / the Wool-Inno project
The Wool-Inno project is driven by a growing interest in wool, wool yarn and wool handicrafts, and an awareness of the importance of sheep grazing to biodiversity and the cultural landscape. This wool phenomenon is also creating demand for new products and services from Lapland. The Wool-Inno project is driven by the need to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Lapland, such as craft entrepreneurs, to innovate and develop wool-based products and services in a commercial and sustainable way. The Wool-Inno project aims to produce new products and services and to improve the growth and innovation capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises in Lapland in the context of crafts and cultural tourism. By sharing and renewing the cultural heritage of crafts, to project will increase the use of wool and produce sustainable development. The project will increase the use of sustainable wool.
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15.5.2023
Public Examination
Abimbola Alao: Drama as a tool to raise awareness of dementia
The academic dissertation Raising Awareness of Frontotemporal Dementia among Nigerian Immigrant Communities in the UK, through Storytelling. An Autoethnography Thesis, Using an Art-based Research Approach, by Abimbola Alao, MA, will be publicly examined in the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Lapland on Friday, 2 June 2023, starting at 12 noon (UCT+3) in Lecture Hall 10 (Kaarina Hall, address: Yliopistonkatu 8, Rovaniemi). The opponent is Professor Isabelle Gatt from the University of Malta, and the custos is Professor Satu Uusiautti from the University of Lapland.
The public defense can be followed online: https://blogi.eoppimispalvelut.fi/ulapland
The public defense can be followed online: https://blogi.eoppimispalvelut.fi/ulapland
20.2.2023
BRYC and research on climate activism through art
BRYC (Barents Regional Youth Council) has theAnnual event 2023 from 25th to 26th of February on the premises of the University of Lapland. With the support of the experienced curators from the University, youth are going to explore the opportunities to be involved in climate activism and express their feelings through artistic practices.
BRYC is partnering with the research project “On the front line of the Climate Crisis. Building youth’s climate citizenship and climate activism by art-based co-research”. According to various research reports, young people are conscious about climate change and worrying that the climate crisis will cause unfavorable consequences for the future living conditions. However, most of the youth is still confident and believes that it is possible to stop, or at least curb the climate crisis, but to do so requires immediate acts to be taken.
BRYC is partnering with the research project “On the front line of the Climate Crisis. Building youth’s climate citizenship and climate activism by art-based co-research”. According to various research reports, young people are conscious about climate change and worrying that the climate crisis will cause unfavorable consequences for the future living conditions. However, most of the youth is still confident and believes that it is possible to stop, or at least curb the climate crisis, but to do so requires immediate acts to be taken.