The True Northern Arts Festival will present a stronger Kven presence in 2026. In collaboration with UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the project Vesivuosi / Vannåret (“The Water Year”) will showcase young Kven voices through music and poetry.
“Next year’s festival will feature a stronger Kven presence, with several programme events developed in collaboration with UiT and the Kven Artists’ Association,” says Festival Director Susanne Næss Nielsen.
The Kven are one of Norway’s five national minorities. Kven People’s Day, marked annually on 16 March, celebrates Kven language, culture and history.
Young voices on stage
Among the programme highlights is the concert experience Vesivuosi / Vannåret, where young musicians and poets explore Kven identity through music and poetry.
The project draws on historical recordings of Kven songs from the archives of the Tromsø Museum, dating from the 1950s and 1960s. This material is further developed through improvisation, tradition and text, forming the basis for a new artistic expression.
On stage:
- Birk Arvola – keyboards
- Remy Christer Holmgren Wærnes – drums
- Amanda Antonsen – saxophone
- Together with poet M. Seppola Simonsen.
The production is developed in collaboration with UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
“It is important for the festival to highlight the cultural diversity of our region, and it is particularly rewarding when new voices explore their roots,” says Nielsen.
“We believe this will be a powerful experience for audiences. Some may recognise elements of Kven traditional music, while others will encounter this expression for the first time. Either way, it promises to be a compelling musical meeting.”
The Festival Exhibition
The exhibition Vastustusvoima – We Are Resistance opens at Galleri Nord-Norge in collaboration with Kväänitaitheiliijat – the Kven Artists’ Association.
The exhibition brings together 16 Kven artists and explores how art can contribute to reflection on identity, community and resilience. At the same time, it places Kven contemporary art within a broader Nordic context.
Participating artists:
Andrea Conradsen & Rurik Sjösten • Eili Bråstad & Benedict Beldam • Ingebjørg Vatne • Karin Keisu & Josse Thuresson • Kenneth Mikko • Liv Bangsund • Maija Liisa Björklund • Inger Emilie Solheim • Ragnhild Margretha Mietinen Krüger • Solveig Ovanger • Sylvia Henriksen • Torgrim Halvari • Åsne Kummeneje Mellem
Workshops and audience activities
In connection with the exhibition, Kvääninuoret – the Kven Youth invite audiences to an open workshop where visitors can try:
- band weaving for traditional kommagbånd
- textile printing with Kven words
Throughout the festival week, there will also be artist talks, a sauna performance, family workshops and other audience events related to Kven art and culture.
Kven contribution to the Festival Service
During the Festival Service at Trondenes Church on 21 June, Kristin Mellem will present a musical contribution.
Mellem is a violinist, composer and leader of Ruijan kvääniliitto – the Norwegian Kven Association.