The European Culture Days at the MEK are taking place for the 20th time. This year, from 15 August to 15 September, the festival is dedicated to the northern European region of Sápmi, which was presented at the first Culture Days in 2000: What has happened since then? How is Sámi cultural heritage currently being preserved and developed?
Image gallery
Die sámische Musikerin Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman, besser bekann als Ánnámáret
Rentierhaltung im schwedischen Kiruna
Blick in die sámische Sammlung des Museums Europäischer Kulturen
Der sámische DJ, Prouzent und Klangkünstler DJ iDJa
Die sámische Rentierzüchterin Ellinor Guttorm Utsi in Norwegen, wo sie lebt und arbeitet
Under the motto ‘We celebrate our culture and protect our land’, the MEK, in cooperation with international partners, especially from Sápmi, will be highlighting topics and challenges that are currently occupying this region and its inhabitants in an extensive programme of events over the course of a month.
On 17 and 18 August, for example, Sámi museums and duojárat (artisans) will be guests for an entire weekend. They will report on their work and discuss the importance of museum collections and the repatriation of artefacts in Sápmi, among other things.
In addition, a reading by Finnish author Inger-Mari Aikio, a film screening with Sámi director Suvi West, a live DJ set and Sámi songs - so-called joiks - as well as other events will give an impression of the diversity of Sámi culture and society. A highlight at the end of this year's European Culture Days will be a panel discussion on 14 September with Sámi members of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council and members of the Sámi Youth organisation, who will reflect on and discuss current topics such as the rights of the Sámi, the European Union's northern policy and the repatriation of Sámi objects.