Greenland's Cultural Festival Embraces Arctic Identity in a Significant Rebranding

Nuuk Nordic Culture Festival rebrands as Suialaa Arts Festival, signaling a stronger commitment to Arctic perspectives and sustainable cultural practices in the circumpolar region.

Arctic Cultural Initiatives Nordic-Arctic Relations Arctic Diplomacy Art Festivals

The Arctic cultural landscape is set for a transformative shift as the Nuuk Nordic Culture Festival announces its evolution into the Suialaa Arts Festival. This rebranding, effective from May 2024, comes with a new strategy for 2024-2027, signaling a stronger focus on Arctic and Indigenous representation in the arts.

Embracing Arctic Identity Through Naming
The Nuuk Nordic Culture Festival announces its evolution into the Suialaa Arts Festival, effective May 2024. The name ‘Suialaa,’ meaning a gentle breeze in Kalaallisut, pays homage to a poem by celebrated artist Kunngi (Frederik Kristensen). Festival Manager Susanne Andreasen explains, 

“The name change signals that we are taking on the role as hosts from here [while remaining] internationally oriented.”
Susanne Andreasen, Festival Manager

Strengthening Circumpolar Cultural Connections
The rebranding represents a strategic pivot towards a stronger Arctic focus while maintaining international connections. Andreasen states, “We have listened to both citizens and politicians who wish for a greater focus on the Arctic and less on the Nordic region.” This shift aligns with broader efforts across the Arctic to strengthen cultural ties and showcase the unique artistic expressions of circumpolar peoples.

“We have listened to both citizens and politicians who wish for a greater focus on the Arctic and less on the Nordic region.” 
Susanne Andreasen, Festival Manager

Collaborative Development
The rebranding involved key stakeholders including Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq and the Nordic Institute in Greenland (NAPA). A working group of local artists and cultural institutions contributed to the name selection, ensuring the festival remains rooted in the Greenlandic community while reaching out to the broader Arctic region.

Setting New Standards 
Scheduled for October 23-26, 2025, the upcoming Suialaa Arts Festival will mark its 10th anniversary. As a flagship event in the Arctic cultural calendar, it aims to gather about 200 artists, 100 volunteers, and 2500 participants in Nuuk. The festival’s commitment to sustainability and its focus on a wide range of art forms – including music, theater, dance, visual arts, and architecture – positions it as a model for future Arctic cultural events. Acting Director of NAPA, comments: 

“It is an ambitious strategy that aims to prioritize artistic expressions rooted in the Greenlandic and Arctic context while remaining open to a global audience.”
Pauliina Oinonen
Suialaa Arts Festival.

About Suialaa Arts Festival
Suialaa Arts Festival, formerly known as Nuuk Nordic Culture Festival, has been a cornerstone of Arctic and Nordic cultural collaboration since 2015. Held biennially in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, it celebrates diverse forms of arts and culture, fostering connections between Greenlandic, Arctic, and Nordic artistic expressions. The next Suialaa Arts Festival and is scheduled for October 23-26, 2025, with emphasis placed on core values of Location sensitivity and relevance, Co-creation and Cooperation, Responsiveness and Openness, Sustainability.