The Rievdan–Muutos project participated in the 38th InSEA (International Society for Education through Art) World Congress, held from July 21–25, 2025, in Olomouc, Czech Republic. The theme of the conference, Unexpected Territories, explored diverse perspectives of contemporary art education around the world. Nearly 500 art educators, artists, and researchers took part in the event. https://www.inseaconference.com/
Mirja Hiltunen presented the University of Lapland’s community-based art education initiatives, which provide master’s and doctoral students in the Department of Art Education with field experience while developing the new genre Arctic Art Education (AAE), specifically tailored to northern communities.
Korinna Korsström-Magga showcased the Rievdan–Muutos project as an example of this approach.
Her presentation highlighted how the everyday lives of northern inhabitants become significant through community-based art education. Materials, the environment, and performances rooted in daily life can serve as powerful tools for transformative learning, fostering resilience in the face of rapid environmental and societal change. A central question posed was: Can art education support and sustain northern and Indigenous cultures in the midst of global transformations?
Community-based art education often carries a thread of activism. It can raise cultural awareness, empower communities to find their voice, and influence decision-makers.