Art and Design on the Edge: Challenge, Change and Opportunity in the Arctic

This article is in three parts. The first part addresses the central theme of the title, “Challenges for the Arctic,” as viewed through the lenses of contemporary art and design practice as agents for change. We discuss developments at the University of Lapland and the thematic network Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD), which focuses on innovative ways of using contemporary art to address socio-cultural issues in diverse cultural contexts. In the second section, the theme of change is addressed. We reflect on developments in art education in the North, and a new study initiative located at the intersection of art and design practice that draws on the key strengths of both the art and design disciplines. Referred to as Applied Visual Arts, the studies require students to work on issues related to the Arctic and the circumpolar north, thus creating a challenging environment for students to create innovative solutions with community groups. The third and final part considers some of the opportunities that the unique socio-cultural and ecological conditions that exist in the Arctic afford. We consider the role of art or design and the potential benefits when operating in the field in collaboration with local partners. How might the techniques and methods of art and design be used for the benefit of local people and business?