Nomadic Antlers: New Genre Arctic Art Education and Activism

This chapter explores the intersection of art, activism, and youth engagement in addressing climate change in the Arctic. It focuses on the nomadic antler workshop, art-based action research conducted in northernmost Europe, particularly within Sámi communities and in the Barents region. Through participatory art activities, Sámi youth and young people from diverse Arctic backgrounds were invited to express their hopes, concerns, and aspirations for a sustainable future by carving words, symbols, and messages onto reindeer antlers. The antlers, a culturally significant material in Sámi handicraft (duodji), served as a medium to foster dialogue on the impact of climate change on Arctic livelihoods, culture, and nature. The Antlers Lávvu installation is permanently displayed in front of the Sámi Parliament, Sajos, in Inari, Finland. It not only represents the voices of the only Indigenous people in Europe who are at risk due to climate change but also serves as a symbol of their agency and resilience.