Pan-ArcticVision 2024: Arctic Artists Unite in Nuuk

The second annual Pan-Arctic Vision, a Eurovision-inspired competition for circumpolar regions, showcased diverse musical talents from across the North in Nuuk, Greenland, featuring performances ranging from rap and black metal to time-honoured Inuit and Sámi songs.

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The second annual Pan-ArcticVision, a Eurovision-inspired competition for circumpolar regions, took place at the Katuaq culture centre in Nuuk, Kalaallit Nunaat on October 12, 2024. The event showcased 10 Arctic songs from 10 Arctic communities, featuring performances that ranged from rap and black metal to time-honoured Inuit and Sámi songs.

Founded by Amund Sjølie Sveen, Pan-ArcticVision aims to strengthen circumpolar community ties through music. The initiative operates under the slogan: “Pan-ArcticVision – song, community, independence!” Its goals include: joining together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across the Arctic; building a Pan-Arctic identity and community; strengthening local empowerment; challenging the perception of Arctic territories as unconnected. Sveen stated, “The main purpose is to build these bridges across the borders, to strengthen circumpolar communities, to strengthen the idea of an Arctic circumpolar identity.”

Kathleen Ivaluarjuk Merritt and Charlotte Angugaattiaq Qamaniq make up Iva & Angu. The pair was selected to represent Nunavut at this year's Pan-ArcticVision competition. (Matisse Harvey/Radio-Canada)

Performance Highlights
The competition featured a diverse range of musical genres and expressions, with notable performances, including a high-energy rap performance from an Alaskan artist, blending urban beats with lyrics about life in the North; a powerful black metal set from a Norwegian band, incorporating themes of Arctic nature and mythology; Inuit throat singing, showcasing unique vocal techniques passed down through generations; and a contemporary fusion of Sámi joik, original form of song of the Sámi people.

Evgeny Goman, a Russian exile living in Norway, took home the prize for 'most revolutionary song.' (Matisse Harvey/Radio-Canada)

Winners and Awards
Iva & Angu from Nunavut: “Most circumpolar song” award for their contemporary take on throat singing.

Evgeny Goman, a Russian exile living in Norway: “Most revolutionary song” award for his anti-war piece “Pravilo Dvuh Sten” (Rule of Two Walls).

Emil Karlsen, a Sámi artist from Norway: Award for the song “that gives you the most feeling of community and togetherness.”

Regional Context and Connections
Pan-ArcticVision emerges from a recognition of the unique circumstances shared by Arctic territories: the vast geographical spread of Arctic communities across multiple nations, the diversity of cultural expressions and traditions in the North, and the opportunity to strengthen east-west connections among Arctic peoples. The project aims to complement existing initiatives by fostering direct cultural exchanges between Arctic communities. It seeks to create new platforms for Arctic artists to showcase their work and collaborate across borders, enriching the cultural landscape of the circumpolar north. By bringing together artists from various Arctic regions, Pan-ArcticVision contributes to a growing network of cultural cooperation. This network helps to highlight the vibrant artistic scenes in northern communities and promotes a deeper understanding of shared Arctic experiences and distinct cultural identities.

Given its success, Pan-ArcticVision is set to expand its reach. The 2025 edition will be held in Iqaluit, Nunavut, marking the event’s first occurrence in North America. This move is expected to further broaden the engagement of circumpolar artists and strengthen the network of Arctic arts and culture. As it continues to evolve, Pan-ArcticVision is positioning itself as a significant platform for celebrating and evolving Arctic cultural identity through music, while addressing broader geopolitical and cultural challenges faced by northern communities.