In 2026, we will discuss, among other things, the expectations the arts field has for the newly established export and agency office Nanu – Sámi Arts International, a panel conversation with Elle Sofe Sara on artistic practice in a global world and expectations for Nanu, and finally a discussion on the status of the independent arts scene as seen from the perspective of institutions, with Ulla-Stina Wiland from Nordnorsk Jazzsenter, Wenche V. Paulsen from Riksteatret and Festival Director Susanne Næss Nielsen.
On Monday, participants will take part in a session with ArtLab, run by Davvi – Centre for Performing Arts, and on Tuesday NORDAFØRR will welcome Julie’s Bicycle and In futurum for a workshop on sustainable touring for the arts field in Europe.
As usual, we have invited delegates from Northern Norway and Norway, as well as international delegates, creating excellent opportunities to meet like-minded people for networking and discussion.
Ticket types
In 2026, you can choose between two ticket types, depending on what you would like to experience:
NORDAFØRR Pass – NOK 1,500
This pass gives you access to the full NORDAFØRR programme over three days.
> Buy your ticket for NORDAFØRR
Industry Pass 2026
The Industry Pass gives you access to NORDAFØRR 2026, as well as allowing you to book free tickets for concerts and events during the True Northern Arts Festival from 21 to 23 June. This is ideal for those who wish to take part in the industry programme while also experiencing the festival programme in their free time.
> Buy your Industry Pass ticket
Sunday 21 June
12:00–12:15: Welcome by Director Susanne Næss Nielsen
12:15–12:45: Meet and greet with Rebekka Brox Liabø
12:45–13:30: What is the vision for Nanu – Sámi Arts International? Board member Ken Are Bongo in conversation with Aslak Heika Hætta Bjørn.
13:30–14:00: Artistic practice in a global world. Moderator Aslak Heika Hætta Bjørn with choreographer and filmmaker Elle Sofe Sara.
14:00–14:15: Coffee break with snacks
14:15–14:45: While we wait for cultural policy – what role do institutions play in relation to the independent arts scene? With Ulla-Stina Wiland, Nordnorsk Jazzsenter; Wenche V. Paulsen, Riksteatret; and Susanne Næss Nielsen, True Northern Arts Festival. Moderator: Aslak Heika Hætta Bjørn.
14:45–15:00: Introduction to Monday’s programme by Tale Næss, Davvi – Centre for Performing Arts. Wraps will be served.
15:30: Performance by Featured Artist Ferske Scener – Blod & Tro, at Harstad Church. (remember to buy a ticket here!)
Monday 22 June
09:30–09:40: Rise and shine! With Director Susanne Næss Nielsen.
09:40–10:00: Introduction to ArtLab – artistic exploration in practice. Welcome to a day of artistic exploration at the intersection of performing arts and music. ArtLab is an artistic research programme where investigation and exploration are at the heart of the process. The ArtLab concept is run by Davvi – Centre for Performing Arts, who will guide the artists throughout the day, giving the audience insight into what it means to seek out the unknown.
10:00–12:15: ArtLab. Moderated by Tale Næss, Davvi – Centre for Performing Arts.
12:15–12:45: Summary of the day.
12:45–13:30: Lunch
Tuesday 23 June
09:30–09:40: Rise and shine! With Susanne Næss Nielsen.
09:40–10:00: Reframing International Touring in the Light of Environmental Responsibility
With Julie’s Bicycle and In futurum.
Julie’s Bicycle is an international non-profit organisation that mobilises the arts and culture to take action on the climate, nature and justice crisis.
Read more here: https://juliesbicycle.org/
In futurum is a change-oriented agency working with systemic and organisational transformation, with an emphasis on ecology, justice and care.
Read more here: https://www.infuturum.dk/
10:00 – 12:30: Workshop.
Join Julie’s Bicycle and In futurum for this half-day seminar exploring how touring and cross-border collaboration in the performing arts and music can respond to challenges related to sustainability, justice and accessibility. Through keynote presentations, curated conversations and interactive exchanges, we will highlight local needs and structural barriers, while drawing on experiences from previous participants in the International Touring and Environmental Responsibility Programme.
The aim is to create space for shared reflection and practical insight among colleagues.
Taking the festival’s geographical context as its starting point, the session will address the specific conditions of working outside major metropolitan areas, where long distances, limited infrastructure and unequal access shape touring practices. How do environmental responsibility and climate justice connect with these conditions? And what new forms of collaboration might emerge from them?
12:30–13:15: Lunch
Front-page photo: Ole Kristian Lundberg / True Northern Arts Festival
NORDAFØRR is an annual three-day platform that takes place during the True Northern Arts Festival, where artists from Northern Norway meet and engage with industry professionals from abroad. The three-day programme includes performances, concerts, visual art, film and literature from Northern Norway and Sápmi, and aims to create sustainable networks that promote and strengthen the artists being presented. We believe that the stories and artistic expressions of the Arctic have relevance and potential beyond the circumpolar north. That is why we invite a select group of festival programmers and booking agents from some of the world’s leading arts festivals to join us for these exciting and eye-opening days.