For more than 20 years, UngKunst has given young artists the opportunity to develop new projects in music, performing arts and visual art. The programme is aimed at artists under the age of 30 with ties to Northern Norway, providing them with the space to explore, develop and realise new artistic ideas.
As UngKunst artists, Aspaas and Gaup will receive not only financial support, but also mentoring, production guidance and close dialogue with True Northern Arts Festival throughout the development process leading up to their premieres in 2027.
– We have had a very exciting process, with many strong applicants and a great breadth of artistic expressions and directions. Bendik and Ánne Kátjá represent two very different artistic practices, but both have a distinctive voice, strong ideas and considerable potential for development. We look forward to working closely with them in the lead-up to True Northern Arts Festival 2027 and seeing how their projects evolve, says Lasse André Mellingsæther, Music Producer at True Northern Arts Festival.
Bendik Vaaja Aspaas
Bendik Vaaja Aspaas (21) is a pianist and composer from Tromsø and studies at the Tromsø Conservatory of Music. In a short space of time, he has made his mark at a number of venues and festivals across Northern Norway through projects spanning several different genres.
In 2025, he received TONO’s Unge Musikere grant for music written for Bendik Aspaas Kvintett in collaboration with NASO – Norges Arktiske Studentorkester. He is currently working on the quintet’s debut album, including a collaboration with Arktisk Filharmoni through Strings Attached.
– Receiving the UngKunst grant is, first and foremost, incredibly exciting and a great recognition. The grant gives me the opportunity to create a production on a different level of ambition from anything I have done before – both artistically and in terms of the platform on which it will be presented. I am very grateful for the opportunity, and it will be incredibly inspiring to continue developing the project in the time ahead, says Aspaas.
Ánne Kátjá Gaup
Ánne Kátjá Gaup (29) is an award-winning Sámi photographer from Kautokeino and the owner of Johtti Productions AS. She is a reindeer owner and specialises in photographing Sámi culture and reindeer in interaction with the natural environment.
Nature and landscape are central to her images. Gaup often explores themes related to identity, Sámi culture and, in particular, reindeer-herding culture. Her work is both a tribute to the landscape she comes from and a living documentation of Sámi culture.
She is also a mentor and coach in outdoor portrait photography through The Arctic Photographer.
– It feels huge to be awarded the UngKunst grant! I am very grateful for this opportunity to develop and work on my artistic practice, and I am really looking forward to working on this particular project, which is very close to my heart, together with my mentor and True Northern Arts Festival. Olu giitu! says Gaup.